Reagan National Airport salutes our women employees for their contributions.
To commemorate Women's History Month 2021, Reagan National Airport is launching a new series #LeadingTheWay, acknowledging the tremendous efforts of women working in various sectors of the Airports Authority, providing operational support for seamless running of the airport during the pandemic and are now shaping the recovery process.
Jane Kee | Tyeshia R. Watkins | Lori Labell | Cheryl Jeffers
Jane Kee - Audit Manager (Audit)
Role: "My role is to manage audit projects and my team and to communicate the audit process and expectations across the organization. Managing projects through defined tasks is relatively straightforward. Communicating with, and managing people’s expectations is more complex, but also more rewarding as this aspect of the audit role provides an opportunity to interact and build relationships with the Board, managers, and employees of all backgrounds and interests. "
Motivation: "What motivates me is my love for the work I do! Auditing is a wonderful discipline with a clear framework for pretty much everything in life that matters. The framework of auditing is simple – Standards, Performance, Assessment, Action. Auditing begins with a set of standards that are used to measure performance based on an honest assessment of results. I enjoy being an advocate for examining everything that matters for ensuring the Airports Authority’s success."
Tyeshia R. Watkins - Budget and Property Manager (Office of Public Safety)
Role : "I oversee the Office of Public Safety’s $58 million budget in addition to the procurement of critical items such as vehicles, PPE, supplies and services that meet the Police, Fire & Rescue and Public Safety Communication Center’s operational mission. I am also responsible for managing uniform distribution for all personnel and MWAA’s personal/real property accountability. "
Personal Journey: "I started at MWAA as an intern June 2010; I’ve worked in 3 different departments during my tenure at the Authority. However, it was because of mentorship from woman like Tanisha Lewis, HRIS Manager, and Wanda Onafuwa, Accounts Payable Manager that motivated me to move forward with my own professional development. Working for the Office of Public Safety has been my most dynamic position at MWAA yet! I feel valued by my Public Safety team because they value my experience and knowledge with MWAA procurement and budget processes."
Motivation: "I am personally motivated everyday by being the first but not to be the last woman in my family to graduate with not only a Bachelor’s degree but to be a 2020 Master’s graduate degree from George Washington University with a focus of Professional Studies in Cybersecurity and Information Management."
“Women History Month means to appreciate the past and create history for the future”.
Lori Labell - Manager, Leasing and Airside Contracts Manager (DCA)
Role – "My role at MWAA is Leasing and Airside Contracts Manager for DCA. I am responsible for managing the leasing, permitting and other agreements for all terminal, hangar, and air cargo space, excluding retail and food and beverage."
Motivation – 'What has motivated me my entire career is being in an industry that has always challenged and excited me. I have been passionate about aviation and flight for as long as I can remember. Enjoying my work and knowing I am making a contribution inspires me each day."
"Women’s History Month is an opportunity to honor and celebrate the countless women in history that have had an impact on our lives. Women breaking barriers is an essential part of our history and we should recognize their achievements. It is also an opportunity to pay it forward and reach out to other young women as they begin their careers."
Cheryl Jeffers - Deskside Specialist (Information Technology)
Role: "As a Deskside Specialist, I provide IT support for VP’s, Board Meetings, and Manager Forums virtual meetings,.Working as one of the team members on the Window10 Upgrade Project for CHQ and DCA locations.Providing support for all CHQ, DCA, IAD, DCMP, and DTR MWAA users on-site and teleworking. Act as a backup presenter New Hire Orientation delivering IT awareness to New Hires."
"With a career in the Information Technology field that is mostly dominated by men, I understand and hold deep in my heart other women who have paved and cleared a path for women to enter the Information Technology field, like Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson the inventor of the Call ID and Call Waiting, Valerie Thomas the former Associate Chief of NASA Space Science Data Operations, Katherine Johnson the former Engineer at NASA, and along with other great women."