Jane Mrosko

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. 

Recently promoted to Director of Program Services, Jane now oversees the development and growth of Travelers Aid programs across the country, extending their impact far beyond JFK. Her deep passion for her work, along with her unwavering commitment to supporting her colleagues, helps foster the continued success and sustainability of these vital programs.

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How did you get your start working at the airports or in aviation?

Jane Mrosko: After earning my MSW from the University of Minnesota, I began my career in medical social work, where I had the privilege of working alongside an exceptional team of healthcare providers. Together, we guided immigrants and refugees through the complexities of the healthcare system, ensuring they received the care they needed.

A move from the Midwest to Queens, NY, led me to the program manager position at John F. Kennedy International Airport, where I now help fulfill Travelers Aid’s mission of supporting people in transit and distress. 

In this role, I am fortunate to lead a dedicated team of volunteers and staff who offer their time, compassion, and expertise to make a meaningful difference in the lives of passengers. Each day, I am inspired by their selflessness and the positive impact we can have in such a unique and dynamic environment. It is truly a privilege to be part of a community of individuals committed to helping others and uplifting the human experience.

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

Jane Mrosko: Travelers Aid proudly welcomes and hosts students seeking to explore the aviation field while developing crucial skills for both their professional and personal growth. Our current roster includes students from local colleges, high schools, and middle schools, all passionate about aviation and eager to gain valuable exposure in the airport environment. Through their volunteer work, students learn about diverse career opportunities, build essential job skills, and earn community service hours—all while pursuing something they truly care about.

We are proud to partner with several local high schools and New York City’s Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP), which connects students to career exploration opportunities, and with Cultural Vistas, an organization that fosters meaningful international exchange experiences. 

For several years, we have had the privilege of hosting students from Korea, interested in aviation and hospitality, enriching our program with their unique perspectives.

These students, both locally and globally, bring fresh insights that not only enhance our work but also create a more impactful and meaningful experience for everyone involved.

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

Jane Mrosko: Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of working alongside many inspiring women whose perseverance, hard work, and leadership have greatly influenced my own professional journey. I firmly believe that a diverse workforce, one that reflects the community we serve, is key to our collective success. I am deeply grateful to be part of such an incredible group of peers and leaders at JFK, within the Travelers Aid International organization, and in the broader industry—each of whom is dedicated to fostering inclusivity and innovation. The impact of their contributions to Travelers Aid and JFK is immeasurable, particularly their resilience and compassion for others.

I am especially proud to witness the growing presence of women in aviation, with students and frontline workers being trained and mentored to become the next generation of leaders in this field.

On behalf of Travelers Aid, I would also like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, as well as to the JFKIAT team, for their unwavering support and for creating opportunities that allow our program to enhance the experience of all those who pass through JFK Airport. Thank you for being part of this journey.

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

Jane Mrosko: For over 20 years at JFK, our dedicated team of frontline volunteers and staff has provided essential care and support to travelers at a critical moment in their lives. Whether they are embarking on a vacation, traveling for work, visiting a sick loved one, fleeing an unsafe situation, or starting a new chapter, we have had the privilege of witnessing and assisting with their journeys.

Travelers Aid has played a vital role in reuniting people with their belongings, helping passengers with disabilities, and offering support to stranded individuals. Some of the most memorable moments include a woman from Africa arriving on a one-way ticket for a nanny position that she thought was confirmed, a woman with dementia arriving to meet her husband who had passed away years earlier, a young girl from Pakistan seeking medical treatment for a rare disease, and a 70-year-old man from Ghana stranded at JFK after being unable to complete his health declaration form.

Thanks to Travelers Aid’s timely intervention and guidance, these travelers, and countless others, were able to complete their journeys and safely reach their destinations, where a support system awaited them. We are proud to be part of these transformative moments and to help ensure travelers are not alone in their time of need.