Maria Martinez is a business development professional and franchising expert with over 15 years of experience. Maria has represented global brands such as UPS, Jack in the Box, Qdoba, IHOP and Applebee’s. As a driven, goal oriented and self-motivated individual, she finds joy in assisting investors with valuable business propositions in concessions through the brands she represents. Prior to working in business development, Maria held positions in Finance and Accounting.

Maria was initially introduced to AMAC and airport concessions in 2016. Since then she has embraced and worked passionately to support AMAC’S mission. Maria has served AMAC as the Chair of AMAC Governance & Ethics Committee for the 2018-2020 term. Most recently she has been appointed as the Secretary of the Board.

Maria is fluent in English and Spanish and holds a bachelor’s degree in International Business from CETYS Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico. She has also completed a Finance Certificate at UCSD. Maria immigrated from Mexico to San Diego, CA where she currently lives. She likes to listen to audiobooks in subjects of finance, real estate, personal development and business. She also enjoys to travel the world and spend time with friends and family.

What does AMAC mean to you?
AMAC is an organization that supports the advancement of women and minority owned businesses. As a Latina women is important to me to advocate towards this effort and ensure we are all given the same opportunities.

Why do you join each year?
As a business development professional AMAC has provided a platform to make and reinforce meaningful connections with individuals in the aviation industry, as well as being informed of relevant information related to the industry. Additionally I'm in support of AMAC's mission in assisting the advancement of minority and women owned businesses and professionals.

How have you been involved with AMAC since you joined?
I first joined AMAC in 2016 when I was working for Qdoba, Jack in the Box and IHOP/Applebee's as a business development manager. Through AMAC I was able to network with industry leaders and seek new business opportunities in airport concessions for the brands I represented. However, as I got more involved and learned more about AMAC's mission it was clear to me that I wanted to be more involved. I noticed the organization needed more diversity in representing various minority groups such as Latinos and thought I could help make that difference. In efforts to be more involved, in 2017 I requested to assist in the planning of the 2018 AMAC Conference in Los Angeles, CA. Later in 2018, once the annual conference concluded the then newly elected Chairman of AMAC John D. Clark offered me the opportunity to serve as the Chair of the Governance and Ethics Committee from 2018 - 2020. Unfortunately, in the last months of service of this term COVID-19 surfaced and severely impacted the aviation industry. Additionally new challenges related to racial inequality and discrimination surfaced in our nation. It was clear to me that this was a time that AMAC needed leadership and committed members more than ever to help fight for what is just and right, all in the middle of one of the most challenging economic times in this industry. In June 2020 a position in the Board of Directors became available and the newly elected Chairman of the Board Ricky Smith invited me as an appointed Secretary of the Board which I accepted. Although the task is challenging it has been an honor to be given this opportunity and to represent women and the Latino community at AMAC in a leadership role.

Can you share some of the road blocks that were teachable moments for you along your professional journey?
Learning English! I'm an immigrant from Mexico and when I initially moved to the US my English was not fluent. I took an entry level job at UPS at an office where no one spoke Spanish. I also had non-Spanish speaking roommates. So whether at work or at home I could't take a break from English and had no one to help me translate. It was hard! Many times I would come back from work with a headache from the mental effort listening English over the phone and constantly translating English to Spanish in my mind. Eventually I was offered a better position where I faced with the next challenge of writing business emails in English. I used to print emails co-workers sent to clients and later copy the words and phrases used in those emails in my messages to my clients. It would've been easier to apply for a bilingual job. However, I knew that in order to be successful I needed to dominate the English language, so I kept going. I knew the struggle would be temporary and my future self would thank me later. Fast forward many years later I'm thankful for this experience and the opportunities I was able to forge for myself through this effort.

Which lessons learned would you teach to aspiring professionals?
Challenge yourself and be comfortable being uncomfortable. Growth doesn't come without pain and sacrifice. This is true at any point in anyone's life. However, young professionals are just getting started and have so much more to learn and a longer journey ahead. The more young professionals expose themselves to challenges the more growth they will experience which will lead to better opportunities.

