Airports Council International – North America Awards Tanisha Lewis for Pioneering Change in Airport Industry

Saturday, September 14, 2024

Airports Council International – North America (ACI-NA), representing commercial service airports across the U.S. and Canada, has honored Tanisha Lewis, Vice President of Diversity, Inclusion, and Social Impact at the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, with the inaugural Excellence in Social Impact and Change Management Award. This recognition was presented during the ACI-NA Annual Conference and Exhibition, celebrating her outstanding leadership in driving transformative change throughout the airport industry.

“Tanisha Lewis has played a pivotal role in not just addressing, but actively shaping solutions for DEI challenges within the airport sector,” said ACI-NA President and CEO Kevin M. Burke. “Her leadership of our DEI Working Group has been crucial in producing tangible outcomes and impacting real change for our industry.”

As Chair of ACI-NA’s DEI Working Group, Lewis has been a key figure in steering the airport community through intricate diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) efforts. These initiatives have tackled a wide array of challenges, from hiring practices and community equity to environmental justice, demonstrating the extensive reach of DEI within the sector.

“This award is not only a recognition of my accomplishments but also a reflection of the incredible leaders and peers both at the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority and the global aviation industry who have supported me along the way,” Tanisha Lewis said. “I am deeply humbled and immensely thankful for this honor. My heartfelt thanks go to the many leaders in the aviation industry who have championed diversity, equity, and inclusion. Together, we are shaping the workforce of the future, driving innovation, and embracing change.”

The DEI Working Group’s report, unveiled in June 2022, showcases the contributions of a diverse 27-member team, representing airports of various sizes and roles across North America. With expertise spanning human resources, environmental management, and community investment, the group has crafted a valuable resource for the industry. The ACI-NA DEI Working Group Report not only highlights best practices but also serves as a practical guide for airports looking to strengthen their DEI frameworks.

The Excellence in Social Impact and Change Management Award recognizes visionary leaders like Lewis, who are committed to fostering sustainable change and advancing inclusivity in the aviation industry.