Business

Flying High: Rexy Rolle Changing the Game in the Airline Industry

NNPA NEWSWIRE — She’s climbed the corporate ladder, but nothing was handed to her – Rolle clearly has earned her wings. “My family instilled a very strong work ethic in me as a child. We strongly believe in the principle of big faith and hard work,” Rolle said.

Published

7 years ago

January 3, 2019

Oakland Post

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Correspondent
@StacyBrownMedia

Although she acknowledges setting “big goals,” Sherrexcia “Rexy” Rolle said the magic really happens in the small steps it takes to reach those ambitions.

“That’s where the victories are won, in your daily to do list,” said Rolle, whose boardroom and classroom accomplishments likely turn as many heads as her modelesque looks.

At 30, Rolle serves as vice president of operations and general counsel of Western Air Limited, her family’s company and the largest privately-owned airline in the Bahamas.

She’s climbed the corporate ladder, but nothing was handed to her – Rolle clearly has earned her wings. “My family instilled a very strong work ethic in me as a child. We strongly believe in the principle of big faith and hard work,” Rolle said.

Western Air, a commercial airline that operates daily scheduled and on-demand flights to major destinations throughout the Bahamas, including Nassau, Grand Bahama, Exuma, Bimini, Abaco, and San Andros, also provides charter services to the Caribbean, Central and South America.

In business since 2000, Western Air was founded by Rolle’s parents, Rex and Shandrice. The airline conducts an average of 42 flights per day, 365 days a year and has a team of 165 employees.

“My dad was a private pilot at the time and my mom was an international business major, just graduating college,” Rolle said.

“My Mom and I went to Andros for my great grandmother’s funeral and on our return, we were stuck at the airport for almost the entire day. I remember her and I saying, that there must be a better way to travel from one island to the next,” she said.

“It wasn’t difficult to convince my Dad who is an aviation enthusiast. We sought financing for one aircraft and the aircraft financier believed so much in the idea and offered to finance three aircrafts, zero down as a package,” Rolle continued.

Rolle’s family wasn’t rich, as her dad was one of 13 children who came from very humble means. “My parents’ journeys, the good and the bad, inspire me and are what makes me believe that I can do anything with God, hard work and dedication,” she said.

Rolle, who is originally from Mastic Point, Andros in the Bahamas, grew up in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. After attending eighth and ninth grade in Andros, she attended Montverde Academy, an international boarding school.

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Rolle completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Ottawa in Canada where she excelled in a joint honors program in Political Science and Communications. Later, Rolle earned a Masters in Mass Media and Communications at Lynn University in Boca Raton, Fla. After graduating from Thomas Jefferson Law School in San Diego, Rolle was admitted to the State Bar of California.

Rolle, who also has done some modeling, enjoys a passion for music and entertainment.

She enjoys acting, singing, songwriting and dance and promises to soon “unveil her growth artistically, and put [her] long-standing love for all things music and entertainment to good use.”

She’s working on new music she believes will be a hit. “Music enhances our consciousness. Depending on what I’m listening too, it makes me think about where I am in life, and what I’m doing.

“I’ve listened to songs that have made me feel fearless, songs that have inspired my thoughts on love and relationships, songs that have strengthened my daily hustle, or encouraged me not to take life so seriously and of course, songs that make me dance instantly. Music inspires me in more ways than one,” Rolle said.

Still, her beginnings at Western Air proved quite humbling.

She started as a baggage handler and worked her way up to vice president of operations, eventually orchestrating several strategic acquisitions for the airline – the first of which were two Saab 340A and a multi-aircraft deal with Embraer for the acquisition of three ERJ 145 LR 50-seater jets.

Rolle also is training to become a pilot, having logged more than 44 flight hours.

“When I realize what an impact Western Air plays in people’s lives on the daily, it certainly motivates me to keep pushing and progressing to better their experience,” Rolle said.

While her family counts as role models, Rolle said she’s also inspired by Oprah Winfrey, who is the “Aunty in my head.”

“She inspires me because she seems to have mastered the art of balance and remaining in a state of gratitude, all while being courageous in various business and creative pursuits,” Rolle said of the Talk Show queen and magnate.

Life and her achievements haven’t been without obstacles, Rolle said. However, she noted that obstacles only serve to propel one forward because “once you’ve survived it, it sets the precedent to similar challenges.”

“I’ve faced the most obstacles when we sought to do things that were never done before. For example, when I was spearheading the opening of Western Air’s Grand Bahama Passenger terminal we got major push back on a number of levels because it was the first of its kind in the Bahamas,” she said.

“A passenger terminal with its own security screening, acting independently from the airport itself. Our ability to conduct such operations was challenged by major players in the industry.

“To say the least I had to cut our way through a number of legal red tapes, take the risk and seek approval from the authorities in the position to validate our right to operate.

“Opening the passenger terminal was a pivotal point for our company and was instrumental in securing market share on that route. I was a fairly new attorney at that time. While it was a bit intimidating, it was a rewarding experience.”