What's your favorite moment of your professional career so far?
When I was working as a business development manager for UPS we were bidding for a high profile project no one believed we had a chance to win. I was leading the effort alone and received no internal support as no resources were approved to be allocated to losing efforts. It took a lot of work and sleepless nights, and besides all odds we won the RFP! Everyone was surprised including myself. It is to this day one of the most joyful moments of my career and it reinforced for me that many times we have the power to shape our success if led with dedication, work ethic and passion.

Steve leads Jacobs’ Americas Aviation market, providing strategic advisory consulting and project delivery oversight services to our clients and aviation project teams. Leveraging more than 30 years of experience in airport planning, environmental, design, engineering, architecture, security, and program management and construction management (PM/CM), he delivers solutions and services to respond to our client’s challenges. Steve supports international, domestic, and military airport projects of all sizes and levels of complexity across the U.S. and around the world.

Steve’s commitment to and passion for aviation has driven his long-term involvement in numerous professional organizations focused on the latest technologies, project approaches, best practices and emerging issues. Steve has participated in various committees with the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE), Airports Council International (ACI – both North America and Asia-Pacific organizations) and Airport Consultants Council (ACC). He is currently a member of the Aero Club of Washington and serves on the boards of ACC, ACI World Business Partners, the International Association of Airport Executives, AMAC, and Tony Jannus Distinguished Aviation Society.

What does AMAC mean to you? Why do you join each year?”
AMAC allows me to learn, share and grow within the aviation marketplace. I have learned so much from the AMAC family who have given me such a warm reception. I have been given the opportunity to contribute to the growth of diverse firms, airport communities and individuals who love aviation as much as I do and I find it highly rewarding. It has certainly benefited us at Jacobs too. Over the last 6 years, I have met new firms that we have gone on to work on local and regional opportunities while fostering mentor protégé successes. AMAC provides different perspectives on all sorts of levels.

When did you join AMAC? Why did you join AMAC?
AMAC has been a great experience and learning environment for me. With over 30+ years in the aviation market, I was aware of AMAC and yet never attended or was involved. Six years-ago a good friend and colleague, Gabriele Mack came to me and shared her journey and was curious to mine. Gabriele encouraged me to just share what I was thinking and feeling. We agreed to partner and attend AMAC events together. What a gift AMAC was to walk with her and meet so many new friends. I have not missed an AMAC event since and in fact I have sponsored several of our younger and diverse employees to join and attend AMAC conferences. Being asked to be on the AMAC board was indeed an honor. It is very rewarding to see both Jacobs’ and my own personal growth with AMAC.

Why did you choose to do what you do now? What is your WHY?
I was always told to “do what you enjoy and work hard.” My first 5 years in the professional world I worked hard, but did not enjoy what I was doing. I would cringe when I told friends and family what I did for a living. Then a terrific gentleman, Ed Waltemath, worked with me on some airport projects and conferences. In fact, it was around this time (1992) when I met the great Leon Watkins. I loved being onsite and watching planes take-off and land. The smell of Jet-A! The hustle and the bustle of an airport regardless of size. The people were/are amazing. I was hooked. My hard work paid off as I was in an environment where I thrived and excelled. I would “almost” do it for free! My “Why” is now evolving as I think about the legacy I want to leave. I want to continue to mentor and help younger professionals (of all races) get the same taste, smell and passion for aviation that Mr. Waltemath bestowed to me all those years ago. Most professionals stumble into Aviation as I did so I look forward to getting into schools and communities to promote aviation as a career choice. Come join me!

