Women of Aviation: Tia

1. 

   “I find working in aviation so exciting. People often say you get bitten by the bug, and you don’t care what you’re doing as long as it’s in aviation. That’s certainly been the case for me. I really can’t picture my career five to ten years from now not being in this industry.

   My role is in sales and distribution. My team manages things like online travel agencies, group bookings, vacation package channels and more. When I think about the COVID-19 pandemic, for how challenging it has been, there have also been many opportunities that have come from it. For example, my team has had to take on many more responsibilities, and they are a lot stronger because of it.

   When I look at hiring, I am always looking for the best candidate for the role, and as it happens, I am currently leading a team of all women. Having this team of strong women, I sometimes see things like imposter syndrome and self-doubt creep in, and when I hear someone on my team speak like that, I know where they are coming from because I’ve been there. It’s so important that when it comes to women in the workplace, we empower and push them to challenge their ideas about themselves and go for those opportunities that they may think are a little bit above them.

   If there is one thing I would say to women working in aviation, it would be to let it be known where you want your career to go. There is so much opportunity in this industry and so many people who are here to support you along the way. Last year, I went to a Women in Aviation conference, and it was probably the most inspiring night I’ve ever been to. To hear from so many women who are blazing the trail in the industry really inspired me to want to do the same and to encourage those around me to do the same.”

   Tia, Leader, Sales & Distribution