Rolle said she refuses to allow negative stereotypes to affect the way she does business or carries herself.

As a successful black woman attorney and executive in the airline industry, Rolle isn’t easily intimidated.

“For some, a lawyer or a VP of an airline should look and act a certain way, perhaps more conservative, perhaps older, white and male. But I thrive on being unapologetic about who I am,” Role said.

“My hair is big, my heels are high, but my opinion and work ethic is strong. I also understand there is a misconception that working in a family business is easy or that things are handed it to you. But we believe in demonstrating your individual value and earning your stripes,” she said.

Rolle continued:

“It’s an uncommon opportunity that I feel blessed to be a part of, but responsibilities are great. As long as I am producing results for the betterment of our passengers and our staff, I’m not moved by any pushback or resentment.”

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Activism

Lu Lu’s House is Not Just Toying Around with the Community

Wilson and Lambert will be partnering with Mayor Barbara Lee on a toy giveaway on Dec. 20. Young people, like Dremont Wilkes, age 15, will help give away toys and encourage young people to stay in school and out of trouble. Wilkes wants to go to college and become a specialist in financial aid. Sports agent Aaron Goodwin has committed to giving all eight young people from Lu Lu’s House a fully paid free ride to college, provided they keep a 3.0 grade point average and continue the program. Lu Lu’s House is not toying around.

Published

1 day ago

December 20, 2025

Oakland Post

Tania Fuller Bryant, Zirl Wilson, Dremont Wilkes, Tracy Lambert and Dr. Geoffrey Watson. Courtesy Oakland Private Industry

Special to the Post

Lu Lu’s House is a 501c3 organization based in Oakland, founded by Mr. Zirl Wilson and Mr. Tracy Lambert, both previously incarcerated. After their release from jail, they wanted to change things for the better in the community — and wow, have they done that!

The duo developed housing for previously incarcerated people, calling it “Lu Lu’s House,” after Wilson’s wonderful wife. At a time when many young people were robbing, looting, and involved in shootings, Wilson and Lambert took it upon themselves to risk their lives to engage young gang members and teach them about nonviolence, safety, cleanliness, business, education, and the importance of health and longevity.

Lambert sold hats and T-shirts at the Eastmont Mall and was visited by his friend Wilson. At the mall, they witnessed gangs of young people running into the stores, stealing whatever they could get their hands on and then rushing out. Wilson tried to stop them after numerous robberies and finally called the police, who Wilson said, “did not respond.” Having been incarcerated previously, they realized that if the young people were allowed to continue to rob the stores, they could receive multiple criminal counts, which would take their case from misdemeanors to felonies, resulting in incarceration.

Lu Lu’s House traveled to Los Angeles and obtained more than 500 toys
for a Dec. 20 giveaway in partnership with Oakland Mayor Barbara
Lee. Courtesy Oakland Private Industry,

Wilson took it upon himself to follow the young people home and when he arrived at their subsidized homes, he realized the importance of trying to save the young people from violence, drug addiction, lack of self-worth, and incarceration — as well as their families from losing subsidized housing. Lambert and Wilson explained to the young men and women, ages 13-17, that there were positive options which might allow them to make money legally and stay out of jail. Wilson and Lambert decided to teach them how to wash cars and they opened a car wash in East Oakland. Oakland’s Initiative, “Keep the town clean,” involved the young people from Lu Lu’s House participating in more than eight cleanup sessions throughout Oakland. To assist with their infrastructure, Lu Lu’s House has partnered with Oakland’s Private Industry Council.

For the Christmas season, Lu Lu’s House and reformed young people (who were previously robbed) will continue to give back.

Lu Lu’s House traveled to Los Angeles and obtained more than 500 toys.

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Activism

Desmond Gumbs — Visionary Founder, Mentor, and Builder of Opportunity

Gumbs’ coaching and leadership journey spans from Bishop O’Dowd High School, Oakland High School, Stellar Prep High School. Over the decades, hundreds of his students have gone on to college, earning academic and athletic scholarships and developing life skills that extend well beyond sports.

Published

1 day ago

December 20, 2025

Oakland Post

NCAA football history was made this year when Head Coach from Mississippi Valley State, Terrell Buckley and Head Coach Desmond Gumbs both had starting kickers that were Women. This picture was taken after the game. Courtesy photo.

Special to the Post

For more than 25 years, Desmond Gumbs has been a cornerstone of Bay Area education and athletics — not simply as a coach, but as a mentor, founder, and architect of opportunity. While recent media narratives have focused narrowly on challenges, they fail to capture the far more important truth: Gumbs’ life’s work has been dedicated to building pathways to college, character, and long-term success for hundreds of young people.

A Career Defined by Impact

One of his most enduring contributions is his role as founder of Stellar Prep High School, a non-traditional, mission-driven institution created to serve students who needed additional structure, belief, and opportunity. Through Stellar Prep numerous students have advanced to college — many with scholarships — demonstrating Gumbs’ deep commitment to education as the foundation for athletic and personal success.