What should people know about your company?
Fun question-- 5-6 years ago I would have provided a different response. True, we are a large company, but our aviation team is personal and close knit. We work hard every day to support one another and our client communities. We know the more we communicate and bring a broad array of solutions, the more we grow with our clients. So, while Jacobs is large, business and relationships are local. Our specialized and talented team of aviation professionals are committed to helping our clients find local solutions through different service disciplines. A few years back we made a conscious decision to develop inclusion and diversity initiatives in everything we do which not only helped us gain a greater appreciation for one another it also helped us create better solutions for our diverse client communities as well as create economic opportunities for community based and diverse businesses. A diverse and inclusive culture is certainly present. So, what should you know? We are a team of active, passionate and dedicated aviation professionals that are connected, accepting, and growing in our diversity, and willing to collaborate with small and diverse firms and airports to improve aviation performance and the experience.

What we do is more than a job, we work every day to make the world better for all. Everything we do – from addressing contaminated dirt on an airfield to addressing health in our terminals. We work hard to enhance your seamless passage while protecting against sophisticated cyberattacks. They’re our challenges as human beings, too.

That is why we bring a thoughtful and collaborative approach to every one of our partnerships. We know we can help our partners make a positive impact on the world. We lead project teams of all sizes with many different companies and agencies, but make sure everyone’s voice has a chance to be heard and respected. At Jacobs, we make the world smarter, more connected and more sustainable.

What, in your opinion, is the most important service AMAC provides to its members? To the industry? 
AMAC is uniquely positioned to bring stakeholders together to make our aviation industry more diverse and more connected. It has done an outstanding job of bringing diverse businesses and individuals into a forum for education and business development. It can also be the facilitator for more meaningful dialogue that will lead to positive change and greater accountability through courageous conversations. AMAC membership is made up of 4 distinct stakeholder groups: Airports, Large Businesses, Minority businesses and Individual Memberships. A greater focus to ensure that programming and benefits that support each of these groups and the individuals that represent them, would increase member experience, and contribute to the industry. AMAC is the organization to mentor and guide airports, companies, and individuals to value and grow from Inclusion and Diversity.

Guilty Pleasure: What can you not live without?
Being outside, especially on the weekends and doing “something.” Gardening, fishing, hunting, golfing, running and walking with my wife, Sarah, and our two dogs (Jackson and Nelson). I recently heard that “when life gives you challenges, go work the earth and the answers will works themselves out.”

Dwight H. Pullen, Jr. is a National Core Market Leader for DPR Construction focusing on Customer Experience, Account Management and the Aviation Market. In this role at DPR, Dwight focuses on strategic growth in the airport sector, profitability, operational excellence, growing talent and maximizing customer engagement.

Dwight previously led the Aviation Center of Excellence for Skanska USA Building overseeing aviation construction in the U.S. advising clients on building strategies to plan, design and build efficient, forward-looking airport facilities. Under his leadership and guidance, Skanska ranked #2 in Engineering News-Record’s (ENR) in the Airport Construction category and Building Design + Construction (BD+C) for Airport Terminals. At CH2MHill (now Jacobs) he was the Vice President and Global Director of Aviation responsible for driving global strategy, growth and profitability. He also served as a Vice President and Principal Program Manager for Parsons Corporation, where he led the Denver International Airport’s South Terminal Redevelopment Program ($500 million), and the Abu Dhabi International Airport Expansion Program ($7.6 billion) in the United Arab Emirates. At H. J. Russell, he directed the successful delivery of the 5th Runway expansion ($1.2 billion) at the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Read Dwight's full bio.

When did you join AMAC? Why did you join AMAC?
I joined AMAC in 2010 and attended my first Annual Airport Business Diversity Conference in Fort Worth, Texas in June 2011. In 2000, I lived in Atlanta, GA and worked as a Program Manager for H.J. Russell & Company at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on the Development Program. At that time, I did not truly understand AMAC’s value. Once I left Atlanta and to work on airports overseas and across the U.S., I realized that AMAC was not just a trade organization. I joined AMAC to be a part of a community of professionals, and those professionals just so happened to look like me.

