As we wrap up Women’s History Month, we take a look back at the 2026 Leadership Insights cover photoshoot. This year’s cover photo was taken by…
The aviation and airport industries encompass a wide range of career paths and opportunities related to air travel and transport, from airside and landside jobs to work in the terminals and even off-airport jobs like publishing.
This month, Metropolitan Airport News focuses on women in the aviation industry, including women-owned businesses in and around the New York metropolitan area airports. We asked each of these featured women questions about their careers, work in their respective areas of the industry, women in leadership, and sustainability, and here, we offer their one-on-one insight in their own words. Due to space restrictions, we have selected specific questions and answers from each contributor to share in print. You can find the unedited responses to all of the questions on our website.
In sharing their experience and passion for the aviation and airport industry, their work honors the women who have come before them and today, carry their legacy into the 21st Century.
The aviation and airport industries encompass a wide range of career paths and opportunities related to air travel and transport, from airside and landside jobs to…
Leslie Bresnaider is a licensed U.S. Customs Broker and logistics executive with more than 30 years of experience navigating the complexities of international trade. She currently…
Debbie Brown has been employed in the aviation industry for almost 20 years. She joined the Port Authority of NY & NJ in 2017 and has…
Gursonia Clair is a Data Engineering Manager at Kubrick Group, where she has worked for over four years across multiple industries, including insurance and aviation. Originally…
Donna Draghi-Lemay is a seasoned aviation and technology executive, currently serving as Director of IT Products and Systems for The New Terminal One at JFK, where…
Catherine joined the Cradle of Aviation Museum in 2012 after completing college. For many years, she worked in the Education Department charged with supporting the education…
Dawn Kelly is the award-winning Founder & CEO of The Nourish Spot Inc., a family-owned, certified MWBE and ACDBE fresh juice and wellness bar she launched…
Denecia Marshall, M.A., Ed.M. has prepared students for successful careers in the Aviation Industry since 2023. She serves as an Academic Internship Manager/Industry Organization Specialist at CUNY…
Sonjay Murray brings a strong background in community engagement, public service, and customer advocacy to her role at Delta Air Lines. She earned both her Bachelor…
Lucia Oswald is the Vice President of Business Development at Global Elite Group, Inc., an aviation security company located in Garden City, NY. Lucia joined Global Elite…
Kathleen Pettit is a distinguished hospitality executive with over 30 years of experience driving growth and excellence within the New York market. Currently serving as the…
Jaclyn Rodriguez is the Controller for JFK International Airport’s animal health, reception, and quarantine center at The ARK at JFK. She oversees all accounting functions, including…
Cathy Romano is a seasoned Executive Manager with over 30 years of experience in the aviation and ground handling industry, specializing in delivering exceptional customer service…