Catherine joined the Cradle of Aviation Museum in 2012 after completing college. For many years, she worked in the Education Department charged with supporting the education mission of the museum through activities and curriculum for school-aged children in aviation and STEM. Catherine transitioned to Deputy Director of the Museum two years ago. Today, she works toward strategic fundraising efforts, assisting with the day-to-day operations, and cultivating community partnerships in an effort to help expand the Museum’s reach.
How did you begin your career in aviation or at the airports?
Catherine Gonzalez: I wrote a letter, if you can believe it. I reached out sharing how passionate I was about working in a museum. Shortly after, I was lucky enough to interview for part-time work. I’ve had the honor of being a part of the Cradle ever since.
Was aviation your first career choice?
Catherine Gonzalez: Honestly, not entirely. I always knew I wanted to work in a museum that prioritized interaction and not just storytelling by observation. Aviation turned out to be the perfect fit. Airplanes are a great combination. There are so many deeply connected stories about individuals, history, exploration, but there’s so much engineering and technology too.
How has networking and involvement in the airport community benefited your career?
Catherine Gonzalez: The airport community is incredibly vibrant! Working at the Museum, I’ve had the privilege of connecting with inspiring leaders from across the industry. It has been invaluable to listen to their visions for modernizing the travel experience – from arrival to the runway. These insights help me build a deeper understanding of the regional goals ahead which can then weave directly into our future program offerings at the Museum.
What is the most memorable moment in your aviation career or at the airports?
Catherine Gonzalez: I think aviation naturally draws people, there’s an infectious excitement to travel. One of my most memorable experiences was touring the airport with a group of aspiring pilots. In this particular group, it was asked, ‘How many of you have been on a plane?’, and I would say more than half of them had not. Yet, without hesitation or fear – only a dream to explore and push boundaries, they were ready to fly – it was inspiring.
Does your company offer internships or other programs to attract young employees?
Catherine Gonzalez: Yes! The Museum really strives to build interest in the aviation field and the best way we are able to do that is through programming initiatives. We host a variety of camps and for the past two years, we’ve introduced workforce training courses. These initiatives, and our work with industry partners, encourages youth to explore the variety of career opportunities in aviation and aerospace.
How are the insights of women in leadership roles important in fostering innovation and the commitment to sustainability and inclusivity?
Catherine Gonzalez: I feel women in leadership bring unique collaborative perspectives to the table. I think there’s a natural sense of community among women leaders encouraging each other to succeed. When we host girls in aviation programs, the girls tend to be quieter on the side, but once they know their voices are heard, everything changes. When there is confidence, a genuine connection and a commitment to solving problems, I think it translates from the classroom to their (and our) professional lives. No matter our age or experience, feeling valued lends itself to innovation.
Cradle of Aviation Museum
1 Davis Avenue,
Garden City NY 11530
www.cradleofaviation.org