Why did you choose to do what you do now? What is your WHY?
I am a Civil Engineer that has worked in Airport Infrastructure and Development for over 25 years. I have worked for Engineering and Construction companies my entire career. As a young man growing up in Pittsburgh, PA, I dreamed of working for H.J. Russell & Company. I learned what it means to build during my early years at H.J. Russell & Company. My ‘why?’ is centered around Building. I don’t just build projects, I build communities, I build teams, I build people, I build relationships and I build futures. I now work for a builder (DPR Construction) that has the purpose…We Exist to Build Great Things.

Describe your career path. What led you to where you are today?
The first 15 years (1995 to 2010) of my career were focused on project delivery on large capital programs, specifically airports. I worked for 3 different company during this period. Two Black-owned Program Management/Construction firms (A.G. Gaston Construction and H. J. Russell & Company) and one global engineering firm (Parsons Corporation). The last 11+ years of my career have been focused on Market leadership in Aviation. As a market leader I led people, strategy, business development, projects, programs, profit and loss. During this period, I worked for 3 different companies. One global engineering (CH2MHill) firm and two global contractors (Skanska and DPR Construction). What led me to where I am today is building relationships, walking in humility, operating in integrity and being authentic.

What are you reading or listening to (books, music, podcasts, etc.)?
Books:

• BE 2.0 (Beyond Entrepreneurship) by Jim Collins, Bill Lazier
• A Promise Land by Barack Obama
• Tribe of Millionaires by David Osborn, Pat Hiban, Mike McCarthy, Tim Rhode
• Experiencing Father’s Embrace by Jack Frost

Music:

• Kirk Whalum Radio on Pandora
• Afrobeats on Pandora

Podcast:

• The John Maxwell Leadership Podcast
• Craig Groeschel Leadership Podcast
• A bit of optimism with Simon Sinek
• Encounter, a Christian meditation Podcast
• 1619, a New York Times Podcast

Jorge is the CEO of Avports, America’s most experienced and trusted airport operator and manager at ten US airports. Avports is currently owned by West Street Infrastructure Partners III, a family of infrastructure investment funds managed by the Merchant Banking Division of The Goldman Sachs Group.

Jorge’s airport management and P3 (public-private partnership) investment career spans over thirteen years. As Co-Founding Vice President, he previously led business development for the Carlyle Airport Group (The Carlyle Group’s airport platform). During his tenure he co-led the proposal to redevelop the $7 billion Terminal One at JFK Airport, the largest P3 airport infrastructure project in US history.

What does AMAC mean to you? Why do you join each year?
AMAC provides a voice to underrepresented groups so we can achieve racial equity and full inclusion in our industry. As a minority this struggle is personal to me. I recognize while we have made racial progress in the US, we still have a long way before we achieve racial equity. Organizations such as AMAC have been instrumental to my professional success and I would not be in a senior executive position if it were not for them. Participating in AMAC is a way to give back and open the way for other minorities to have more opportunities, so we can achieve diverse representation, inclusion and ultimately racial equity. I wholeheartedly believe it’s our differences that make us stronger, not our similarities.

How have you been involved with AMAC since you joined?
I first learned about AMAC when I was invited to speak on an airport CEO Panel at the 2019 AMAC’s Annual Airport Business Diversity Conference. I was instantly impressed by AMAC. I not only signed up to volunteer on a committee, but I also brought along the rest of my executive team to volunteer. Today, I proudly volunteer on the Membership Committee where I have the privilege of working with other leaders in our industry such as the fearless Committee Chair Tosin Kasali.

Why did you choose to do what you do now? What is your WHY?
For me, working in economic and social development has been a life-long passion for me.  I have learned that the best development outcome is when the public sector partners with the private sector. Working for a private airport operator, developer and investor in airport public-private partnerships (P3s) has allowed me to fulfill this passion of mine. I have been fortunate to benefit from organizations such as AMAC who have provided me with great academic and professional opportunities that are difficult - and at times impossible - for minorities to access. I feel a personal responsibility to give back and pave the way so other minorities can also be empowered through our industry.

