Dianna Rose

Community cultivator Dianna Rose embodies growth, resilience, and intentional impact across every space she touches. A devoted woman of faith, mother, and visionary entrepreneur, she remains deeply rooted in Southeast Queens while expanding her influence across sustainability, infrastructure access, and inclusive economic advancement. Proudly balancing family, purpose, and leadership, she continues to model what mission-driven entrepreneurship looks like in practice.

As Founder and Principal of Dianna Rose & Associates, Dianna leads initiatives that bridge local businesses to institutional marketplaces, particularly within major transportation infrastructure projects. Her firm serves as program coordinator for the JFK Airport Institute of Concessions, a nationally recognized pipeline initiative designed to position minority-owned and local businesses for meaningful participation in airport redevelopment, procurement, and long-term supplier ecosystems.

Dianna is a community-focused entrepreneur and CEO of Jars of Delight, where she pioneered a zero-waste catering model across the New York area. Through CHAE Corp and The Essential Kitchen Co., she champions food equity, entrepreneurship, and workforce development in underserved communities.

She expanded MWBE access across aviation, retail, and local economies. Recognized for her work in sustainability and infrastructure inclusion, Dianna has earned multiple accolades, including honors for her role in the historic JFK Airport redevelopment.

Driven by her Caribbean heritage and immigrant roots, Dianna Rose advances economic development through equity and community ownership. By bridging public infrastructure with sustainable enterprise, she transforms vision into measurable opportunity and generational wealth.

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How did you begin your career in aviation or at the airports?

Dianna Rose: I began my aviation career, first as a Customer Service Agent, then as an Operations Control Coordinator with JetBlue Airways, from 2005 to 2012. That role provided deep exposure to airline logistics, safety coordination, and real-time operational decision-making. It sparked my appreciation for how airports function as complex ecosystems. Today, I build on that operational foundation through economic development and large scale infrastructure work focused on connecting local businesses to airport opportunities and institutional marketplace.

Was aviation your first career choice?

Dianna Rose: Maybe it was not my first career choice (I wanted to be an architect).  But aviation was my first professional industry. Over time, my focus expanded from operational execution to strategic development, particularly around business readiness, access, and economic inclusion within airport environments. I guess I myself would  be an Infrastructure Architect!

What are the essential skills that a new airport worker should possess to succeed?

Dianna Rose: Adaptability, operational awareness, strong communication, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are essential. Airports are highly coordinated environments where safety, customer experience, logistics, and infrastructure all intersect.

Did you have a mentor at the start of your career? Can you share your experience with them and how they influenced your career?

Dianna Rose: I did. And he’s still one of my mentors today. That influence continues to shape how I mentor emerging entrepreneurs today.

How has networking and involvement in the airport community benefited your career?

Dianna Rose: Networking is paramount! Because your network equals your net worth. Networking has been instrumental. Although the aviation industry is vast, it’s also very interconnected. Relationships across airlines, airport authorities, concession developers, and community stakeholders have allowed me to bridge operational knowledge with economic development opportunities.

Are you a member of any civic or business groups related to the local airport?

Dianna Rose: Yes. I previously served as a board member of Gateway JFK, an organization focused on strengthening connections between the airport, local businesses, and surrounding communities. That experience reinforced how critical collaboration is to equitable airport development.

What is the most memorable moment in your aviation career or at the airports?

Dianna Rose: Rather than a single moment, I think about the many, many times during irregular operations — weather events and operational disruptions, when aviation teams truly came together. At JetBlue, those moments showed incredible camaraderie, leadership support, and commitment to passengers. Those experiences shaped my approach to leadership and teamwork.

Are there any airport redevelopment projects that you are particularly excited to see completed?

Dianna Rose: Absolutely. Personally, as the Program Coordinator of the JFK Airport Institute of Concessions, that one stands out for me. It was designed to ensure local and diverse businesses can meaningfully participate in the historic $20+billion JFK Airport redevelopment through operational readiness, procurement navigation, and long-term sustainability support. While it’s been incredibly rewarding to see graduates already securing partnerships, contracts, and product placements, I’m especially excited to see the long-term KPIs emerge, things like sustained business growth, job creation, repeat contracting, and generational economic impact. 

That’s where we truly measure whether infrastructure investment translates into lasting community wealth.

What distinguishes the New York metropolitan area from other aviation and airport markets?

Dianna Rose: There’s truly nowhere in the world like New York City. With both JFK and LaGuardia undergoing historic multi-billion-dollar redevelopments, the region combines global passenger traffic, infrastructure modernization, and one of the most diverse entrepreneurial ecosystems anywhere. That creates extraordinary opportunity alongside operational complexity.

How has your company or institution adapted to the sustainability initiatives at our airports?

Dianna Rose: Sustainability is increasingly integrated into how businesses prepare for airport participation. Through my consulting work and community engagement, including environmental education initiatives, I emphasize responsible sourcing, operational efficiency, and environmentally conscious practices. Airports today must balance environmental stewardship with economic inclusion.

Could you share any sustainability initiatives that your company has implemented?

Dianna Rose: We focus on embedding sustainability into business readiness strategies, encouraging environmentally responsible operations, efficient packaging, and community-centered economic development approaches aligned with airport sustainability goals.

Does your company offer internships or other programs to attract young employees?

Dianna Rose: Yes. Workforce pipeline development is a priority. While working with colleges like my alma mater Hofstra University, we focus on exposure programs, mentorship, and training initiatives that introduce young professionals to aviation-related career opportunities beyond traditional roles.

What is the biggest obstacle to finding an airport job in our area?

Dianna Rose: I would have to say awareness and readiness are often the biggest barriers. Many qualified individuals don’t realize the breadth of aviation careers available or how to find them, as well as how to position themselves competitively.

Would you consider using a pilotless, autonomous electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft for short trips?

Dianna Rose: I’m open to innovation, but I’m not rushing to be first in line.

Has the shortage of airport workers in our area affected your company?

Dianna Rose: Yes, but indirectly. It underscores the importance of intentional workforce development, mentorship, and training pipelines to sustain aviation growth. The airport environment has a very high turnaround rate, so consistently finding good talent and people can be very difficult.

What measures has your company implemented to attract qualified workers?

Dianna Rose: As a project management and infrastructure firm, I’ve leaned on my networking rolodex to find qualified team members. And it has worked out beautifully for me. My team is great!

How are the insights of women in leadership roles important in fostering innovation and the commitment to sustainability and inclusivity?

Dianna Rose: When I began my aviation career, women were significantly underrepresented across many roles. Seeing the growth of women across aviation from ground operations to executive leadership has been incredibly inspiring. Research increasingly shows that gender-diverse leadership teams often drive stronger innovation, greater attention to sustainability initiatives, and more inclusive decision-making. I’ve seen that firsthand in aviation, where diverse leadership perspectives help organizations think more holistically about operational resilience, environmental responsibility, and workforce inclusion.