​"The official airline of the CSU Trustees' Award for Outstanding Achievement"

Southwest Airlines provides air travel for recipients to attend the awards presentation. This partnership was spearheaded by Southwest Airlines Community Affairs and grassroots manager and former California State University Foundation board member Lidia S. Martinez.

Southwest Airlines has implemented a robust diversity inclusion and outreach program to develop a workforce that reflects the communities it serves. The corporation views inclusion as expanding the potential of all who are willing to demonstrate their abilities. This value aligns with the success of the California State University to advance the potential of first generation students who comprise nearly 35 percent of the student population.

Southwest Airlines is the largest airline in the United States. Established in 1971 and headquartered in Dallas, Texas, Southwest maintains excellent customer satisfaction ratings. The company has consistently been ranked by Fortune Magazine as one of the top twelve most admired corporations in the world.

Ms. Martinez represented Southwest Airlines on the CSU Foundation board from 2008 to 2013.