What should people know about your company?
Avports, a proud member of AMAC, was founded in 1927 as a division of Pan Am World Airways. We are the longest tenured airport operator and manager in the world. As one of the few private airport operators in the US, we provide an alternative for airport authorities and local governments who are looking to partner within the private sector to inject private sector innovation and efficiencies in the management of their airport. While Avports is not an MWBE, we strive to be like one as a diverse and inclusive organization. Of the 650 people that work at Avports, over 38% identify as minority and in some of our airport sites we have over 60% minority representation. Under my tenure, we have worked hard to ensure our management is equally diverse while amplifying the voices of our employees from underrepresented groups.

Describe your career path. What led you to where you are today?
My intellectual curiosity and openness led me to explore different career paths. I was exposed to the full range of functions at airports within the US and abroad, including airport public-private partnerships (P3s). I have found airport P3s to be one of the most dynamic areas of our industry and for more than a decade, I have been able to work with major P3 airport operators, along with institutional and strategic investors. I have learned to use my diverse skill-set, experiences and background as my strength. I admit I am a “jack of all trades” and a “master of none,” but this diversity of skill-set, combined with experiences, a talent to manage teams and my strategic mindset has made me well-suited to succeed as a CEO of an airport management company. I am a continuous learner and relentless in my self-improvement. Organizations such as AMAC who are focused on the development of minorities and racial equity, have equipped and provided me with the necessary confidence and tools to not only know that I can be at the decision-makers table, but also that I can succeed at said table.

I serve as Vice President of Sales for Clear Channel Airports (CCA). CCA has successfully developed and maintained the most comprehensive network of major airports in North America. Additionally, CCA offers the Pinnacle Collection, the nation’s largest collection of private aircraft facilities. In this role I am responsible for media sales and marketing with expertise in both client direct and agency sales development. Maintaining close relationships with direct clients and key buyers at some of the largest advertising agencies in the U.S. to develop strategic marketing and branding campaigns; to help their companies and clients reach a captive audience of professional, business oriented and financially savvy frequent traveler. During my 25-year career at CCA and iheart Media, formerly Clear Channel Radio. I have billed over $900 million in advertising sales in over 80 Airports including US, Canada, Caribbean and Latin America, as well as the iheart cluster in Philadelphia. In recent years, I was the division recipient for the Clear Channel Presidents Club Award. This prestigious recognition is given to the most valuable member of the team representing the true cornerstone of the division’s performance. I graduated from Hampton Institute, now Hampton University with a Degree in Political Science.

Hobbies:  Avid Golfer

What does AMAC mean to you? Why do you join each year?”
When I first joined AMAC, I did it because someone close to me asked me to become a member. After being involved and getting to know more about AMAC. I’m honored to be a part of this organization. To me AMAC means family, the Professional Family that I didn’t know I needed. I will continue to renew my membership each year because I thrive on the energy and motivation that I receive from other AMAC members.

What do you value most about being an active AMAC member?
Diversity: Being a part of an organization that is making a difference in the lives of its members, and how AMAC’s corporate partners make a difference in the lives of the people they employ by making sure that these partners contribute and commit to diversity. In addition, AMAC’s openness to new people, new ideas and helping to foster a new generation of professionals is what I value most about AMAC.

What are you reading or listening to (books, music, podcast, etc)?
I’m listening to several characters inside my head. I’m in the process of writing a fictional novel, and if I may say so myself, it is very good. I started writing to help relieve the tension of being cooped in my home during the pandemic.

What was your dream job as a kid?
I wanted to become a Broadway Actress, and perform in front of an audience every night.

