Photo above – Jennie Santoro represented the young professional’s perspective in a panel discussion entitled “Boomers to Zoomers: Passing the Torch to Generation Z!” at the 2016 ACC/AAAE Planning, Design, and Construction Symposium. Her involvement in the ACC Young Professionals helped her engage in industry organizations, become a speaker at a variety of conferences, and put her on the leadership path to becoming ACC Board Chair. (Courtesy photograph)
By Penny Rafferty Hamilton, Ph.D.
Jennie Santoro is a leader both with Gensler in their Seattle office and with the Airport Consultants Council (ACC), a global trade association representing private businesses involved in the development and operation of airports and their related facilities. Learn more at www.acconline.org.
Gensler has a global presence in architecture, design, and planning with 52 locations across Asia, Europe, Australia, the Middle East, and the Americas. Founded in 1965, the firm serves as trusted advisors to 3,500 active clients in virtually every industry. Guided by determined optimism, Gensler believes the power of design can spark positive change, and create a future that promotes equity, resilience, and well-being for everyone. Learn more at www.Gensler.com.
How did you first get inspired to work in the aviation industry and airport design?
While I’ve always loved to travel and the excitement of the journey ahead when going through an airport, aviation development wasn’t a career path I even had on my radar. I completely fell into it!
As an architecture student, I knew I wanted to work on large public projects that many people experience and that have a positive impact on communities. I was first exposed to terminal design as an intern and was intrigued by the complexity of the project typology.
After completing my education, my first full time job was on a project site for a large terminal expansion program, SAN Terminal 2 West Expansion. (See photo at left) Not only did I get to see the project from the early program validation phase through construction completion, but all facets of the aviation design process. In addition to learning about baggage handling systems and the different security zones and how they layer into terminal design, I also was afforded the opportunity to collaborate with artists on public art integration, create tenant design guidelines for the concessionaires, and learn how to design aircraft parking layouts to provide alternatives to meet the airports and airlines operational needs. As part of the on-site team, I was able to work with stakeholders directly to understand their needs and incorporate them into the project, from receiving airline feedback on gate and ticket counter design, to understanding TSA requirements and operational needs for the security checkpoint, to facilitating the airport evaluation of hold room seating manufacturers to select the product for the gate waiting areas. Combining this with the boots-on-the-ground experience working with the general contractor as part of a design-build team and the trade contractors in the field, I was part of a team that brought this vision to life. When the terminal expansion opened, it was a truly rewarding experience to see all the team’s hard work being utilized by passengers and workers every day and I was hooked on aviation and terminal design!
What is you first memory of aviation?
My family often traveled across the country to visit grandparents and other family when I was a child. The first trip that I most vividly remember is when I traveled on my own (as an unaccompanied minor) for the first time. I was eight years old but the excitement of takeoff and awe of looking down on the varied scenery below remains with me and I still enjoy it with my frequent travels. Getting upgraded to first class (though I didn’t know what it was) and losing a tooth upon landing made the flight memorable, as well. I’m pretty sure my younger self would think I’m pretty cool working in aviation.
Who has inspired you the most (mentors you want to mention)?
There’s no celebrity or historical figure, but rather a long list of amazing aviation professionals that I’ve had the pleasure of working with, learning from, and looking up to that have inspired me in my career. While not all inclusive, I would like to thank several people:
- Isaiah Johnson, for my first introduction to terminal planning and aviation, and being my number one cheerleader
- Tom Rossbach, with whom I worked alongside on that first big project, who not only taught me all the basics of terminal design and planning, but mentored me on choosing to pursue a career path in aviation
- Dave Graue, Bob Steel, and Bruce Weinstein, while not aviation specialists, they are the trio of architects on that first big project and were my on-the-job teachers in all things having to do with architecture and design
- Julie Wienberg, my first female supervisor and role model for women in leadership, who helped me grow as a leader, from mentoring others to leading some of the largest projects, through the constant growth and refinement of soft skills
- Clint Laaser, my partner in leading one of those giant terminal projects – peers are often those from which you learn the most
- My peers in the ACC Young Professionals that helped me to start my journey in industry engagement and are currently an amazing group of industry colleagues
While I could go on, I’ll stop there, but I want to highlight the importance of building a panel of mentors who will all support you in your career journey in different ways. I’ll also return to that first one, Isaiah, who always provides encouragement. It’s a good reminder that sometimes the smallest of actions can have impact, and I use that as inspiration to encourage, guide, and mentor others each day.
Advice for other women inside our industry or thinking about aviation or aerospace?
Aviation and aerospace contain a plethora of career paths and there is a career path for any and every skill set, personality type, communication style, and interest. The industry is craving talent and diversity of talent, so if you have interest in aviation, GO FOR IT! Reach out to industry organizations and those in the profession to learn more about what might be the best fit for you and start building your network.
Addition background: (What do you hope to accomplish in your new leadership role with ACC?)
I am honored to be this year’s Board Chair of the Airport Consultants Council (ACC), especially as we enter our 45th year at this pivotal time in our industry. I’m passionate about mentorship and growing the future workforce in aviation development. ACC’s initiatives with young professionals and the leadership on DEI (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion) in the aviation industry are instrumental in moving this forward. In addition, it’s not just the people doing the work, but the people we design for that we need to continue to be more inclusive. Airports are the places in our society that welcome all people from every corner of the globe, and with the millions who travel through our airports with a diversity of needs – and ever evolving needs – we can be leaders in the design industry for continually improving inclusive design strategies. I’m thrilled to be leading the ACC Board in our commitment to advancing these initiatives through our ACC committees and partnerships with other industry organizations and our member firms’ work with airports and airlines.
Jennie Santoro follows the advice of entertainment icon, Amy Poehler, who said, “Find a group of people who challenge and inspire you. Spend a lot of time with them, and it will change your life.”
