Airport Minority Advisory Council (AMAC) Condemns Trump Administration Executive Orders Dismantling DEI Programs and Opposes Rollback of Equity Efforts

Washington, DC (January 22, 2025) — The Airport Minority Advisory Council (AMAC) strongly condemns the recent executive orders issued by President Donald Trump: “Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity” and “Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing.” These actions represent a significant step backward in the fight for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) across federal agencies, contractors, and the private sector. These executive orders mandate the elimination of DEI programs, the closure of equity-focused offices, and the … Read More

AMAC Forward: Preparing for Incoming Administration Changes

The stakes are higher than ever before. AMAC’s existence is more critical as we relentlessly pursue our mission of advancing the full participation of minorities and women in employment and contracting opportunities throughout the aviation and aerospace industries. With the 2024 Presidential Election results, we anticipate the landscape of aviation and aerospace to continue to evolve, and we are more committed to ensuring that individuals and companies from diverse backgrounds have equal access to opportunities for advancement, growth, and success. As a … Read More

Recap: Inaugural She SOARS — Women in Aviation Summit

Thank you for participating in and supporting the inaugural She SOARS—Women in Aviation Summit. Nearly 50 speakers and over 300 attendees in the aviation industry, including mid- and upper-management professionals, HR leaders, airport governing authorities, government officials and industry association leaders, convened to focus on women’s multifaceted advantages in the workplace, career growth, professional development, and well-being of the mind and soul. You can access the event photos and program guide. The summit was a resounding success. It brought together … Read More

39th Annual AMAC Airport Business Diversity Conference Draws Over 1,500 Attendees to Nashville, TN to Promote DEI in the Aviation Industry

The 39th Annual AMAC Airport Business Diversity Conference, which took place August 3–7, 2024, in Nashville, TN connected over 1,500 attendees who engaged in education, advocacy and networking opportunities that promote diversity and inclusion in the aviation and aerospace industries. We thank the conference host, the Nashville International Airport, and the City of Nashville for their generous support. We also extend special thanks to all the attendees, speakers and sponsors; without their support, the conference couldn’t have occurred. We hope … Read More

2024 AMAC Board of Directors Elections Winners

WASHINGTON, DC (August 13, 2024) —The Airport Minority Advisory Council (AMAC) is pleased to announce the 2024 AMAC Board of Directors Election results. Chair: Ricky Smith, CEO, Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport Second Vice Chair: Lance Lyttle, Managing Director, Aviation Division, Port of Seattle Eastern Regional Director: Robin Gibson, Director, Quality Assurance, Fraport USA, Inc. Southeast Regional Director: Thiane Carter, Director, Small Business Programs, Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority Southwest Regional Director: J. Goodwille Pierre, Owner, Goodwille Pierre LLC Western Regional Director: … Read More

2024 AMAC Catalyst Awards Honorees

WASHINGTON, DC (August 12, 2024)—The Airport Minority Advisory Council (AMAC) announced the honorees of the AMAC Catalyst Awards on August 6, 2024, during the 39th Annual AMAC Airport Business Diversity Conference in Nashville, TN. Catalyst Award: Raymond Christy, Airport Planning DBE Manager – Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Coordinator, Salt Lake City Department of Airports Airport Design Innovation and Inclusion Award: Api Appulingam, Chief Development Officer, City of Philadelphia Department of Aviation Airport Concessions Innovation and Inclusion Award: Paradies Lagardère at Charlotte … Read More

LAWA Concession Opportunities at LAX Outreach and Networking Event

On May 15th, AMAC LA participated in the Los Angeles World Airports’ (LAWA) networking and outreach event, presenting upcoming concessions opportunities. While LAWA Board of Airport Commissioners President Karim Webb, Chief Executive Officer John Ackerman, and Deputy Executive Director of Commercial Development Dave Jones shared LAWA’s vision of the future LAX guest experience, AMAC LA connected with many new and current AMAC members. At the event, the airport leaders emphasized LAWA’s commitment to world-class guest services, economic inclusion, and innovative … Read More

LAWA Local Business Reception

  On May 14th, LAWA hosted a Local Business reception to allow small, minority, and locally owned businesses to join for networking and connect with the new CEO of LAX, John Ackerman. The AMAC LA Chapter Officers were thrilled to attend the event, which provided a unique opportunity to engage with LAWA Executives and Karim Webb, President of the Board of Airport Commissioners.

AMAC Los Angeles Chapter President Martha Valenzuela Invited by Federal Highway Administration to Join Distinguished Cadre

AMAC Los Angeles Chapter President Martha Valenzuela was invited by the Federal Highway Administration to join a distinguished cadre focusing on rethinking Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) participation in Design-Build Projects. The cadre discussed new tools and innovative practices to increase DBE Program participation in design-build contracting. As states and other project sponsors increasingly utilize design-build for project delivery, ensuring equitable opportunities for small, disadvantaged firms has become challenging.

AMAC Los Angeles Chapter, LAX Coastal Chamber and NAMC SoCal Economic Inclusion Mixer

We’re thrilled to share the success of our recent collaboration at the Economic Inclusion Mixer, held last Tuesday, April 16th, at the AC Hotel by Marriott Los Angeles South Bay. This event marked a significant milestone as three great organizations, including AMAC LA, NAMC Southern California, and LAX Coastal Chamber, came together to champion economic inclusion and sustainable opportunity in the Los Angeles region. At the heart of our alliance is a shared vision of catalyzing economic prosperity for all members of our … Read More

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