Conference of Minority Transportation Officials Annual Conference in Texas a Success
Chief Municipal Affairs Officer Rhonda Arnold represented the Houston Airport System at the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials' (COMTO) 45th Annual National Meeting & Training Conference in Dallas, Texas. COMTO is the nation's only multi-modal advocacy organization and membership association for minority professionals and businesses in the transportation industry.  State Texas State Representative Helen Giddings (Dallas) was a keynote speaker and participant in the event.

Arnold participated in the Women’s Leadership Roundtable Panel and Luncheon and discussed connecting minority and women transportation professionals and contractors with opportunities in all sectors of the transportation industry through effective advocacy.

Nearly 600 transportation industry professionals attended the event.

Airport Tours Give Students Insight into Careers in Aviation
Members of the Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church SLAY (Surrendered Ladies Leading Among Youth) Summit recently received a behind-the-scenes look of Hobby Airport to learn about careers in Aviation. Chief Municipal Affairs Officer Rhonda Arnold hosted the group of 35 ladies for a discussion on aviation careers and ethical leadership. The Houston Airport System partnered with the Federal Aviation Administration  and Southwest Airlines to plan the tour which included a visit to the Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting facility at Hobby Airport. 

Special thanks to Hobby Airport team (Dawn Hoffman, Richard McCurley, Traci Rutoski and Monica Garcia) Fire Station 81 and Bronson Woods of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church.

Participants of the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals' (OBAP) Aviation Career Education (ACE) Academy recently toured George Bush Intercontinental Airport. The 14 high school students are mentored and supported by OBAP to nurture their interest and passion for Aviation. Over the course of the week-long camp, more than 50 speakers participated in multiple workshops and learning sessions, including industry leaders such as Darryl King, President/CEO Principal Partnering Group, Elijah White, VP Geoscience ExxonMobil and Chief Municipal Affairs Officer Rhonda Arnold. During the airport visit, Assistant Deputy Director Jarrett Simmons and his team, Chief Municipal Affairs Officer Rhonda Arnold and Municipal Affairs Manager Jerry Peruchini spent time speaking with the ACE Academy students about potential career paths in aviation and how to pursue them.

Houston Airports Support Local Mentorship Program
Chief Municipal Affairs Officer Rhonda Arnold served as a mentor for the Training Enrichment Education Recreational Outreach Center’s (TEEROC) Top Model Mentor program. TEEROC is a nonprofit aimed at teaching  youth the value of professional and ethical behavior in all aspects of their lives. The course teaches core values in conjunction with STEAM education and potential careers in Aviation. Mentors are distinguished community members and professionals that serve as role models and advocates for the youth.