Natasha Lelia Turner, ACE

With a strong foundation in aviation education, operations, and community engagement, Natasha is committed to driving impactful outreach, education, and business‐inclusion initiatives within the aviation sector. Natasha earned a B.S. in Aviation Management & Pre-Law from CUNY York College and an M.S. in Aviation & Aerospace Technology from Purdue University Polytechnic Institute, where her research on NTSB-reported aircraft and helicopter incidents, aviation forecasts, and operational safety received academic recognition.

As Project Manager for JFK International Airport’s multi-billion-dollar redevelopment, Natasha leads community engagement, educational pipelines, and local business partnerships for the Port Authority of NY & NJ. Natasha designs community engagement and educational pipelines, partnering with local businesses for redevelopment participation. She also builds innovative data-tracking systems and creates outreach programs to inspire future aviation professionals.

She is ACE-certified (FAA-AAAE) with credentials in OSHA (10, 30, PPE, Confined Spaces), FEMA Emergency Management, and AOPA AirSafety. These certifications strengthen her expertise in airport and aerospace safety, operations, and compliance. Her professional journey includes roles with NY State Senator Leroy Comrie, a customs sales associate for JFK Duty Free America, a special projects community aide in the Office of  NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio, and a management intern on the Port Authority’s redevelopment team.

Born in Albany and raised in Queens, Natasha’s lifelong aviation passion has earned her recognition from the Port Authority, government proclamations, and honors from York College and Purdue. In 2025, she completed the Harvard University Women in Leadership program via Women in Aviation International.

When not working, she enjoys traveling, supporting the WNBA as a New York Liberty season ticket holder, and playing steel pan with the ADLIB Steel Orchestra alongside her bandmates.

Looking ahead, Natasha remains dedicated to bridging aviation operations with community education and business development programs.. By leveraging innovation and outreach, she continues to champion workforce development and accessibility, shaping a more inclusive future for the industry and its next generation of professionals at one of the world’s most iconic airports. Her  journey is only just beginning – and the sky is only the starting point.

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How did you begin your career in aviation or at the airports?

NatashaTurner: I began my aviation career with my first summer job at Duty Free Americas at JFK Airport. Beyond assisting travelers, I gained early exposure to the systems that keep airport retail running smoothly. I was very interested in how new inventory arrived, how it was processed, and the training we completed to follow required procedures. At that age, the moment that really sparked my curiosity was seeing how purchases were tagged and routed so they could be delivered seamlessly to passengers at boarding.

Was aviation your first career choice?

NatashaTurner: Yes, aviation was my first career choice, long before I had the words for it. My love for it started during visits to JFK with my aunt. There was a specific gas station near the airport she loved to stop at, and my twin sister Nicole and I would tag along. Back then, JFK was not easy to navigate, so I would ‘help’ by pretending to give my aunt directions. Really, I just wanted us to drive around the landside area. I was captivated by everything: planes taking off and landing, passengers arriving and departing, and the energy of the airport. Between those moments and traveling out of JFK with my family, I always knew that one day I wanted to work in an airport, for an airport authority.

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

NatashaTurner: The sky is the limit for anyone entering airport work. The biggest key is being open to learning, always willing to grow, develop, and step into new opportunities. At the same time, communication and safety are everything. When you communicate clearly and keep safety at the center of what you do, you set yourself up to succeed and you support the entire operation.

To truly succeed, new airport workers should also bring adaptability in a fast-paced environment, situational awareness to stay alert to changing conditions, and attention to detail. Teamwork and collaboration are critical since airport operations depend on multiple groups working in sync. Strong customer service matters too, because every interaction reflects the airport experience. And finally, professionalism and accountability, showing up prepared, following procedures, and taking ownership are what build trust and long-term growth in this industry.

What is the most memorable moment in your aviation career or at the airports?

NatashaTurner: I have made so many memories working with the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey on the JFK Redevelopment Program, but one moment that is especially near and dear to my heart is our JFK Redevelopment ‘Girls in Aviation Day’ event. We host it in collaboration

with Women in Aviation International, the JFK Redevelopment terminal developers, Cradle of Aviation Museum, local high schools and colleges, and local businesses.

Over the past four years, we have welcomed over 300+ girls in grades 1–12 to JFK to meet and learn from professional women in aviation; pilots, mechanics, and leaders across the industry. Watching their faces light up during the airside experience – seeing aircraft take off and land, visiting our ARFF stations, and getting a behind-the-scenes view of the airport and aircraft…. it is truly unforgettable.

What makes it even more meaningful is when those moments turn into real outcomes. I have had students return and tell me, “I want to go to August Martin High School”, “I want to be a pilot”, “I want to work for an airport agency”,  and “I got accepted to Aviation High School”.  It’s incredibly rewarding and a powerful reminder of why I do the work I do.

Are there any airport redevelopment projects that you are particularly excited to see completed?

NatashaTurner: I have worked on the JFK Redevelopment Program since 2019; I am so eager to see the final outcome. Watching the vision take shape over time has been rewarding, and I’m excited for the moment when travelers, employees, and the surrounding community can experience the full impact of what’s being built.

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

NatashaTurner: What distinguishes the New York metropolitan area is the combination of scale, complexity, and transformation happening in real time. It is one of the busiest airport systems in the U.S., operating in highly constrained airspace, while simultaneously modernizing infrastructure through major redevelopment efforts; especially at JFK to meet global demand and improve the customer experience. I love it here! There is no place like New York City! Queens to be exact! We are one of the most diverse boroughs in the world.

Would you consider using a pilotless, autonomous electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft for short trips?

NatashaTurner: Absolutely! I love aviation and I am genuinely excited about the future of the industry. I would use a pilotless, autonomous eVTOL for short trips; especially as the technology proves itself through rigorous testing, strong safety standards, and clear operational procedures.

How are the insights of women in leadership roles important in fostering innovation and the commitment to sustainability and inclusivity?

NatashaTurner: Women in leadership bring a different perspective shaped by their experiences, which sparks innovation and reduces blind spots. Their insights help ensure sustainability and inclusivity are built into decisions from the start, so solutions serve employees, passengers, and

communities more equitably and effectively. They also help build cultures where collaboration, accountability, and long-term impact are prioritized.