Guilty Pleasure: What can you not live without?
Korean Dramas on Netflix. They absolutely saved my life and kept me from becoming completely homicidal during the pandemic of 2020. 🙂

Marian Van Poppel, Founder and Managing Partner of MVP Sales + Marketing, leads the strategic marketing company that focuses on sales strategy, media and marketing. Marian's expertise in cultivating partnerships with prime contractors in airports has allowed the ACDBE firm to create sales and marketing programs for airport advertising in Atlanta, Chicago, New York and Washington DC. Marian has served as an MWBE partner on the team for wayfinding design strategy at Denver International Airport with Mijksenaar. Worked with TalkBox Privacy Booths developing public sales strategy/product development and serves as business development strategist for Dynamic Data Analytics. Marian's background in the media and printing world with Clear Channel Airports, Adams Outdoor, Gannett and MetroMedia Technologies provided the experience to deliver solutions with maximum impact. When her customers win, she wins and the entire organization benefits from the service and quality care she gives in making partnerships thrive to new heights.

How have you been involved with AMAC since you joined?
While I was actively following AMAC and attending annual conferences, it wasn't until the pandemic that I took the opportunity to become a member. I quickly realized what I had been missing as the organization is so much more than an annual conference. I was immediately tapped to work on the Communications Committee and while it is an honor to contribute, I have personally gained so much in the process. I have broadened my knowledge of the industry, connected with many leaders and have deepened my knowledge through the extensive AMAC programming.

What was your dream job as a kid?

When I was a kid, I wanted to be Darren Stevens from "Bewitched". I thought it would be so cool to make creative pitches to companies. Little did I realize that the pitch was just a small bit in a very long process!

How do you start your day? Do you have a special morning routine?

I started a meditation practice about 3 years ago and now I do a guided meditation each day along with journal writing. I must admit it was a struggle at the get go, but now it is a habit and a gentle way to begin my day.

Can you share some of the road blocks that were teachable moments for you along your professional journey? Which lessons learned would you teach to aspiring professionals?

When you have that new contract you have worked so hard for, don't sit back and rest, keep your promises and elevate your input. Arrogance will ultimately lead to a correction.

Michael co-founded Palazzo Concessions, as an airport concession services firm in 2009. His company manages joint venture agreements with several national prime concession entities, including The Hudson Group, Norm Nixon, Magic Johnson Enterprises, and HMS Host International. Palazzo Concessions’ ownership interest is currently located in four airports; Los Angeles International Airport, Hollywood Burbank Airport, San Francisco International Airport, and Portland International Airport. While building Palazzo Concessions, Michael served as the General Manager of the Le Meridien San Francisco. Before his transition to the Bay Area, he was the General Manager of The Sheraton Gateway Hotel Los Angeles. Michael also has an extensive background in the construction and renovation of Hotels in addition to the West Angeles Cathedral. Michael is a graduate of Pepperdine University Graziadio Business School, earning the prestigious President and Key Executive, Master of Business Administration degree. He also graduated from Columbus State Community College and The Ohio State University. He enjoys cycling, golf, and travel with his best friend and wife, Stasia Washington. Read his full bio.

What does AMAC mean to you? Why do you join each year?
AMAC is truly an amazing organization that demonstrates reliability and professionalism while being a family that supports each other to be their best! AMAC provide tools, resources and opportunities for members to possess, apply and continually develop the specific technical knowledge, and function expertise needed to succeed in the airport ecosystem. That is why being a member is essential. I strongly encourage individuals and firms to join us as we continue learning from industry leaders' level of expertise in driving continuous improvement and sharing best practices that are unmatched. Therefore, our firm Palazzo Concessions and my business partner Simeon Stewart have been members since 2009.

Describe your career path. What led you to where you are today?
I worked in the hospitality industry as a Hotel General Manager for Starwood Hotels and Resorts for over ten years. While managing the Sheraton Gateway Los Angeles Hotel, I had many Airport Executives from LAX, friends in the business, small business operators and ACDBEs introduce and encouraged me to enter the Airport Concessions business. My background in managing restaurants, gift shops, rental car operations, parking and transportation lends itself to be ideal while pursuing entrepreneurship. I then decided to partner with an experienced Duty-Free Executive, Simeon Stewart, a good friend, and we formed Palazzo Concessions. We currently have Joint Venture operations at Los Angeles International Airport, Hollywood Burbank Airport, San Francisco International Airport and soon Portland International Airport.

