JFK International Air Terminal

We are honored to share that Roel Huinink, Chief Executive Officer, has been recognized on PoliticsNY & amNY Metro’s 2025 Power Players in Transportation list. Since we kicked off JFK Terminal 4’s redevelopment project more than three years ago, Roel has ensured our community remains true to our mission – providing a global gateway to New York City and transforming T4 into a world-class terminal that offers passengers exceptional journeys. We are proud to be a part of transforming New York City’s transportation industry, and this year, we look forward to sharing more of our progress on innovation and customer experiences across T4. Congratulations to the honorees who continue to improve transportation across NYC! To learn more, visit:?https://lnkd.in/e6jjbY6N

Corliss Stone-Littles, founder of Corliss Stone-Littles LLC, brings 35 years of aviation development expertise to her airport concession business. Since launching in 2005, she has expanded operations to 14 of the busiest airports in the U.S. Corliss has also played a pivotal role in shaping key industry regulations, including the DOT’s Joint Venture Guidance, and mentors local high school students, helping them prepare for future careers.? ? Chef Grace Ramirez, owner of Tamalito, Inc., is a chef, activist, author, and TV personality who uses her platform to inspire change. As a certified minority business leader, she tackles both global and local issues and recently led a citywide partnership with World Central Kitchen that helped save over 250 minority-owned restaurants. For women entrepreneurs entering the airport industry, Chef Grace recommends downloading the ACDBE certification checklist, building strong partnerships, staying informed, and always focusing on the impact their business can make. “The sky isn’t the limit—it’s just the beginning,” she says, reminding entrepreneurs that with dedication and vision, the possibilities are endless.? ? Both Corliss and Chef Grace demonstrate how passion, perseverance, and a focus on giving back can drive impactful success in any field.

Allison Dunn, owner of Hibiscus Brew Hospitality Group, is sharing a taste of the Caribbean with New York through her wellness-focused café. As an entrepreneur and author, she is dedicated to mentoring women and supporting her community. Her work has been recognized by Refinery29’s 99 Days of Design, and she has been honored by the Mayor and the City of New York. Allison advises women entrepreneurs entering the airport industry to know the landscape, learn from experienced peers, build strong partnerships, get certified, and think big from the start.? ? Petrushka Bazin Larsen, co-founder and co-owner of Sugar Hill Creamery, opened Harlem’s first family-owned handmade ice cream shop in 2017. Inspired by Caribbean and Midwestern traditions, Sugar Hill Creamery has grown to four locations, including one in Brooklyn, and is recognized as one of NYC’s top ice cream shops. Petrushka encourages women entrepreneurs to embrace the unique ecosystem airports create, saying, “I’ve been able to connect and grow deeper bonds with street side businesses I admire because of our shared equity stake in our airport businesses.”? ? ? Both Allison and Petrushka are shining examples of how staying inspired by their roots and prioritizing mentorship and community are the keys to professional success.

At JFKIAT, we’re proud to celebrate inspiring women entrepreneurs making an impact in their industries.? ? Tara Merdjanoff, CEO and co-founder of Kismet Cocktails and QNSY? Sparkling Cocktails has over 20 years of experience in NYC’s hospitality scene. Her ready-to-drink cocktails—cosmos, mojitos, and margaritas—are made with real fruit juice, naturally gluten-free, and just 150 calories per can. In addition to her business, Tara is dedicated to giving back, supporting local charities, cultural institutions, and educational programs like Reading Partners.? ? Maiko Kyogoku, founder of Kintaro Foods and owner of Bessou, blends a modern approach with traditional Japanese cuisine. Since opening Bessou in 2016, she has remained committed to both culinary excellence and community impact. A member of the James Beard Foundation, Maiko advocates for diversity in the industry and supports initiatives like Heart of Dinner, which serves food-insecure Asian seniors in NYC. For women entrepreneurs entering the airport industry, Maiko encourages embracing collaboration and shared experiences, saying: “Even in a competitive space, collaboration and support can thrive... What might seem like a solo journey can actually be a shared experience, and that’s something to welcome with open arms.”? ? Both Tara and Maiko demonstrate how combining passion, dedication, and a focus on community can lead to lasting success.

