My two grandmothers. My Abuela Antonia is a nurse and was extremely supportive when she found out that I was training to be a firefighter-EMT. My Abuela Gloria is a seamstress, and she would always check in on me while I was going through my training. She was one of my biggest cheerleaders.
What advice would you give to the next generation of women looking to grow their careers?
Take the chance: whether it's going to school, going back to school, having a family, or doing something that is difficult. It will only be difficult for a short time period. Once, it's done, so worth it.
If you could have lunch with any woman, living or dead, who would it be and why?
I would have lunch with Celia Cruz. She was an iconic figure in the Latin music industry, and a trailblazer for women and people of color. She used her voice and talent to break barriers and inspire generations.
Amy Bell, Purchasing Agent
What advice would you give to the next generation of women looking to grow their careers?
Understand where your strengths and interests are, and don’t accept anyone else’s definition of success. There are many ways to define success, and it will bring you more enjoyment from your career if you define what success is for yourself.
How has the aviation industry changed to be more accepting to women in leadership?
In recent decades, we've seen a significant change in the way society views women in leadership roles across various industries. It's becoming increasingly common to see women holding positions of power.
Do you see an upward trend in women taking leadership roles? (Piloting, Airline executives, corporate, police & fire, etc). What impact do you think it will have on the future of aviation?
I have seen an increase in women in leadership roles. I believe that diversity in leadership strengthens the industry, as it brings different perspectives to solving everyday problems, as well as defines future improvements.
Cheryl Jeffers, Deskside Specialist
What woman has inspired your career goals and development?
The woman who has inspired my career goals and development is my mother. My mother was a CPA and Branch Chief in the Federal Government. She encouraged me to pursue a career that I love.
Do you see an upward trend in women taking leadership roles? (Piloting, Airline executives, corporate, police & fire, etc.). What impact do you think it will have on the future of aviation?
The biggest impact that I see is that young girls are gaining a better understanding of the aviation industry and are now aspiring to pursue careers that were traditionally dominated by men.
If you could have lunch with any woman, living or dead, who would it be and why?
I would like to have lunch with Willa Brown and Bessie Coleman. Willa Brown was best known for being the first Black woman to receive her pilot license in the United States, which she did in 1938. Bessie Coleman was the first female from both ethnic heritages (African American and Native American descent) to earn her pilot license.
Giedre Ball, Treasury Manager
What woman has inspired your career goals and development?
Observing strong and intelligent women in leadership roles across various organizations, industries, and the Airports Authority, as well as being a part of a network of professional women, has been the driving force behind my career goals.
How has the aviation industry changed to be more accepting to women in leadership?
Women are making progress in traditionally male-dominated fields, including aviation. Although there are still few female pilots and CEOs in the industry, there are increasing numbers of women in leadership roles, such as aviation consultancy firms and executive management.
What advice would you give to the next generation of women looking to grow their careers?
Accept challenges as opportunities to learn, grow, make the necessary changes, and be an inspiration for someone else. Also, strong work ethic can get you farther than natural talents.
