Cooking Up Success: Amber Waters' Journey from Chef to Aviation Leader

Amber Waters never imagined her culinary skills would prepare her for a career in aviation. Before she became the Supervisor at Unifi, overseeing Delta operations at Portland International Jetport, she honed her multitasking and leadership abilities in the kitchen. A natural in high-energy, fast-paced environments, Amber spent her early career as a chef, climbing from kitchen staff to personal chef for a private client.

“Cooking was my creative outlet,” she says, reflecting on her years in the kitchen. “The skills I gained in multitasking, coordinating teams and working under pressure translated seamlessly into aviation.”

So, when her friend got a job with Delta, Amber was intrigued. “She told me about the job, the travel benefits and working around planes. It sounded exciting,” Amber recalls. Amber was already thinking about a career change, so she took the leap, joining Delta as a nighttime ramp agent.

Amber quickly discovered her calling in aviation. “I realized I loved the organized chaos and the teamwork required,” she says. Just one year after starting as a ramp agent, Amber became a trainer. In this role, she realized her love for teaching and leadership. “If someone comes from the restaurant industry, I know they’ll excel in aviation. Both environments require you to think on your feet, adapt, and work as a cohesive team.”

After two years as a trainer, Amber advanced to her current role as a Supervisor, responsible for training, safety, and compliance. She now manages the bustling night shift, from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m., where no two days are alike. “It’s challenging, but I enjoy it. It allows me to prioritize my sleep and tackle operations when they’re busiest,” she says. As a “float supervisor,” Amber steps into any role the operation requires, seamlessly transitioning between tasks. “I’m a little like a chef on a busy line,” she laughs. “You do whatever needs to be done to keep everything moving smoothly.”

One of the perks of Amber’s role—and a big draw to aviation—are the travel benefits, which allow her to see the world. From Costa Rica to Iceland, Turkey to Italy, Amber’s passport is well-used. “Italy was my favorite,” she says with a grin. “As a chef, experiencing Italian cuisine firsthand was a dream come true.” Her favorite trip to Rome allowed her to fulfill a childhood dream of seeing the Colosseum. Her next goal? Egypt, where she hopes to ride a camel through the desert.

“Having these benefits is incredible,” she says. “I just pick a spot on the map, close my eyes, and go. Travel connects you to other cultures, histories, and people in a way nothing else does.”

That’s one of things that also keeps her job interesting. Portland International Jetport’s diverse workforce has introduced her to people from all around the world, helping her develop an understanding of different perspectives. “My kitchen experience taught me to be assertive and direct, but aviation taught me to soften my approach,” she explains.

As a trainer, Amber has learned to tailor her teaching to fit individual needs. “Training is about helping people understand and grow at their own pace. I have to communicate in a way that makes sense to them.”

When Amber isn’t working or exploring new destinations, she enjoys cooking for family and friends. And while her culinary career is behind her, she still dreams of returning to Italy to take a cooking class and make fresh pasta from scratch!