Dear LAWA Community,
Happy March!
As we move into spring, Californians are reminded how fortunate we are to enjoy mild weather year‑round (for the most part!). With daylight saving time now in effect, longer days bring more opportunities to connect.
We look forward to seeing you at the many community events our team will attend and support in the weeks ahead. Your Community Relations team is here to serve you.
As always, we welcome your feedback. Reach out to us at CommunityRelations@lawa.org.
Josh Francis
Director of Community Relations
Los Angeles World Airports
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The Women of Community Relations Making a Difference |
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Women play a vital role across Los Angeles World Airports, leading teams that keep our airports running while strengthening meaningful connections with the communities we serve. Among them are leaders whose work ensures LAWA is not only a city department and airport operator but a true community partner.
At the helm of LAWA’s External Affairs functions is Vanessa Rodriguez, Deputy Executive Director of External Affairs (left), who oversees the Community Relations and Communications divisions. With more than two decades of public affairs experience, Vanessa brings a strategic approach to engagement, ensuring that communications and outreach efforts are coordinated, thoughtful, and aligned with LAWA’s priorities.
At Van Nuys Airport, Jessica Yas Barker, External Affairs Director (right), leads community outreach with a focus on engagement and partnership. Jessica specializes in building strong relationships through community involvement and philanthropic initiatives, working closely with local stakeholders to ensure the airport remains a valued and responsive neighbor.
Together, these women exemplify the dedication and leadership that drive LAWA’s commitment to community connection. During Women’s History Month, we recognize their contributions — and the many women across LAWA whose work continues to make a lasting difference. |
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Top Left: Van Nuys Airport External Affairs Director, Jessica Yas Barker, speaks at the Greater San Fernando Chamber Women of Impact event.
Top Right: Community Relations represented LAWA at the Greater San Fernando Valley Chamber of Commerce (GSFVC) Women of Impact event.
Bottom Left: Community Relations staff pose at the Latina Heritage Day event.
Bottom Right: The Community Relations and Government Affairs teams talk airport careers at the Women in STEM event at Los Angeles Harbor College. |
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St. Patrick's Day: Did you wear green? |
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The LAWA Community Relations Team out on the town celebrating St. Patrick's Day. |
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February/March highlights:
- On February 25, the San Diego International Airport Operations Team toured the LAX airfield.
- The Austin, Texas business community visited LAX for an airfield tour on February 26. Later the same day, Boeing Engineers visited LAX for a tour.
- DaVinci Schools held their Community Aviation Day on Saturday, February 28.
- Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass joined the Community Relations team at the Westchester Del Rey Softball Opening Day ceremony on February 21.
- The Community Relations team was out with District 11 City Councilmember Traci Park at the Westchester Little League Baseball Opening Day on February 28.
- Students from Forest Hills Northern High School in Michigan visited LAX to learn about aviation careers on March 3.
- BOAC Commissioner Vanessa Aramayo and the Airport Affairs Team celebrated Latina History Day at an event hosted by the non-partisan/non-profit organization, Hispanas Organized for Political Equality (HOPE) on March 6.
- On March 7, Airport Police and Community Relations supported the Rock, Roll and Run supporting the LAX Coastal Education Foundation. Airport Police had a team that ran in the event.
Hosting an event you would like us to participate in? Let us know. Please email us at communityrelations@lawa.org.
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Community Relations and Airport Police staff represent LAWA at the Rock, Roll and Run event hosted at Loyola Marymount University.
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CD-11 Representative Trey Grogan and members of the LAWA Environmental Division honors longtime Community Noise Roundtable member Denny Schneider (center) for his contributions to solutions to mitigate airport noise in LAX's surrounding communities.
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The San Diego International Airport Operations Team visit the LAX Airport Response Coordination Center (ARCC) as part of their tour of the operations facilities at LAX. |
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The Community Relations team and Airport Police speak to students at DaVinci Schools Community Aviaiton Day in El Segundo.
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Councilmember Traci Park (Council District 11) joined the team at opening day for Westchester Little League Baseball.
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Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass joined the Community Relations team at opening day for the Westchester Del Rey Little League Softball.
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Students from Forest Hills Northern High School in Michigan visited LAX and were provided a tour of fixed base operator Atlantic Aviation as part of their tour which also included a stop at the Delta Airlines crew base and a lap around the airfield.
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Commissioner Vanessa Aramayo (Center) and Airport Affairs staff celebrate Latina History Day at he Hispanas Organized for Political Equity event on March 6.
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Did you know?
Women have played a pivotal role in shaping the history and leadership of Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA).
In 1999, Lydia Kennard became the first woman appointed executive director of LAWA. She served from 1999 to 2003 and again from 2005 to early 2007. Kim Day followed as the second woman to hold the role, leading the organization from 2003 to 2005.
In 2007, Gina Marie Lindsey assumed leadership and served as executive director until her retirement in 2015. That year, Deborah Ale Flint took the helm, guiding LAWA from 2015 to 2019, when the organization transitioned the title from executive director to chief executive officer.
During Women’s History Month, we recognize these leaders and the many women whose contributions continue to strengthen LAWA and the communities we serve.
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Where You'll Find Us Next |
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28 - El Segundo ChiliPalooza at El Segundo Library Park
April 2026
4 - Touch a Truck at Discovery Cube, Sylmar
4 - It's Bigger than Us Women in STEM Career Day at Los Angeles Harbor College
17 - Youth San Fernando College and Career Fair
25 - El Segundo PTA Council Run for Education at El Segundo Library Park
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Click the button below to catch up on all the latest news from LAWA! |
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LAX Residential Sound Insulation Program
Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) relaunched the LAX Residential Sound Insulation (RSI) Program for eligible homeowners located within FAA-approved noise contours near LAX.
The program provides sound-insulation improvements, including upgraded windows, exterior doors, and ventilation systems, at no cost to homeowners in the City of El Segundo and select neighborhoods within Los Angeles City Council Districts 11 and 8. Improvements vary depending on each home’s construction type and any applicable historic designation requirements.
Although the program is winding down, there is still time to apply. Applications will be accepted through Spring 2027.
Homeowners are strongly encouraged to apply as soon as possible. An updated noise exposure map is expected to be released in March/April 2026, and properties that fall outside the revised FAA-approved noise contours may no longer qualify. Submitting an application now helps ensure your eligibility before the contour update takes effect.
To learn more about the program, confirm eligibility, or submit an application online, please visit: www.LAWA.org/laxRSIprogram. For questions or additional information, please contact: Evelin Barajas, LAX RSI Program Homeowner Liaison, at 424-646-7444 or laxrsi@lawa.org.
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Los Angeles World Airports Community Relations
To view past editions of Community Connection, click here. |
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