NCAA football history was made this year when Head Coach from
Mississippi Valley State, Terrell Buckley and Head Coach Desmond
Gumbs both had starting kickers that were women. This picture was
taken after the game.

A Personal Testament to the Mission: Addison Gumbs

Perhaps no example better reflects Desmond Gumbs’ philosophy than the journey of his son, Addison Gumbs. Addison became an Army All-American, one of the highest honors in high school football — and notably, the last Army All-Americans produced by the Bay Area, alongside Najee Harris.

Both young men went on to compete at the highest levels of college football — Addison Gumbs at the University of Oklahoma, and Najee Harris at the University of Alabama — representing the Bay Area on a national level.

Building Lincoln University Athletics From the Ground Up

In 2021, Gumbs accepted one of the most difficult challenges in college athletics: launching an entire athletics department at Lincoln University in Oakland from scratch. With no established infrastructure, limited facilities, and eventually the loss of key financial aid resources, he nonetheless built opportunities where none existed.

Under his leadership, Lincoln University introduced:

Football
Men’s and Women’s Basketball
Men’s and Women’s Soccer

Operating as an independent program with no capital and no conference safety net, Gumbs was forced to innovate — finding ways to sustain teams, schedule competition, and keep student-athletes enrolled and progressing toward degrees. The work was never about comfort; it was about access.

Voices That Reflect His Impact

Desmond Gumbs’ philosophy has been consistently reflected in his own published words:

“if you have an idea, you’re 75% there the remaining 25% is actually doing it.”
“This generation doesn’t respect the title — they respect the person.”
“Greatness is a habit, not a moment.”

Former players and community members have echoed similar sentiments in public commentary, crediting Gumbs with teaching them leadership, accountability, confidence, and belief in themselves — lessons that outlast any single season.

Context Matters More Than Headlines

Recent articles critical of Lincoln University athletics focus on logistical and financial hardships while ignoring the reality of building a new program with limited resources in one of the most expensive regions in the country. Such narratives are ultimately harmful and incomplete, failing to recognize the courage it takes to create opportunity instead of walking away when conditions are difficult.

The real story is not about early struggles — it is about vision, resilience, and service.

A Legacy That Endures

From founding Stellar PREP High School, to sending hundreds of students to college, to producing elite athletes like Addison Gumbs, to launching Lincoln University athletics, Desmond Gumbs’ legacy is one of belief in young people and relentless commitment to opportunity.

His work cannot be reduced to headlines or records. It lives on in degrees earned, scholarships secured, leaders developed, and futures changed — across the Bay Area and beyond.

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Activism

Black Arts Movement Business District Named New Cultural District in California

Located in the heart of District 3, the BAMBD is widely regarded as one of the nation’s most important centers of Black cultural production — a space where artists, entrepreneurs, organizers, and cultural workers have shaped generations of local and national identity. The state’s recognition affirms the district’s historic importance and its future promise.

Published

1 day ago

December 20, 2025

Oakland Post

Councilmember Carroll Fife celebrates major milestone for Black arts, culture, and economic power in Oakland. Courtesy photo.

By Post Staff

Oakland’s Black Arts Movement Business District (BAMBD) has been selected as one of California’s 10 new state-designated Cultural Districts, a distinction awarded by the California Arts Council (CAC), according to a media statement released by Councilmember Carroll Fife.

The BAMBD now joins 23 other districts across the state recognized for their deep cultural legacy, artistic excellence, and contributions to California’s creative economy.

“This designation is a testament to what Black Oakland has built — and what we continue to build when we insist on investing in our own cultural and economic power,” said Fife.

“For years, our community has fought for meaningful recognition and resources for the Black Arts Movement Business District,” she said. “This announcement validates that work and ensures that BAMBD receives the support it needs to grow, thrive, and continue shaping the cultural fabric of California.”

Since taking office, Fife has led and supported multiple initiatives that strengthened the groundwork for this achievement, including:

Restoring and protecting arts and cultural staffing within the City of Oakland.
Creating the West Oakland Community Fund to reinvest in historically excluded communities
Advancing a Black New Deal study to expand economic opportunity for Black Oakland
Ensuring racial equity impact analyses for development proposals, improving access for Black businesses and Black contractors
Introduced legislation and budget amendments that formalized, protected, and expanded the BAMBD

“These efforts weren’t abstract,” Fife said. “They were intentional, coordinated, and rooted in a belief that Black arts and Black businesses deserve deep, sustained public investment.”

As part of the Cultural District designation, BAMBD will receive:

$10,000 over two years
Dedicated technical assistance
Statewide marketing and branding support
Official designation from Jan. 1, 2026, through Dec. 31, 2030

This support will elevate the visibility of BAMBD’s artists, cultural organizations, small businesses, and legacy institutions, while helping attract new investment to the district.

“The BAMBD has always been more than a district,” Fife continued. “This recognition by the State of California gives us another tool in the fight to preserve Black culture, build Black economic power, and protect the families and institutions that make Oakland strong.”

For questions, contact Councilmember Carroll Fife at CFife@oaklandca.gov.