This March, Metropolitan Airport News focuses on women in the aviation industry and at our 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 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.
Karen Ali
Chief Operating Officer (COO) – JFK Millennium Partners (JMP)
Karen Ali was appointed Chief Operating Officer (COO) of JFK Millennium Partners (JMP) in July 2024. A key senior leadership team member, she oversees Terminal 7 operations, managing customer experience, budgeting, capital projects, risk management, and people leadership. Additionally, she plays a pivotal role during the ongoing construction of Terminal 6, working closely with capital development and construction teams to ensure a seamless transition to the new facilities, coordinating efforts in testing, commissioning, and implementation.
Gina Battagliola
Director Terminal Redevelopment – JFK International Air Terminal (JFKIAT)
Gina’s aviation career began in 1998 at JFK International Airport with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Starting in a clerical role, she quickly progressed to Assistant Office Engineer, gaining experience in various facility construction projects. In 2000, she moved to a Construction Administrator position at 1 WTC. Following the events of 9/11, she transitioned into the private sector, where she became a Senior ANSI-RAB Quality Management Systems Auditor.
Lauren Dascalopoulos
General Manager, Airport Operations – Hawaiian Airlines
Lauren Dascalopoulos is a passionate and dedicated Airline Manager with more than a decade of experience in the aviation industry. She began her career as a customer service agent and has worked her way up through hard work and a deep commitment to her teams and the industry. Today, as the General Manager for Hawaiian Airlines at JFK International Airport, Lauren oversees daily operations, driving excellence in customer service, safety, and efficiency while nurturing a culture of collaboration and high performance.
>> Read More from Lauren Dascalopoulos
Coleen DiGiorgio
Marketing Manager – VRH Construction
Coleen DiGiorgio has dedicated over 35 years to the commercial aviation industry, building a dynamic career that seamlessly bridges airport operations and aviation construction. She began on the front lines at JFK International Airport, serving as a customer service representative for TWA and later American Airlines, where she mastered the complexities of passenger flow management and critical flight scheduling in one of the nation’s busiest hubs.
>> Read More from Coleen DiGiorgio
Elida Espinosa
Regional General Manager, Airport Division – Duty Free Americas
Elida Espinosa’s career trajectory is an excellent example of growth and dedication in the travel retail industry. With over three decades of experience, she has clearly made a strong impact at Duty Free Americas. Her journey from a part-time sales associate to her current leadership role demonstrates a deep understanding of the business’s operational and customer service aspects.
>> Read More from Elida Espinosa
Vanita Jagnarain
Manager, Customer Care – American Airlines
With more than 15 years in the aviation industry, Vanita is a champion of change who enhances the overall customer experience. Vanita serves as a Manager for Customer Care at American Airlines, located in John F. Kennedy International Airport’s Terminal 8, where she helps to lead the customer care organization toward new heights, ensuring that every passenger’s journey is marked by efficiency and satisfaction. Before her tenure at American, Vanita served as the General Manager for Travelspan, a charter airline & tour operator. Beyond her career, Vanita channels her passion towards humanitarian endeavors and traveling the world.
>> Read More from Vanita Jagnarain
Jane Mrosko
Sr. Director of Program Services – Travelers Aid International
For more than twenty years, Jane Mrosko has dedicated herself to the mission of Travelers Aid International, a nonprofit organization focused on improving the travel experience for passengers. Through a network of airport programs and social service agencies, Travelers Aid provides a vital safety net for travelers in transit or distress. Since 2001, Jane has served as the Program Manager at JFK, leading a team of over 100 volunteers and staff to ensure the smooth operation of daily services.
Sarah Palmer
Deputy Program Director – Delta Air Lines
Sarah Palmer joined Delta Air Lines in March 2020. She began her career with Delta by working on the new LaGuardia Terminal C project, where she served as General Manager. In October 2021, she moved to John F. Kennedy International Airport and serves as the Deputy Program Director for the Phase 2.5 Redevelopment Project at Terminal 4.
>> Read More from Sarah Palmer
Shetl Petro
Regional Operations Manager – Fraport USA
In her current role at Fraport USA, Shetl Petro oversees leasing, contract compliance, and business intelligence functions for John F. Kennedy Airport Terminal 5 and Newark Liberty International Airport Terminal B, ensuring that all airport operations, commercial agreements, and performance metrics align with organizational goals and contribute to the growth of the business.
Vidya Ramsammy
President – Corporate Loss Prevention Associates, Inc.
Vidya Ramsammy began her career in the finance department with Corporate Loss Prevention Associates (CLPA) in 2003 and, during that time, has developed the knowledge and experience to become one of the foremost experts in the aviation industry. As the current president of CPLA, she has proven herself in many advanced training programs, including the TSA, Department of Homeland Security, and Explosive Trace Detection, and she is a New York State certified security officer trainer. Vidya’s experience has allowed her to develop and implement security policies, manage security personnel, and conduct risk assessments.
>> Read More from Vidya Ramsammy
Mercedes Rendon
Chief Financial Officer – LaGuardia Gateway Partners
As the Chief Financial Officer, Mercedes Rendon oversees all of the company’s corporate finance and manages stakeholder obligations connected to the terminal redevelopment and management. Prior to her role as CFO, Mercedes was LGP’s Controller, with responsibility for the company’s accounting operations and financial planning and reporting. A skilled finance executive, Mercedes has more than 25 years experience, including her role as SVP, Financial Controller of SmartStream Technologies. Mercedes is a graduate of Baruch College.
>> Read More from Mercedes Rendon
Elizabeth A. Schuette
President & CEO – The ARK Import Export Center, LLC
Elizabeth A. Schuette oversees daily operations, strategic and financial planning, and marketing for JFK International Airport’s animal health, reception, and quarantine center at The ARK at JFK. Opened in January 2017, The ARK provides necessary, safe and humane animal care services to airlines and their ground handling agents, shippers and brokers, corporate accounts, rescue organizations, and individuals for the import and export of all animals arriving or departing from JFK – including horses, goats, pets, zoo animals, exotics and laboratory animals. All handling staff have received extensive training in the transportation and handling of live animals. The ARK’s operations have been certified by IATA’s prestigious Center of Excellence for Independent Validators (CEIV) for Live Animal Logistics.
>> Read More from Elizabeth A. Schuette
Monisha Singla
Chief Operating Officer – M & R Concessions LLC
Monisha Singla embarked on her journey as the founder of M & R Concessions in 2013. During her formative years, Monisha honed her skills by contributing her time and talents to her father’s restaurants, savoring the flavors of the food service industry. However, her insatiable thirst for knowledge led her down a different avenue, where she pursued a dual degree in Economics and Computer Science from New York University. Monisha established her own successful enterprise in the fast-paced IT consulting world. Yet, deep within her entrepreneurial spirit, Monisha wanted to return to the airport environment.
>> Read More from Monisha Singla
Marisa Von Wieding
Vice President of Operations – The New Terminal One at JFK
Marisa Von Wieding is Vice President of Operations at The New Terminal One at JFK, the developer and operator of a new all-international terminal in New York. She oversees the operations and customer experience at the terminal, which will transform the international travel experience to and from New York. Prior to joining The New Terminal One, Marisa led operations and guest experience at the successful redevelopment of LaGuardia Terminal B.
>> Read More from Marisa Von Wieding
