Popular on EntSun
- IRF Builders Forum Brings Global Leaders to Washington, D.C. to Advance Religious Freedom Through Cooperative Engagement - 236
- BillBoards Inc. Hits the Road with God Bless America Tour and Reality Series Now Streaming on Tubi TV - 180
- databahn Launches GenAI Sales Intelligence Platform to Revolutionize Fortune 500 and Global 2000 Account Research - 135
- Byrd Davis Alden & Henrichson Launches Independence Day Safe Ride Initiative with 500 Free Uber Credits - 129
- The ITeam Ranked on Channel Partners 2025 MSP 501—Tech Industry's Most Prestigious List of Managed Service Providers Worldwide - 122
- Agreement to Supply US-Based Defense Provider with Thin-Film Solar Tech for Orbital Application; Ascent Solar Technologies, Inc. (N A S D A Q: ASTI) - 122
- Revolutionary Blockchain Platform Okh Finance Announces Okh Finance(OKKH) Token Launch to Transform Global Asset Leasing Market - 121
- NYC Leadership Strategist Stacie Selise Launches Groundbreaking 4S Framework Series to Redefine Executive Excellence - 116
- Easton & Easton, LLP Files Suit Against The Dwelling Place Anaheim & Vineyard USA Over Abuse Allegations - 110
- Josh and Heidi Follow Up the Much Anticipated and Successful Launch of the "Spreading the Good BUZZ" Podcast with a Personal Request - 109
Similar on EntSun
- Cool Roof Rebates in Los Angeles Help Lower Roofing Costs and Cut Energy Bills
- Ali Hasham Launches Revenue Optics to Help B2B Companies Build AI-Enabled Inside Sales Teams That Drive Real Growth
- Health & Wellness Emerge as Wall Street's Ultimate Strategic Asset, Reshaping Competitive Landscape with CourMed at the Forefront
- Food Journal Magazine Launches as the Ultimate Guide to Food Festivals and Culinary Culture
- "Build Your Brand, Grow Your Business" Offers Entrepreneurs a Step-by-Step Blueprint for Success
- Pixel Studio Productions Launches Same-Day Headshots in Houston
- SeedList Launching Institutional Crypto Crowdfunding Project to Empower Retail Investors and Disrupt the VC-Dominated Crypto Fundraising Landscape
- Seligson Law Launches New Website to Support Cannabis Businesses in California and New York
- databahn Announces Subscription Access to Fortune 500 GenAI Deep Dive Sales Intelligence Reports
- AI startup Congero offers instant websites with 24/7 updates - aiming to replace web agencies
United Set to Hire More Special Olympics Athletes As Customer Service Ambassadors
EntSun News/11065657
Airline expands industry's only Special Olympics Service Ambassador (SOSA) program to Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Newark, bringing total to 28 hires across all seven hubs
NFL hall of famer Jerry Rice suits up in San Francisco to help recruit and 'train' with current United SOSAs
United SOSA duties include welcoming customers in the airport lobby and helping them find check-in kiosks, bag check locations and navigate security lines
CHICAGO, July 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- United announced today that it will expand the industry's only Special Olympics Service Ambassador (SOSA) program to the airline's hubs in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Newark. The goal is to welcome 10 more people into the program and reach a total of 28 SOSA employees across all seven of its U.S. hubs, furthering its effort to create employment opportunities for people with physical and intellectual disabilities.
Former San Francisco 49er and all-time receiving touchdowns leader Jerry Rice was on-hand at United's San Francisco hub today to help recruit, undergo a "boot camp" by some of United's existing SOSAs and get a firsthand look at their responsibilities.
"I've been fortunate to be part of lots of winning teams and world-class organizations, and it's a real honor to be part of a program like this that proves greatness comes from giving everyone a shot," said Jerry Rice. "What I saw today being trained by these SOSAs was dedication, skill, and heart, and that's what makes a team unstoppable."
United's SOSA program gives Special Olympics athletes the opportunity to earn part-time employment with full employee benefits. United SOSAs welcome customers in the airport lobby and help them find check-in kiosks, bag check locations, and security lines. Post-security responsibilities include navigating the terminal and using digital customer service tools.
"Our Special Olympics Service Ambassadors deliver a daily dose of inspiration and an extra set of helping hands to our employees while also providing friendly, timely service to our customers," said United Chief Operations Officer and Special Olympics board member Toby Enqvist. "I'm so proud of our SOSA team and look forward to growing at three more of our hubs – they not only enhance the customer experience in a uniquely United way, but also help to foster inclusive, dynamic, and engaging workplaces for all."
