How did you get started in aviation?
“I worked at a ski resort for years doing international sales, working with travel agents and tour operators. When I was ready for change, I found a private aviation company looking for someone with travel agent experience and thought that would be fun. Fifteen years and three companies later, it still is!”
- Jude Dineen, Senior Aviation Advisor
“My parents purchased their first private aircraft when I was 3. I began working on my private pilot’s license at 14, so it only made sense when it was time for me to do an internship class in high school that I try to work at the FBO near my house. As I was only 17 at the time, they could not hire me, but I found a workaround. I had to complete 60 hours for my internship class, so I offered to work for him for free for two months (until my 18th birthday). This allowed my new boss to get my training out of the way for free and reserved my spot for employment once I was old enough. He liked the word “free,” so that is how my accidental career in private aviation began.”
- Ashleigh Brown, Senior Flight Advisor
What does Women’s History Month mean to you?
“It’s very encouraging to look back and see how far women have come over the decades. I am grateful for what all women in the past have done to get us to where we are today. I feel responsible for helping continue to push that bar as far as I can so women in the future will be even closer to the equality we all are worthy of and deserve.”
- Bethany Ard, Aviation Sales Advisor
“To me, Women’s History Month is a time to remember and honor all those women who have fought for our rights, many losing their lives in the process. As women, we have a great opportunity and responsibility to change the status quo and forge a new future for ourselves and generations to come..”
- Mirna Asalde, Aviation Sales Advisor
“History tends to highlight only the most memorable women. The spotlight of Women’s History Month lets us focus on those lesser-known women who were big-time players in shaping the world. Big or small, we now get to honor those created, invented, or innovated during eras where women had less of a voice.”
- Lindsey Turcotte, Senior Aviation Sales Manager
If any, what challenges have you experienced as a woman in aviation?
“Everything that may be seen as a challenge to others, I’ve seen it as an opportunity to grow.”
- Polina Johnson, Director of Client Services
“I was once hired to manage an aviation team, having replaced another male aviation manager. Only to find out months later I was earning half the salary he was during his employment timeframe there. It’s incredible in today’s world this still continues.”
- Lori Kennedy, Aviation Sales Advisor
“I believe everyone has struggles in any career they are going into. I have always been surrounded by extremely encouraging coworkers and bosses with only a couple of exceptions. That being said, I have always said that pilots are their own brand of humans. It does take some practice to learn the best ways to interact with them to make everyone happy. As women, we are always subjected to the off-hand comments, but it is not anything to write home about. I think the biggest challenge has been customers taking me seriously as a young woman.”
- Ashleigh Brown, Senior Flight Advisor
What does leadership mean to you?
“No one has made comments or gestures for Women’s History Month in the past, so I didn’t even know it existed. These things should be front of mind every day, especially in an industry lacking female diversity in many sectors even today.”
- Kayla Marks, Director of Wholesale
“I believe leaders are found throughout all levels, and they encourage others to take the actions they need in order to succeed. ”
- Lori Kennedy, Aviation Sales Advisor
“Leadership means listening to the ones you lead, having compassion, and understanding the human aspect in your relationships with your colleagues. It means you care and give structure to those who look up to you. It means giving constructive guidance in a healthy and structured way.”
- Caroline Gamst, Senior Flight Advisor
What is your favorite part about your job at CFG?
“The team! Very supportive environment, and we definitely cheer each other on and help one another. It is a very collaborative place to work, and the technology is amazing. The goal at CFG is to take care of the client always, and I love that the CEO has established and supported this culture in everything we do. Plus, talking about private jets all day long is kind of cool. : )”
- Jude Dineen, Senior Aviation Advisor
“1 – I am a puzzler & problem solver by nature. At CFG, every request is like putting together a puzzle. Daily, I get to match a client’s request with a plane that creates a perfect fit for their trip. 2- CFG & Jordan Brown place an enormous amount of value on the women in our team. I have NEVER worked anywhere where I have felt as respected & valued as I do at CFG.”
- Lindsey Turcotte, Senior Aviation Sales Manager
“My favorite part of my job here at CFG is being the go-to for training and procedures; realistically, this means I am the first friendly face new members of the team get to interact with, and I set the tone for what can be expected. I like to think this translates to facilitating a healthy, team-focused work culture right from the start.”
- Kayla Marks, Director of Wholesale
