Veronica Carpio was born in Ecuador, and she moved to New York when she was 4 years old. As she and her family traveled to Ecuador in the summer she developed a passion for airports and aviation from a very young age. She studied aviation management in college.
What are some of the biggest challenges you face in your industry and in your job where you would appreciate some help?
I work in the aviation industry, which has been a male dominated industry for a long time. I’ve noticed that there aren’t as many gender issues in aviation management like there still are in the technical field with jobs such as aviation mechanics, and pilots.
What do you find the most satisfying part of your work?
The most satisfying part of my work is to be surrounded by international travelers on a daily basis. I enjoy meeting new people of various backgrounds and being able to make their travel journey more enjoyable.
What are some of the major changes you notice around opportunities for women advancement in recent years?
Some of the major changes I’ve observed are men starting to work together with women to achieve goals together. This is very important because true equality will only be achieved when we all work together. I’ve noticed that many people are making different choices, for example men are actually ok with raising children full time and allowing their very successful wife to continue to stay in the workforce. I’m starting to notice that its not so much about gender anymore but individual passion to do the job.
Give us an example of how you’re currently helping other women advance professionally to fulfill their career goals?
After realizing I needed a strong support system of powerful women I decided to take on a project of uniting the most powerful women I know and creating a space for contribution through sharing. I decided to start with my immediate community of aviation professionals who share the same passion I do. We decided to name our group, “Powerful Women In Aviation”. We have developed a strong relationship and support each other with personal and professional issues.
Could you mention one or more women who have helped you get to where you are now?
Mariela Dabbah has been such an inspiration in my life. When I met Mariela I was at the point of my life where I didn’t know what was going to be the next step in my career, but I knew it was time to move forward. I always had a dream to become a Peace Corps Volunteer and live abroad for a couple of years, but it wasn’t until I read Mariela’s book, Poder De Mujer that I decided to apply for the program. I realized becoming a Peace Corps Volunteer would be the “éxito” (success) I aspired to. Mariela was such a cheerleader for my success while going through the application and interview process, and all her mentorship motivated me to take ownership of my life and live my dreams. A year ago I didn’t know where I would be today, and now I am preparing myself to leave for Peace Corps service in Perú for 2 years this summer. My relationship with Mariela started at a coffee shop while prepping for a Webinar I was going to do for her non-profit organization Latinos In College, and now she has become an amazing mentor, and a great life-time friend. I was part of the group that helped organize the first Red Shoe Movement event in New York City, and I look forward to opening up a new chapter in Peru in the near future while I am living there.
