Celebrate Diversity Month: Shifting the conversation with Nikia Smith

Growing up in California, I was immersed in a vibrant, diverse community that shaped my early understanding of identity. My heritage is a rich blend of Creole and Caribbean roots, deep Southern traditions from my mother’s Louisiana family and the spirited culture of Belize from my stepfather. My family tree is woven with resilience, history and an unshakable commitment to one another.

Summers with my grandparents in Inglewood were a highlight of my childhood, filled with laughter, family gatherings and unforgettable adventures. Whether traveling or enjoying staycations, those moments left an imprint on my heart and reinforced the importance of connection and tradition.

Education was a cornerstone in our home. My parents instilled confidence, encouraged critical thinking and taught me to stand up for what’s right. Despite growing up in a multicultural environment, my sister and I attended a Catholic elementary school where we were the only two African American students. But instead of feeling like outsiders, we embraced the opportunity to build friendships across cultures. That experience shaped my belief in leading with curiosity, openness and inclusion.

By middle school I found my voice in student government and cheerleading. In high school, I took on leadership roles in sports and community service and even started my own dance team. While I loved my California upbringing I longed to connect more deeply with my roots. Visits to Louisiana, despite the humble conditions, were filled with warmth, tradition and an undeniable pride in our heritage. That connection inspired me to take a leap of faith and attend a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) in Louisiana.

Southern University and A&M College in Baton Rouge became the place where I truly discovered myself. Immersed in an environment rich with history, I studied black stories that had never been part of my previous education. My professors, who shared similar cultural backgrounds, became mentors who guided me through this transformative journey. I joined a sorority built on sisterhood, scholarship, service and social action, a bond I’ve proudly maintained for over 25 years.

Working my way through college I didn’t just earn a degree in Sociology, I learned resilience, humility, confidence and perseverance. That foundation led me to pursue an MBA, launch my professional career and raise a family.

Through it all my mother remained my guiding force. She taught me the power of belonging, the importance of knowing who I am and the necessity of creating space even when one isn’t offered. She showed me that a seat at the table is never empty when you choose to show up and speak up.

Today as a mother of two adult sons, I’ve passed these values on to them, self-awareness, empathy and embracing the differences that make us unique. These principles extend beyond my personal life into my work at Sabre. Fostering an inclusive culture isn’t just a value, it’s our superpower. It fuels innovation, strengthens community and unites the people shaping the future of travel and technology. As we honor Celebrate Diversity Month, it’s important to recognize that diversity is more than representation; it’s about creating an environment where every individual feels a sense of belonging. 

This month, I encourage us all to take a moment to reflect: How does our heritage shape who we are? How can we celebrate the differences in others? How do we ensure inclusion isn’t just a conversation but an action?

Let’s continue to show up, take a seat at the table and drive meaningful change because when we lead with inclusion, we create a world where everyone belongs.

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.