Women’s History Month recognizes the contributions of women in the United States, both past and present, who have strived for equal rights. The City of Philadelphia Department of Aviation honors the women in senior leadership who contribute to the success of Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) and its partners. PHL recognizes Naomi Van Winkle, senior manager of inflight operations at American Airlines.
Van Winkle leads a team of 20 managers and support staff in her role. She also manages the airline’s operational excellence by leading two American crew rooms. Additionally, her work centers on flight attendants, best supporting them and strengthening relationships with the Association of Flight Attendants (APFA). Van Winkle and her team work tirelessly to ensure flights safely depart on time. She has proudly served her company for over 13 years.
“Women’s History Month means a responsibility to carry forward the rights and fight for equality that our ancestors sacrificed for,” said Van Winkle. “I think about the women in my family and our struggles today. We take a lot for granted. I remind myself constantly to be grateful for the opportunities we have.”
Former Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States Ruth Bader Ginsburg (RBG) is an inspiration to Van Winkle. Van Winkle appreciated RBG’s push through barriers and prejudices. “Women look up to her as a leader,” said Van Winkle. “It’s fascinating to me what she accomplished during such a divisive time. Without RBG there would’ve never been a Ketanji Brown Jackson. There’s a deeper level of connection when you see yourself represented in the Supreme Court.”
When Van Winkle reflects on women in history, she reflects on the struggles of women of color. She also draws inspiration from Congresswoman Maxine Waters for standing up for herself. “I think about Black women,” she said. “Women of color have different experiences as there are still laws on the books today that still push black people to the margins. Michelle Obama was stunning to me in the White House. There was this quiet grace about her and the ease of carrying herself in the face of so much pressure in the public eye.”
On a personal level, Van Winkle looks up to the matriarch of her family, her grandmother. “We take the women in our family for granted,” she said. “We hold them up to a higher standard. We don’t think about what they all had to do for us to have all the opportunities we do. I remember my grandmother’s love and partnership with my grandfather. Her whole life was dedicated to her family business and its success. It’s amazing to think about the many ideas she had that my grandfather implemented. Had she been born today she would’ve been successful in her own right. I’m incredibly grateful for her example. I always think about her and try to make her proud.”
Van Winkle believes that diversity makes American a stronger group. She values diversity of thought, opinion, and experience and believes it makes her organization more representative of the communities they serve. “I love having a diverse work group,” she said. “The people I’m honored to work with represent almost every walk of life. I get to work in this industry and explore the world, then come back here and create an environment that represents all the people I’ve met and all the people I support. I have a deep appreciation and connection to others.”
Van Winkle strives to set an excellent example for all women, especially women of color. She focuses on investing time in mentoring, hiring with diversity in mind, and promoting from within. She is motivated, as she recalls when she first started at PHL, and there were not that many women of color leaders to look up to. Her goal is to create a level of influence.
Van Winkle is also inspired by the next generation of women who advocate for better work/life balance. “My advice to young women is to not be afraid to take up space,” she said. “There’s enough room at every table for you. There’s enough time for you to be heard and your opinion to be considered. Do your homework. Ask smart questions. Listen for smart answers.”
A quote Van Winkle lives by is “‘Never say no to yourself as the world will try to say no to you every day. Your job is to say yes to you and change everyone’s mind.”
Van Winkle is grateful to all the women who have impacted her life. “I would like to thank all the fearless woman leaders who blazed a path for me and continue to push forward every day,” she said. I’d like to thank my son for patiently waiting for me on the days when I was a little late so that I could create the opportunities he has today. I am also thankful that I never stopped believing in me and investing in my future.”
