Colleen Barrett, chief operating officer of Southwest Airlines, will receive the prestigious Louise Raggio Pathfinder Award from the Dallas/Fort Worth Chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO)for 2002.

As COO, Colleen oversees management, leadership and budget responsibilities for many areas of Southwest Airlines. She is a member of the company¹s Board of Directors and Executive Planning Committee, and chairs numerous special teams, task forces and committees related to internal and external Southwest customers.

Prior to joining Southwest in 1978, Colleen worked for several years as executive assistant to Herb Kelleher, Southwest¹s current chairman, at his law firm. For Southwest Airlines, she has served as secretary of the corporation since March 1978, and served as vice president of administration from 1986 to 1990, and executive vice president of customers from 1990 to 2001.

Colleen has one son and one grandson, is active in numerous civic and charitable organizations in Dallas and in various state political campaigns, and has served on numerous boards and commissions. She graduated with highest honors from Becker Junior College in Worcester, Massachusetts in 1964.

Louise Raggio Pathfinder Award

The Louise Raggio Pathfinder Award was established in 1994 by the
Dallas/Ft. Worth chapter of NAWBO to recognize women whose careers and lives have resulted in significantly improved opportunities for women. The award honors the life of outstanding Dallas attorney Louise B. Raggio. The recipient of the Louise Raggio Award is a leader who realizes that the challenges facing society cannot and will not be overcome until all its members have the opportunity to participate.

To register for the Annual Luncheon, please go to www.nawbotx.org