Carrol Bennett
Chief of Staff for the Office of Diversity & Inclusion at the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey
2021 Airport Voice
Woman of Achievement
Airport Voice
Laura Garland Inspires her colleagues and helps
students to pursue their aviation dreams
Laura Garland is the manager of JFK Properties and Commerical Development for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.
2021 AIRPORT V 20 OICE WOMAN OF ACHIEVEMENT
As Chief of Staff for the Office of Diversity &
Inclusion (ODI) at the Port Authority of New York
& New Jersey, Carrol Bennett delivers expert
counsel to agency’s Chief Diversity & Inclusion
Officer. In her vital role, she additionally provides
management and support for a wide range
of initiatives to uphold and advance the agency’s
core standards of diversity, equity and inclusion
– fostering a workplace where varying perspectives
and backgrounds are celebrated, and empowering
all to reach their full potential.
Carrol’s experience, which spans 41 years
across the agency, gives her the breadth of knowledge
and perspective needed to improve and
promote diversity, equity, and inclusion for the
agency and its partners, and to provide oversight
of executive staff in the execution of project deliverables
using performance metrics, change management
and prioritization of goals.
Prior to joining ODI in 2017, Carrol held many
key leadership positions, including Assistant Director
in the Office of Capital Planning & Asset
Management, Project Director for the redevelopment
of the George Washington Bus Station,
General Manager of Retail Leasing, and Senior
Financial Analyst in the Office of Financial
Analysis. Carrol holds an MBA in Finance from
St. John’s University, a Master of Corporate Real
Estate from the Institute for Corporate Real Estate,
and a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from
Pace University.
Since joining ODI, Carrol has worked hand in
hand with agency leadership and with the community
to ensure that diversity-related concerns
are heard and addressed. Through her work, she
has advocated for those who otherwise may not
have a voice, ensuring that diversity and inclusion
remain top of mind and that equal opportunities
are available for all.
From empowering businesses across the region
in communities that had once been underrepresented,
to attracting and retaining top talent
of all backgrounds, to providing a customer
experience that addresses the many different
needs of its diverse customer base, these efforts
have been ingrained in the Port Authority’s culture,
ensuring that the agency continues to be a
good neighbor in the communities where it operates.
ODI is an integral component of the Office of
the Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer, whose
mission is to implement transformative policies,
priorities, and change management strategies
that create a culture that embraces workforce
and business diversity and inclusion, enabling
global best transportation systems and services.
Throughout the span of her 35 year career,
she loves being able to share her experiences
and knowledge, especially since she has also had
great mentors along the way.
“I have been privileged to have career mentors
who have helped me and I enjoy giving back
by providing guidance to those who have the passion
for aviation and are exploring a new career
path,” said Garland.
Garland began her career in aviation in 1985
after a background in accounting and economics.
In the 35 years that she has worked for the Port
Authority, she has worked at the World Trade
Center, LaGuardia airport, and John F. Kennedy
airport.
One of her proudest moments in her career
happened in 2019 when she was awarded “person
of the year” award by Aviation high school,
an honor that she called “near and dear to her
heart” especially since she married a 1977 graduate
from the school, along with the school’s long
time relationships with various airlines in the
area in order to optimize students’ learning and
experiences to prepare them for the aviation industry.
“Because of the highly valuable skills Aviation
High School is teaching, airlines have always
been helpful and supportive of the school’s
programs and donate their time and equipment,”
said Garland. “Working with previous and current
principals and teachers has been a true inspiration
WOMEN OF ACHIEVEMENT
HOMETOWN: The Home of the Mets!
Flushing, NY
HOBBY: weekend cooking- like to try new
recipes
TRAVEL GOAL: Have traveled to England,
Italy, Austria, Germany- want to get to Paris
FAVORITE QUOTE OR MOTTO: “Teamwork
makes the dream work”
2021 Airport Voice
Woman of Achievement
Airport Voice
to me. We all share the same love for education
and helping students to succeed.”
As Garland continues to uplift and inspire her
colleagues and students looking toward aviation,
her advice to young people and especially women
looking to get into the industry involves following
your interests and knowing your worth.
“Women have a greater presence in Aviation
since I started my career in 1985. I believe as you
navigate your career as women, you need to understand
the value that you bring to each job and
how your responsibilities fit into the goals of each
department and the overall Agency.”