Denecia Marshall

Denecia Marshall, M.A., Ed.M. has prepared students for successful careers in the Aviation Industry since 2023. She serves as an Academic Internship Manager/Industry Organization Specialist at CUNY York College where she specializes in career launch readiness, leadership development, and professional identity for aviation students. Her work emphasizes bridging the gap between academic preparation and industry expectations through experiential learning, career coaching, industry exposure, and leadership skill-building. 

A certified coach and educator, Denecia leverages 18 years in finance and 14 years in psychology and higher education to prepare students for the aviation industry. She combines industry rigor with career strategy and student-centered coaching to develop the aviation workforce.

Her work includes coordinating internships, facilitating career and leadership workshops, organizing airport site visits, hosting professionals and aviation industry events to connect students’ jobs and networking opportunities. Through these efforts, Denecia helps students translate academic learning into real-world aviation career pathways.

Denecia holds a Master of Education in Counseling Psychology from Teachers College, Columbia University; a Master of Arts in Industrial-Organizational Psychology from Adelphi University; and a certification in Executive Coaching from i-Coach NY at Baruch College. She earned her undergraduate degree from SUNY Stony Brook.

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How did you begin your career in Aviation or at the Airports?

Denecia Marshall: My career originally began as a banker in real estate doing middle-market lending. I reentered college after 18 years and majored in psychology with the intention of becoming a counseling psychologist. At the same time, I got a certification in executive coaching and did some coaching assignments. When I got my internship at a hospital, I excelled at psychoeducation groups and career seminars. At the same time, I also did career seminars for students as well as career seminars for the alumni association at Adelphi University and Nassau County Libraries. My association with Adelphi University led me to teach Industrial Organization Psychology in the master’s program at Adelphi University. At the same time, I also taught financial literacy at the State University of New York/City University of New York. My experience at Adelphi University with career services also provided me with an offer to work in Career Services at the CUNY/SUNY Brooklyn Educational Opportunity Center. My passion is people development, which includes students. My involvement with teaching students led me to Career Services. I love developing students and assisting them in launching their careers. My background with students and careers led me to specialize in assisting students with launching their careers in aviation.

How has networking and involvement in the airport community benefited your career?

Denecia Marshall: Networking and involvement in the airport community is the backbone of my career, as it has propelled me to assist the students in the Aviation Management program at CUNY York College. Networking helps me launch aviation careers for students and graduates in a variety of roles such as Interns, as well as jobs as Remote Pilot Operators, Operation Supervisors, IOC Coordinators, Airline Customer Service Professionals, Airport Auditors, Ramp Agents, Turnaround Coordinators and more.

Networking and involvement enabled me to attend a variety of events where I both learned diverse aspects of aviation from financing, leasing, fixed based operations, commercial aviation, environmental aviation as well as diverse types of aircraft and their impact on the communities that they serve. Due to consistent changes in technology and its impact on air travel, there is always more to learn in aviation. Having students attend these events enables them to open their minds to endless career possibilities in aviation.

What is the most memorable moment in your career?

Denecia Marshall: The most memorable moment was creating the affiliation with LaGuardia Terminal B, because one of our Aviation Management alumni was instrumental in forging an alliance with LaGuardia Terminal B and the Aviation Management program at CUNY York College. This partnership has resulted in students interning in the field of airport operations, as well as in obtaining jobs. My relationship with an alumnus who was a graduate of the Aviation Management program at CUNY York College created a bridge to foster careers of the students in aviation management and those who came after him. Relationships such as this , as well as others, are key to students entering careers in aviation. 

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

Denecia Marshall: CUNY York College offers a variety of programs, including bachelor’s and master’s programs in aviation management to attract all people, including young employees and future employees in the aviation industry. CUNY York College also has a FAA Dispatcher program that does not require matriculation into the Bachelors or Masters program. This is open to everyone. You do have to be at least 21 to sit for the exam.

York College also offers an 18 credit Aviation Management certificate program that is offered to all people, including young employees.

In fostering the introduction and exposure to the Aviation Industry, Port Authority of NYNJ in partnership with York College, launched the JFKR Redevelopment Aeronautics and Aviation Academy, serving Kindergarten through the 12^th grade. “In partnership with York College, the JFKR Redevelopment Academy will provide approximately 700 students with aviation related education opportunities throughout the school year”.

College graduates with prior STEM and teaching experience following NASA or FAA curriculum can apply for roles as teachers. Aviation Management students and other HS students can also apply for the roles of a Peer Leader/Classroom Aide. These opportunities are a pathway into the field of Aviation for K-12, college students and graduates. 

With the aforementioned degree, certificate, academic programs a young person or young employee has the opportunity to launch a career in Aviation.

What are the essential skills that a new airport worker should possess to succeed?

Denecia Marshall: In order to succeed in a career in aviation, you need to have a passion for aviation. A new airport worker needs to be customer focused, able to coordinate with diverse teams at the same time, able to solve problems, and have a foundation in safety and security. Adaptability is also important as new rules and regulations may require changes in the way airports and terminals are managed.

What distinguishes the New York metropolitan area from other aviation and airport markets?

Denecia Marshall: The New York metropolitan area serves over 145 million people and has one of the busiest airport systems in the United States. New York City’s metropolitan area is one of the most diverse places in the world and is home to over 800 languages that are spoken. Its airspace is one of the most congested and has the most delays. Given this, it is important for passengers to have the best air travel experience by serving them comfortable lounges, great food at diverse price points, a wide range of culinary options, different types of duty-free shopping, all types of ground transportation, baggage services, personal care services, medical care, and security, as well as places of worship. New York airports serve as a key entryway into the United States, as well as to other travel destinations. In serving this market, it lends itself to a wide range of options and opportunities for small and large businesses, as well as a large number of employees to service the travelers.