"The continued expansion of United's Special Olympics Service Ambassador program is a powerful example of what true inclusion looks like in action," said Zehra Sayin, Chief Communications, Development and Marketing Officer of Special Olympics. "By creating meaningful, visible roles for our athletes, United is not only enhancing the travel experience for its customers but also helping to shift perceptions about the capabilities of people with intellectual disabilities. We are proud to partner with United as they lead the way in showing how diversity and inclusion can strengthen workplaces, communities, and lives."
United first launched the SOSA program in Chicago during National Disability Employment Awareness Month in 2019 and quickly expanded to its hubs in Houston, Denver, and Washington DC.
Since its inception, the Special Olympics Service Ambassadors program has given Special Olympics athletes the opportunity to gain firsthand experience working as part-time employees for United Airlines.
"As an athlete, I lean on skills like teamwork and communication to excel in my sport and being able to share those experiences and skills with United customers is really fulfilling," said Lauren Miller, a current United SOSA in Chicago. "It's exciting to know that more people are going to be able to experience this great program for themselves and get the chance to impact passengers on a daily basis."
More on EntSun News
United's Storied History with Special Olympics
United has a longstanding partnership with Special Olympics that includes a wide range of sponsorship and event activations including plane pull competitions, localized volunteering, support of the Capitol Hill Day in Washington D.C. and the Global Athlete Congress at the Special Olympics World Games.
As sponsors of the 2025 Capitol Hill Day, United supported Special Olympics delegates championing inclusion and critical funding. Special Olympics athletes led more than 330 face-to-face meetings with Members of Congress in both the House and Senate, inviting their elected officials to partner with them to support inclusive education and health initiatives for people with intellectual disabilities. The event brought together more than 275 participants from 50 programs across the country.
In 2025, United's Chief Operations Officer, Toby Enqvist was appointed to the Board of Directors for Special Olympics International. His leadership adds momentum to the airline's shared commitment to inclusion in the workplace and empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities on a global level.
United customers can also support Special Olympics through United's Miles on a Mission program. To learn more, visit united.com/donate where you can donate miles and become a MileagePlus® Member for free.
Accessibility Initiatives at United
United Airlines' implementation of the SOSA program is just one of the many ways the airline has dedicated itself to fostering welcoming and inspiring environments for everyone, both travelers and employees alike.
For over eight years, United has been a Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion and has worked to improve accessibility through measures including:
Launching a new collaboration last year with United Spinal Association where the organization will help support and advise the airline in its efforts to improve accessibility throughout the entire travel experience.
About United
More on EntSun News
At United, Good Leads The Way. With U.S. hubs in Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, New York/Newark, San Francisco and Washington, D.C., United operates the most comprehensive global route network among North American carriers and is now the largest airline in the world as measured by available seat miles. For more about how to join the United team, please visit www.united.com/careers and more information about the company is at www.united.com. United Airlines Holdings, Inc., the parent company of United Airlines, Inc., is traded on the Nasdaq under the symbol "UAL".
About Special Olympics International
Founded in 1968, Special Olympics is a global movement to end discrimination against people with intellectual disabilities. We foster acceptance of all people through the power of sport and programming in education, health and leadership. With nearly four million athletes and Unified Sports® partners and one million coaches and volunteers in more than 170 countries, Special Olympics delivers more than 30 Olympic-type sports and nearly 50,000 games and competitions every year. Engage with us on: X, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn. Learn more at SpecialOlympics.org.
SOURCE United Airlines
NFL hall of famer Jerry Rice suits up in San Francisco to help recruit and 'train' with current United SOSAs
United SOSA duties include welcoming customers in the airport lobby and helping them find check-in kiosks, bag check locations and navigate security lines
CHICAGO, July 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- United announced today that it will expand the industry's only Special Olympics Service Ambassador (SOSA) program to the airline's hubs in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Newark. The goal is to welcome 10 more people into the program and reach a total of 28 SOSA employees across all seven of its U.S. hubs, furthering its effort to create employment opportunities for people with physical and intellectual disabilities.
Former San Francisco 49er and all-time receiving touchdowns leader Jerry Rice was on-hand at United's San Francisco hub today to help recruit, undergo a "boot camp" by some of United's existing SOSAs and get a firsthand look at their responsibilities.
