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.
How did you get your start working at the airports or in aviation?
Vanita Jagnarain: Shortly after graduating from CUNY Baruch College, I was offered the role of general manager for an airline and tour operator that provided chartered services to Guyana and the Caribbean from New York. There, I had the unique opportunity to live and work in Guyana. During my 5-year tenure with the company, I learned the foundation of airline operations and was exposed to a variety of industry challenges; this laid the foundation for my passion and love of aviation. When the opportunity presented itself to join one of the legacy carriers, I transitioned to American Airlines in 2014.
Was aviation your first choice for your career?
Vanita Jagnarain: My original plan was to pursue an accounting career path far from aviation. Once my eyes were opened to the world of aviation and the airlines, there was no turning back. Having spent the last 15 years in this industry, I cannot imagine working in any other field.
Are you a member of any local airport-related civic or business groups?
Vanita Jagnarain: American Airlines currently has 20 Employee Resource Groups, and I currently sit on the executive board for our JFK Caribbean Employee Resource Group. Our members educate team members about the importance of the Caribbean markets and raise awareness about Caribbean culture. Over the years, we have made meaningful contributions to both our local community and the Terminal 8 environment, from organizing humanitarian mission trips to the Caribbean to hosting toy & canned food drives to launching unique events like our first T8 Caribbean Heritage Month Celebration and our first-ever Holi and Diwali Celebrations.
How has networking or involvement in the Airport Community benefited your career?
Vanita Jagnarain: Networking and active participation in the airport community is something I wholeheartedly support. I meet incredible people, foster collaborations, and stay in tune with the industry. Through my role with our American Airlines Caribbean Employee Resource Group, we have collaborated with the Port Authority, other airlines, and business partners. Networking played an integral part in our involvement with the Port Authority Girls in Aviation event, where we saw over 100 young aviators tour one of our 777 aircraft last fall. These experiences have not only enriched my professional network but have also instilled a deep sense of fulfillment by contributing positively to the lives of others.
What makes the New York metropolitan area unique to other aviation/airport markets?
Vanita Jagnarain: The New York Metropolitan area is one of the most culturally diverse places in the world, with dozens of ethnic enclaves and neighborhoods and hundreds of different cuisines and languages. It is a melting pot where you meet people from various countries around every corner, including at the airports. These diverse backgrounds bring countless viewpoints and experiences to the table, which inspires creative thinking and innovation.
How are the insights of women in leadership roles important in fostering innovation and the commitment to sustainability and inclusivity?
Vanita Jagnarain: The insights of women in leadership roles in aviation are crucial for fostering innovation by illuminating diverse perspectives, experiences, and thought processes, which lead to more comprehensive solutions and improved decision-making that ultimately drive the industry forward.
Studies have shown that diverse leadership teams make better decisions. When diverse minds come together, a wider range of solutions can be explored, leading to more well-rounded innovations and approaches to challenges.
American Airlines
JFK Airport, Terminal 8
Jamaica, NY 11430
www.aa.com
