We are closing out Women's History Month with Jessica Rowden, General Manager at Cutter Aviation. Jessi is also VP of Women in Aviation International a non-profit organization dedicated to providing networking, education, mentoring, & scholarship opportunities for women in aviation & aerospace.

We so enjoyed hearing her speak passionately about aviation. Her knowledge just oozed out with enthusiasm. We also found it interesting that she couldn't help but tie people to just about every part of the conversation. From her thoughtful reflections about the medical flight arrangements during the pandemic, to her co-workers and her customers, you can certainly tell that she leads...with a big heart.

GIVE US YOUR PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND:
I began my aviation journey as a Customer Service Representative in Jackson Hole, WY. When I started with Cutter Aviation in 2005, I was hired as a CSR and within 3 months was promoted to a supervisor. 3 months later, I was asked to become the Facility Manager at Deer Valley Airport in North Phoenix. In 2006, Cutter purchased a FBO in Colorado Sprigs, CO and I was asked to become the General Manager and open the newest Cutter location. In 2014, I was given the honor of transferring to Albuquerque, NM as the General Manager to lead the original Cutter Aviation location. I was chosen to be a member of the NBAA Schedulers and Dispatchers Committee in 2018. That year, I was also selected as one of the inaugural NBAA Top 40 Under 40 award recipients. I received the AIN Survey's "Top 25 Above and Beyond Customer Service" award in 2018 and 2020.

WHAT DO YOU DO OUTSIDE THE FBO?
I am so lucky to be called "mama" to two amazing little boys ages 8 and 9. I love family adventures to explore new places and camping. When not doing these things, I tend to find a new hobby to teach myself every year. I've learned canning, how to make jams/jellies, soap making, crochet and am currently teaching myself to sew by making masks for my crew as well as donating them to our indigenous people in NM who need them. I have sewn over 500 masks thus far. My goal is to complete my first quilting project by the end of the year.

WHAT IS AN INTERESTING FACT ABOUT YOU THAT NO ONE KNOWS?
My boys were originally my foster children that I was able to adopt. They are the best things to ever come into my world.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE QUOTE?
"A leader sees greatness in other people. He nor she can be much of a leader if all she sees is herself."- Maya Angelou