A Salute to Women Who “Dare to Dream"

FEATURE ARTICLE

A Salute to Women Who “Dare to Dream"
By DeAllous Smith

A field of dreams is a fascinating place where the rules are simple: there are no rules. Anything is possible. Just ask a young girl about her career aspirations and words like ballerina, nurse, singer, lawyer and princess come to mind.

In honor of leaders -- past, present and future -- who dream, the world’s busiest airport saluted women in aviation during a special program March 27 at the Atlanta Airport Marriott.

“We were delighted to host our second program in observance of Women’s History Month,” said Tracy Gilbert, special programs manager. During the event, Airport officials acknowledged 28 Department of Aviation female employees who exhibit outstanding leadership, customer service and a commitment to excellence.

A selection committee chose the honorees after reviewing entries from business unit managers and peers. “Throughout the world, women have made significant strides in moving the needle towards workplace equality,” said Gilbert. This program is an opportunity to show appreciation to our employees while serving as a mentoring opportunity for future generations.”

The program featured a parade of the honorees and video presentation, a Dress For Success fashion show and a panel discussion. Pre-event activities included on-site cosmetics and skin care consultations from Bare Escentuals, a jewelry display from S. Kenny Designs and massage therapy treatments by Massage Envy.

Panelists included Jackie Sweatt-Essick, environmental program manager, Federal Aviation Administration; Sandy Gordon, vice president of in-flight service, Delta Air Lines; Peggy Sauer-Clark, vice president of in-flight service, AirTran Airways; Jill Myers, senior director of property management and leasing, HMS Host; Beverly Harvard, deputy federal security director, Transportation Security Administration and Kathryn Masters, senior civil engineer, planning and development, Hartsfield-Jackson.

More than 80 female students from the Airport’s various Partners in Education schools also attended the event. The M.D. Roberts Middle School Girls Chorus of Jonesboro performed.

Charlotte Bassett – Atlanta Police

Sarah Berry – Marketing and Business Development

Melva Brown – Executive Office

Janice Bryan Maintenance

Debra Billings – Maintenance

Delores Coleman – Maintenance

Melody Dunn – Atlanta Police

Dawn Daniels-Muhammad – Information Services Division

Mattie Davis – Maintenance

Lillie Echols – Maintenance

Shawanda Freeman – Contracts Division

Gail Feltman – Planning & Development

Erinn Graham – Information Services Division

Johnnie-Lou Hallett – Security

Kareba Hubbard – Information Services Division

Mar Jimenez – Executive Conference Center

Sharon Jones – Information Services Division

Sandra Johnson-Moore – Maintenance

Karen Korir – Planning & Development

Michelle Longmore – Information Services Division

Letitia Lopez – Maintenance

Gloria McCain – Atlanta Police Department

Marshan Oden – Human Resources

Sylvia O’Neal – Office of Public Affairs

Milyn Pregge – Finance

Katie Stanciel – Parking

Nancy Sands – Maintenance

Joyce Tomlinson – Ground Transportation