"I've been fortunate to be part of lots of winning teams and world-class organizations, and it's a real honor to be part of a program like this that proves greatness comes from giving everyone a shot," said Jerry Rice. "What I saw today being trained by these SOSAs was dedication, skill, and heart, and that's what makes a team unstoppable."
United's SOSA program gives Special Olympics athletes the opportunity to earn part-time employment with full employee benefits. United SOSAs welcome customers in the airport lobby and help them find check-in kiosks, bag check locations, and security lines. Post-security responsibilities include navigating the terminal and using digital customer service tools.
"Our Special Olympics Service Ambassadors deliver a daily dose of inspiration and an extra set of helping hands to our employees while also providing friendly, timely service to our customers," said United Chief Operations Officer and Special Olympics board member Toby Enqvist. "I'm so proud of our SOSA team and look forward to growing at three more of our hubs – they not only enhance the customer experience in a uniquely United way, but also help to foster inclusive, dynamic, and engaging workplaces for all."
"The continued expansion of United's Special Olympics Service Ambassador program is a powerful example of what true inclusion looks like in action," said Zehra Sayin, Chief Communications, Development and Marketing Officer of Special Olympics. "By creating meaningful, visible roles for our athletes, United is not only enhancing the travel experience for its customers but also helping to shift perceptions about the capabilities of people with intellectual disabilities. We are proud to partner with United as they lead the way in showing how diversity and inclusion can strengthen workplaces, communities, and lives."
United first launched the SOSA program in Chicago during National Disability Employment Awareness Month in 2019 and quickly expanded to its hubs in Houston, Denver, and Washington DC.
Since its inception, the Special Olympics Service Ambassadors program has given Special Olympics athletes the opportunity to gain firsthand experience working as part-time employees for United Airlines.
"As an athlete, I lean on skills like teamwork and communication to excel in my sport and being able to share those experiences and skills with United customers is really fulfilling," said Lauren Miller, a current United SOSA in Chicago. "It's exciting to know that more people are going to be able to experience this great program for themselves and get the chance to impact passengers on a daily basis."
More on EntSun News
- Introducing Red Bear Ventures (RBV), A New Community-First Investment Platform Investing Exclusively in Cornell-Affiliated Companies
- Special Request Ft Rey T Is Grammy Worthy With 3 Great Releases
- The Ferryman's Toll Officially Launched
- Health & Wellness Emerge as Wall Street's Ultimate Strategic Asset, Reshaping Competitive Landscape with CourMed at the Forefront
- Brain Behind Kenya's Hustler Fund Now Leading Charge to Establish United African Defence Force & Unified Maritime Border
United's Storied History with Special Olympics
United has a longstanding partnership with Special Olympics that includes a wide range of sponsorship and event activations including plane pull competitions, localized volunteering, support of the Capitol Hill Day in Washington D.C. and the Global Athlete Congress at the Special Olympics World Games.
As sponsors of the 2025 Capitol Hill Day, United supported Special Olympics delegates championing inclusion and critical funding. Special Olympics athletes led more than 330 face-to-face meetings with Members of Congress in both the House and Senate, inviting their elected officials to partner with them to support inclusive education and health initiatives for people with intellectual disabilities. The event brought together more than 275 participants from 50 programs across the country.
In 2025, United's Chief Operations Officer, Toby Enqvist was appointed to the Board of Directors for Special Olympics International. His leadership adds momentum to the airline's shared commitment to inclusion in the workplace and empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities on a global level.
United customers can also support Special Olympics through United's Miles on a Mission program. To learn more, visit united.com/donate where you can donate miles and become a MileagePlus® Member for free.
Accessibility Initiatives at United
United Airlines' implementation of the SOSA program is just one of the many ways the airline has dedicated itself to fostering welcoming and inspiring environments for everyone, both travelers and employees alike.
For over eight years, United has been a Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion and has worked to improve accessibility through measures including:
- The industry's first digital sizing tool for wheelchairs and reimbursing the difference in fares if a customer needs to pay more for a flight that can accommodate their wheelchair.
- The first U.S. airline to add Braille to aircraft interiors to help millions of travelers with visual disabilities more easily navigate the cabin independently
Launching a new collaboration last year with United Spinal Association where the organization will help support and advise the airline in its efforts to improve accessibility throughout the entire travel experience.