What is the one recommendation you would make to new companies getting started in this industry?
Airport concessions can be a challenging business but lucrative if you do your homework. Before you sign that deal, fully understand the financials before committing. Some people are excited about being included on a team or winning the contract, however not all deals are good deals. Question the pro-forma to ensure the numbers are realistic, including the enplanements; this is a cash flow business! My business partner and I have turned down many opportunities due to lack of cash flow, type of brand, partners, price cap, location in the terminal, high capital expenditures, the term not enough to cover your investment, etc. Do not be afraid to get an outside consultant or other AMAC leaders to guide you through the process. Also, do not quit your day job until you have enough revenue to replace your profession.

What is your "walk-on" song? What would you like played when you walk on stage?
A gospel song called "We made it" By Hezekiah Walker. Some of the lyrics go like this.
We made it; we survived
When the enemy came in to threaten our lives
God lifted a standard
Devine protection
No weapon formed shall prosper against us
I made it thus far by faith
My future's brighter than my today
I am holding on to my praise; I made it
I survived
I am a Survivor!

This song is appropriate as we see hope, surviving COVID-19.
Peace

Yolanda Woodruff has 24 years of airport program and property management experience and works within Unison Consulting’s retail concessions planning and management practice. Ms. Woodruff’s responsibilities include stakeholder relationship management, oversight of the day-to-day concession operations with oversight of the lease accounting, lease compliance, lease administration and lease audit functions. Ms. Woodruff also has oversight of the federal and local affirmative action programs (ACDBE/DBE/MBE/WBE) relating to airport concessions.

Ms. Woodruff has extensive experience in conducting and coordinating outreach sessions, small business workshops, symposiums, supplier diversity workshops, concession employee career fairs, as well as, experience in implementing concession secret shop programs and developing concession employee customer service training content.

When did you join AMAC? Why did you join AMAC?
Unison Consulting has been a member of AMAC for more than 30 years. However, after my very first conference in 2005, I became actively involved in AMAC because I personally shared AMAC's vision of inclusion and equity in the aerospace industry. AMAC was a powerful, cohesive voice for those who were traditionally left out of the conversation at the decision making table. Realizing how diligently AMAC worked behind the scenes on its legislative agenda to move the mission of inclusion forward, I wanted to be involved in this organization that clearly has the ability to impact change at the highest levels of government.

2020 was rough for everyone. Can you share something with readers that’s a positive outcome? Maybe something you’ve learned or someone who has inspired you?
The era of COVID ushered in a season of learning for us all. The hardest hit were airport concessionaires, most of whom were experiencing tremendous success during January and February 2020. Airport concessionaires were devastated with nowhere to turn for the support needed to navigate this unprecedented event. Unison Consulting’s immediate response was to ascertain the gravity of the situation that concessionaires were in and to gain the necessary knowledge to communicate effectively with concessionaires and provide the support and guidance needed during a time of devastating uncertainty.

Our teams jumped into action, gathering all information available from the Chicago Department of Aviation, CDC, CDPH, OSHA, The White House, ARRA, SBA and any other forum that could provide insight into what to expect from and how to operate during the pandemic. With that knowledge, Unison consulted with and provided specific guidance and best practices to each concessionaire that continued to operate during COVID as well as to those concessionaires that were returning to operations during the pandemic.

After many months of hard work and perseverance, our concessions program is now poised to offer a customer-centric passenger experience, conveying a clean, safe concession experience. What I learned from the experience is together we are powerful. And when we work together toward a common goal, we have the unlimited potential to successfully rise above challenges that may seem insurmountable. It was extremely satisfying for me and my team to be of service to our concessionaires, providing them with the tools to remain focused on being of service to our passengers.