Elisa Castiglione, owner and operator of multiple McDonald's locations across JFK, Queens, Nassau, and Suffolk counties, has successfully expanded her presence in the restaurant industry since 2016.? ? A proud mom and graduate of Hofstra University with a BS in Music and an MS in Education, Elisa is deeply committed to her community. She is an active member of her local church and Ronald McDonald House Charities.? ? Her advice to women entrepreneurs who are considering starting a business in the airport industry is to “never forget the value of you. As a business owners, we set the tone and "vibe" for our teams. Showing care, compassion and forming connections will grow the lasting partnerships within your business needed to drive results in a supportive and enjoyable environment.”

We are committed to fostering a deep sense of community within our terminal and joined Imam Essam and team members across T4 for a meaningful Iftar celebration. Iftar, the meal that breaks the fast during Ramadan, is a time for reflection, connection, and coming together with loved ones. These gatherings remind us of the importance of supporting and celebrating one another as we continue to strengthen our diverse, inclusive and welcoming culture at T4.

What happens when innovation meets one of the busiest airport terminals in the US? JFK International Air Terminal 4 and Beonic have built a powerful partnership, transforming how millions of passengers move through the airport. Using AI-driven passenger flow management, real-time data, and predictive analytics, JFKIAT has optimised staffing, reduced wait times, and improved the passenger experience. Now, we’re showcasing this success in a new case study and video, highlighting how Beonic’s technology is setting a new standard for airport efficiency. As Steve Tukavkin, VP of IT & Digital at JFKIAT, puts it: “Beonic’s innovative solutions have transformed how we manage passenger flow, allowing us to stay ahead of demand and ensure a smoother experience for everyone.” See how this partnership is shaping the future of airport operations. https://hubs.la/Q03c0XGf0

Dorothy Brown-Yarru, owner of DBY and Associates, LLC and Pack N’ Go Retail, LLC, has built a remarkable career in the airport concessions industry. ? She joined Terminal 4 in 2004 as a financial controller, managing retail operations for over a decade before seizing the opportunity to launch her own business. In 2021, she transformed a vacant space into Pack N’ Go Retail, offering travelers essential goods with top-tier customer service. ? Dorothy continues to expand her presence at JFK T4 and remains committed to creating new opportunities in the aviation industry. Her advice to any woman aspiring to be in the aviation industry is to ‘go for it!’ “Trust in your instincts and judge yourself by your ability to be successful at what you do. If you are willing to work, you can make it, the sky is the limit."

In honor of Women’s History Month, JFKIAT will highlight many of the impressive women business owners who contribute to creating experiences at T4. ? Susan Druckman, founder and owner of Susan Druckman Inc. (SDI), is a trailblazer in the airport concessions industry. Under Susan’s leadership, SDI expanded across multiple JFK terminals and other airports nationwide, navigating the complexities of the travel industry. ? As a certified ACDBE, MBE, and WBE business owner, Susan has leveraged these certifications to seize key opportunities in airport concessions, setting an outstanding example as a leader within T4's strong community of diverse business owners. ? She advises women entrepreneurs who are considering starting a business in the airport industry to “Be the expert. Whatever business you pursue, make sure you are the Chanel of your dreams.”

JFKIAT was honored to welcome the?Special Olympics?USA team as they embarked on their journey to the 2025?Special?Olympics?World Winter Games in Turin, Italy. We hosted a?special?send-off to celebrate these incredible athletes, ensuring they had a smooth and welcoming experience before takeoff. ? At JFKIAT, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible experience for all travelers. We are proud to reaffirm our commitment to accessibility through our support of Team USA as they take the world stage.? ? We wish them, along with all competing teams, the best of luck!