How Delta connects a family – and connects that family to the world

In this latest installment of a recurring series, Allison Ausband reflects on her time sitting down with members of the Moleni family -- and how Delta has helped connect them.

Allison Ausband, E.V.P. and Chief People Officer

Jun 19, 2025 5:00pm

Delta people talk a lot about the “Delta family.” For Anela Moleni Ongoongotau, Nate Moleni and Mel Spencer, that takes on an even deeper meaning.

They are first cousins who represent three of the 31 members of the extended Moleni family who work for Delta – cousins, spouses, children, nieces and nephews, most of whom are based at the airline’s hub in Salt Lake City. Thirty-one! Anela has been at Delta over 20 years and is now a Red Coat; Nate is a ramp agent who has been with Delta for 19 years; and Mel is also a ramp agent who has been with Delta for 11 years.

We talk a lot about how Delta connects the world. When I had the honor of sitting down with Anela, Nate and Mel, I learned how Delta connects a family – and connects that family to the world.

Anela told me about her 80-year-old father, who still resides in their home country of Tonga. When she was growing up, he would tell her: “When you are rich one day, buy me a ticket on a cruise!”

Not long ago, that dream became a reality as Anela’s dad enjoyed a cruise with his family.

Anela’s father enjoying his first cruise.

“That’s how Delta makes our dreams come true. I’m able to get a home because of Delta,” Anela said. “I’m able to meet family, and we stay connected. When you talk about staying connected to family, we’re close because we can make it to little things – a baby blessing, a birthday party, a family reunion.”

9-of-us-siblings-attended-our-youngest-brothers-graduation-doctor-of-chiropractor-and-also-still-delta-employee-in-sfo.jpg

Anela and her siblings at her youngest brother’s graduation.

The family said Delta has been there to help them through tough times, too: Mel recalled when her father and Nate’s father died within just five days of one another. Many members of the family needed to take time off to grieve, and all of them got the support they needed to put family first.

“When they say it’s about the culture and taking care of your people, that’s where I saw it the most,” Mel said.

The Molenis are deeply proud of their family and heritage – and deeply proud to work for Delta. But they are also wonderful, humble people who are quick to share their gratitude for the things they say Delta has made possible: Trips between Tonga and the U.S. so a grandfather can see his grandchildren; trips to upstate New York so Nate’s wife could reconnect with her own extended family; Anela and Mel’s trip on the Breast Cancer One charter flight celebrating employees like them who have survived breast cancer and thrive post-treatment.

Mel, left, and Anela, right, at the Breast Cancer One charter flight.

Through their stories, the love of the Moleni family is easy to see. There is the time dozens of them flew to North Carolina for a wedding and had to coordinate just exactly how everyone would get there and back in time. They laugh together through many of these stories – like when Anela recalls bringing extra food to work so her brothers could raid the break room fridge.

When I asked them what advice they would give to new employees, their love for Delta, the joy it brings them working for the same company and their commitment to doing great work is just as evident.

“Really value your job,” Nate said. “If you see a need on the ramp or wherever you are, you fill that need. Keep that culture going with the Delta team.”