TANISHA LEWIS TACKLES DIVERSITY IN AVIATION
It ’ s no secret that diversity has been a hot topic at institutions of every kind , at every level , and in every corner of the world in recent years . From colleges and universities to Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations , issues of equity and inclusion have rightfully taken center stage in the workplace as leading institutions grapple with ensuring their workforce is reflective of , and responsive to , the needs of an increasingly diverse , evermore multicultural world .
Recognizing its role in this national discourse , the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority ( MWAA ) recently codified its longstanding commitment to diversity , equity , inclusion ( DEI ), environmental and social impact in the communities it serves by creating a new Office of Diversity , Inclusion and Social Impact .
At the helm of this new office is Tanisha Lewis , a 21-year veteran of the Airports Authority , who first joined the Authority as a college intern in the organization ’ s engineering and maintenance department and now steps into the freshly minted role of Vice President of Diversity , Inclusion and Social Impact with a wealth of experience and a bold new agenda to build upon and grow the MWAA ’ s strategic DEI initiatives within the organization as well as in the community at large .
“ We have a lot of big tasks that are really important , not just to MWAA , but to the capital region ,” says Lewis of the size and scope of her new role . “ So , our number one focus in each one of the areas is diversity . Ensuring that our employees reflect the communities that we serve , that the representation reflects our community so that we have a better understanding of what our customers ’ needs are ... what they ’ d like to see in our terminals or the different types of innovations that they need in order to be successful traveling in and out of our airports . So our employees help us to develop answers to challenges that we face in the aviation industry .”
TANISHA LEWIS
MANAGING CHANGE
“ The second piece for our diversity mission is supplier diversity ,” Lewis continues addressing the role that the MWAA plays in tackling a broader mandate to empower business owners in the Washington , D . C . region . “ That ’ s multi-phase because we look at our contracting opportunities . Do we have representation in our contracts from underrepresented groups ? Are small businesses aware of contracting opportunities ? My team is responsible for outreach to those small businesses and ensuring they know about certification programs and contracting opportunities available here at the Airport Authority .”
Beyond the confines of the Authority itself , Lewis is particularly proud of the investment MWAA has made in the greater community and its youth .
“ We work with students across the region ,” Lewis says proudly in reference to the MWAA ’ s engagement with young people aimed at exposing them to opportunities in aviation . “ We ’ re expanding and creating partnerships with schools throughout the region exposing them to careers in aviation . These programs highlight the vast career opportunities in the aviation industry including public safety , finance , engineering and information technology .
Tanisha Lewis
Credit : Bong Lee
FLYWASHINGTON . COM 16 SPRING 2023