- The United mobile app makes it easier for people with visual disabilities to use by offering increased color contrast, more space between graphics and an enhanced display and announcement of information to better integrate with the screen reader technologies like VoiceOver and TalkBack
- United's Inflight Seatback Entertainment screens offer a wide range of accessible features like closed captioning, text-to-speech controls, magnification, explore-by-touch capabilities, audio-described movies, and adjustable and high-contrast text and color correction
- United offers day-of travel support for the visually and hearing impaired with Agent on Demand where a customer can use audio, video and chat to get assistance by a United Customer Service Representative
About United
More on EntSun News
- Food Journal Magazine Launches as the Ultimate Guide to Food Festivals and Culinary Culture
- Become a Founding Flamekeeper: Lifetime Access Now Open for a Limited Time
- Ignazio Arces Wins Silver Stevie Award in New York as Culture Transformation Leader of the Year
- 2025 ESPY After Party Brings Together Celebrities, Athletes, and Industry Power Players at Skybar
- "Build Your Brand, Grow Your Business" Offers Entrepreneurs a Step-by-Step Blueprint for Success
At United, Good Leads The Way. With U.S. hubs in Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, New York/Newark, San Francisco and Washington, D.C., United operates the most comprehensive global route network among North American carriers and is now the largest airline in the world as measured by available seat miles. For more about how to join the United team, please visit www.united.com/careers and more information about the company is at www.united.com. United Airlines Holdings, Inc., the parent company of United Airlines, Inc., is traded on the Nasdaq under the symbol "UAL".
About Special Olympics International
Founded in 1968, Special Olympics is a global movement to end discrimination against people with intellectual disabilities. We foster acceptance of all people through the power of sport and programming in education, health and leadership. With nearly four million athletes and Unified Sports® partners and one million coaches and volunteers in more than 170 countries, Special Olympics delivers more than 30 Olympic-type sports and nearly 50,000 games and competitions every year. Engage with us on: X, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn. Learn more at SpecialOlympics.org.
SOURCE United Airlines
Filed Under: Business
0 Comments
Latest on EntSun News
- Kendrick Lamar Leads RockLan One Radio Music Awards 2025 - A Celebration of Excellence in Music
- RockLan One Radio Music Awards 2025 - Honoring Excellence in Music & Culture
- Voices for Humanity Treks High into the Himalayas to Deliver the Way to Happiness with Meena Sharma
- Nonprofit innovator named Mensa Executive Director
- Yasmine Roulleau named Managing Director in Vancouver, Canada
- Chasing Elizabeth Taylor — The Dazzling True Story Behind the Queen of Diamonds Now Available in Limited-Edition Hardcover
- $53 Million Company Valuation Investment with Majority Acquisition Option, Plus New Stock CUSIP Supporting Brand Transition of Fan Engagement Company
- $14M Deal with Famed David Lloyd for Sports, Entertainment & Gaming, AI Powered Fan Engagement Company; New Stock CUSIP; Creating Shareholder Value
- Disposable Vape Ban Spurs Hayati Innovation
- Prolific Hollywood "Unknown Actor" Leads 11 Day SoCal, Hands-On, Performer Employment Securing Residency that Shows Others How to Get More Work
- Dr. Harmon Completes Prestigious Zygomatic Implant Residency in Brazil
- Agreement to Deliver Thin-Film Solar Technology to Space Solar Array Provider, NASA Collaborative Agreement for Orbital Applications in Power Beaming
- Iterators LLC Honored with IST82 State Award for Accessibility in Massachusetts
- Josh & Heidi Share Upcoming "Spreading the Good BUZZ" Podcast Guests, Select Top Five Elopement Locations as Their Instagram Presence Grows Globally
- Opteamix Launches StackRewrite.AI to Transform Enterprise Legacy Modernization
- Planet Maldek: Watcher Files Unseals Explosive New Theory About Mars' True Origins
- DatsJustice Ignites the Industry with New Single "Dead Or Alive" & Announces 2025 Tour Kickoff
- "The Pornified Generation": Dr. Chris Samuels Exposes the Toxic Alliance Between Bro Culture and Pornography That's Rewiring a Generation
- Meet a Scientologist Builds Aussie Dreams with Mike and Jonny Hibbard
- Overwhelmed: Rick Denzien's Stark and Stirring Climate Anthem