Black history month: Shifting the conversation with Carolina Ricarte

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 highlights the power of resilience, empowerment and inspiration, penned by Sabre’s Carolina Ricarte an active member 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.

Seventeen years ago, I embarked on a journey that would lead me through different roles and segments of the travel industry, each shaping my perspective, strengthening my skills and preparing me for the next challenge. From working closely with travel agencies as an Air Pricing Operations agent, to supporting internal teams, every experience deepened my understanding of customer needs and operational excellence.

The defining shift in my career came when I joined Sabre’s sales organization to launch the Latin America Marketing Campaign team, which was a significant challenge, as well as my first leadership role. I was responsible for designing and executing communication strategies to reach customers across a vast and diverse region. The challenge was immense, but it was also an opportunity to innovate, to collaborate and to expand my view of the business.

I later carried this experience into the Global Education Solutions team, where I managed educational projects that supported both internal and external audiences. Suddenly, I wasn’t just shaping strategies, I was helping to shape careers. Presently, in my role leading internal product training, I am dedicated to empowering those just starting their journeys at Sabre, ensuring they have the tools, confidence and inspiration to carve their own paths.

Through it all, one lesson has remained constant: challenges are not roadblocks; they are invitations to think differently. I don’t see “Nos” as a stop sign, I see them as a detour leading to a new solution.

This mindset has been crucial in shaping my career and, more importantly, in how I support and uplift others. It’s about turning obstacles into opportunities, not just for myself, but for those around me. That’s why representation, inclusion and mentorship matter.

Black History Month serves as a reminder of how far we’ve come—and the progress that still lies ahead. It challenges us to step into spaces where our voices matter or boldly create them when they don’t yet exist. By doing so, we honor those who paved the way and ensure that future generations can do the same.

Throughout history, Afro-descendant communities worldwide have overcome adversity through vision, resilience and perseverance. Recognizing that the choices we have today stem from the struggles and triumphs of our ancestors is both a testament to their legacy and a source of inspiration. It reminds us of how far we’ve come, while highlighting the work that still lies ahead. Taking advantage of spaces where we can bring our unique perspectives—or creating them when they don’t exist—is part of that legacy. 

It’s not enough to simply dream about where we want to go professionally—we must put in the work. Like artisans, we shape our careers every day, investing time, effort and commitment to reap the rewards. We must see every opportunity as a blank page, ready to be filled with achievements. Fear, uncertainty and doubt will always be part of the journey, but trust in your abilities, knowledge, experience and skills. Everything that has brought you to this moment is your guarantee for success.

One of my favorite quotes serves as a constant reminder of the impact we have on those around us, our family, friends and colleagues:

“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” – Dr. Maya Angelou.

Whether it’s guiding a customer through a challenge, helping a colleague see their potential or simply showing gratitude for those who have helped us along the way, our legacy is built in the moments we share. Inspire. Be generous. Listen. Learn. Exercise gratitude. Leave your legacy. Enjoy the ride.

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.