What, in your opinion, is the most important service AMAC provides to its members? To the industry?
The most important service AMAC provides to its members is access to educational resources and information on how to be successful in the airport industry, a platform to connect and communicate directly with decision makers and access to a network of like-minded professionals and business owners, who share in the achievement of the noble goal of full participation of minorities and women in employment and contracting opportunities throughout the aviation and aerospace industries.

What are you reading or listening to (books, music, podcasts, etc.)?
I love to read, so I use three platforms, aside from physical books, to increase how much I can read and to choose how I read or listen. I use Blinkist, Audible (at 1.25x), and of course Kindle. Right now, across those platforms and in physical books, I am reading The Laser Fund by Doug Andrew, Your Next Five Moves by Patrick Bet-David, Atomic Habits by James Clear, How to Fail at Almost Everything and Still Win Big by Scott Adams, Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand, How Women Rise by Sally Helgesen, and You Win in the Locker Room First by Jon Gordon. My focus is on a positive mindset of growth, both personal and professional.

Shawnta Young is an Operations and Marketing Manager for Midway Partnership a joint venture comprised of some of the top companies in the aviation industry. She has 14-year career working in operations. Before working with Midway Partnership, Shawnta was a General Manager for several big-box retailers. Shawnta originally studied to become a Journalist until she noticed her gift of working in retail customer service. Earning and B. A and a B.S in Business Management, Shawnta was able to continue her passion becoming the youngest Assistant Manager for a Fortune 500 company.

What does AMAC mean to you? Why do you join each year?
I am new to AMAC and at a glance, it reminds me of when I was in student government. It's highly motivated people from different backgrounds who inspire to leave a footprint in their fields. I joined AMAC because I want to educate young professionals on the different resources, they are available and AMAC fits perfectly.

What, in your opinion, is the most important service AMAC provides to its members? To the industry?
AMAC is a source for networking with others in the same industry as well as meeting new people around the world. During COVID-19 times, AMAC continues to inspire with innovative ways to communicate virtually, which is how virtual connecting is bringing us together. Since I am new to the airport industry AMAC has been my one stop shop.

Describe your career path. What led you to where you are today?
I started needing to make money to save for school, so I got a job in retail. I worked on the merchandising side at first and really enjoyed it and loved interacting with the customers. I started to build a path for myself and grew up the ranks into more leadership roles in operations and people management with training and development. I was just working hard, like you do in retail, and the universe connected me to Vantage Airport Group and the amazing world of airports. Time flies but I am so proud to be a part of the Midway concessions modernization project and learning as much as I do from the whole Vantage network, and especially the leadership of Sammy Patel and Steve Ogo.

What is your favorite moment of your professional career so far?
My favorite moment I will never forget was my interview with Vantage Airport Group. My interview was in a conference room on the 16th floor of a hotel. When I walked in there was this 20 ft mahogany table with over 30 seats overlooking downtown Chicago. It was myself and three other people who would be interviewing me in the room. As I walked in with the sun shining in the room, butterflies were in my stomach, and a table this table that looked like a scene from in the movies - I knew then “Momma I made it!”

2020 was rough for everyone. Can you share something with readers that’s a positive outcome?
I’ve learned over 2020 to trust myself and my guidance. I went from going into the airport every day to trying to figure out how to work from home. It was very difficult for me the first couple of months because my whole career I have been in the office and around people. So much of what I believe in and do in operations relies on relationships and connecting with people. I learned how to turn this discomfort into a driving force to figure out new ways to think and partner with my colleagues and on project partners. Humility was a huge factor for me in 2020. I had to learn how to ask for help in areas of my work that I would not normally feel I needed help in. I would say for anyone doubting their skills during times like these, because we are having to work differently, to lean into that uncomfortableness and ask for help. That is what our teams and thought partners are for.