Black history month: Shifting the conversation with Camille Clark

At Sabre, we are committed to embracing and celebrating our diversity. In this inclusion & engagement series, Shifting the Conversation, our people share their stories to engage in open dialog and shed light on their broad, rich and unique perspectives. In celebration of Black History Month, this blog honors Linda Etheridge, a dedicated leader and unsung hero at Sabre, penned by Sabre’s Camille Clark, an active leader of the Black Generations of Leadership and Development (BGOLD) inclusion group. BGOLD provides Sabre’s black population an opportunity to come together and grow while amplifying a unique cultural point of view.

This year, for Black History Month, BGOLD leadership has decided to focus on telling the story of unsung heroes in black history. The beauty of this focus is that it helps to reveal who and what laid the foundation for the success we see at the forefront of black history and the accomplishments we highlight annually during heritage month. Borrowing from that theme, I wanted to take this opportunity to highlight one of the BGOLD inclusion group’s unsung heroes—Linda Etheridge.

Linda’s story is one of dedication, perseverance and leadership that extends far beyond her role within Sabre. Born and raised in Milwaukee and Chicago, she earned a bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and attended Brown Institute in Minneapolis. When she was 10 years old, her father gave her a yellow T-shirt with “SWUM” printed across the front, a reminder to “Say What You Mean.” That mantra has guided her for the past 55 years, shaping her career, leadership style and commitment to integrity.

In September 1983, she made a bold move from Minnesota to Texas. The day before she left Minneapolis, it snowed. The moment she stepped off the plane in Texas, the 95-degree heat hit her like a wall. She often jokes that the temperature change made her wonder if she’d landed on a different planet.

Linda spent 12 years at LTV, working as a pricing analyst for shipsets for Boeing and DC-10 aircraft kits. In 1997, she made the decision to join Sabre as a contractor and provisioner. By February 1998, she officially became part of the Sabre family full-time, and for the past 26 years, Linda has been a valued member of the accounting team.

Her leadership goes beyond her scope of work. Her positive attitude, infectious laugh and radiant smile define her character. The phrase, “to know her is to love her” rings true. She seems to know everyone – and everyone admires her. Even in virtual meetings, you can hear the smile in her voice. Her energy keeps the BGOLD group grounded, focused and lighthearted, ensuring we always feel valued and heard.

Linda Etheridge has built a remarkable legacy at Sabre, and her influence and reputation are key drivers of BGOLD’s success. Her voice and commitment to authenticity exemplify the power of bold leadership—one that aligns with Sabre’s mission to foster inclusion and amplify diverse perspectives.

meet Linda Etheridge

Linda Etheridge, a dedicated member of BGOLD, embodies resilience, leadership and community. From breaking barriers in her career to becoming a pillar of support at Sabre, where she advocates for diversity through BGOLD and brings integrity and excellence to her role as an accountant. By ensuring financial accuracy and operational efficiency, she helps Sabre deliver the reliability and stability that hoteliers and travel partners depend on.

Sabre is shifting the conversation with stories from passionate and bold inclusion group members. At the heart of our inclusion & engagement efforts, our eight inclusion groups, and counting, aim to amplify the voices of our team members and create a sense of belonging for all. Together, we celebrate diversity, applaud individuality and embrace unique perspectives to empower our global team members to bring their true selves to work every day. Learn more about our inclusion & engagement mission.