As founder of Up to Something, LLC, Rita specializes in unconventional methods that disrupt and challenge leaders to think differently, be open to new possibilities, and question the status quo. She served in several leadership roles for more than 25 years at Southwest Airlines, including Operations, Sales, Marketing, HR, and L&D. She currently works with organizations in several sectors engaging leaders in courageous conversations, strategy sessions, and immersive experiences that foster team collaboration, change, and cultural inclusiveness.

She is a Leadership faculty contributor at SMU, Cox School of Business in Dallas, Texas, where she co-designed and facilitated Customized Executive Leadership programs. She is also cultivating entrepreneurship and developing leaders in her own multi-generational family business venture.

Rita started three successful consulting organizations and co-authored the book, Destination Profit: Creating People-Profit Opportunities in Your Organization. She served on several advisory boards and committees including Dallas Convention Bureau, Stagen Leadership, Sandals Resorts and as Chair of the National Board of ASTD now (ATD).