Jawauna Greene is director, brand and customer partnerships, at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. She’s also a Women Leading Travel & Hospitality member! In this member spotlight, we asked Jawauna a series of questions so you can get to know her better, including what she looks for when interviewing job candidates, what woman inspires her right now, and much more.

  1. What’s the best book you’ve read recently?
    This one is a doozy! I read “Tanqueray” by Stephanie Johnson and Brandon Stanton — curator of Humans of New York! It’s spicy, fun and very raw!
  2. What do you love most about the industry?
    The variety of careers you can experience. I began my career conducting community outreach related to transportation. This industry has allowed me to grow, gain new life experiences, and achieve new job opportunities! I also love that the work I perform helps people.
  3. What’s something the community may be surprised to learn about you?
    I think people would be surprised to know that I enjoy roller skating! I absolutely love it. It reminds me that my heart and soul are still young.
  4. What’s the toughest part of being in charge?
    The toughest part of being in charge is motivating staff to sometimes push beyond what they see. Conveying a sense of the big picture is really hard for employees given external pressures and current economic challenges. My role is to demonstrate empathy and to continue to deliver customer support or information beyond internal organizational hurdles.
  5. What’s the best way you motivate team members?
    Most people think money is the best motivator for employees. I’ve learned that offering support, validation of their work/efforts, and allowing them opportunities to shine among leaders is a great way to retain and motivate.
  6. What woman inspires you right now and why?
    I’m most inspired by Nikole Hannah-Jones. Her brave work regarding the 1619 Project cost her so much. Her ability to speak truth to power is a lesson in courage. Today, many people shy away from controversy related to gender and race. As result, we’ve witnessed in real time the erosion of our civil rights. She makes me want to stand up, advocate for women and other marginalized people.
  7. Where do you believe the future of the industry is headed?
    I believe the travel industry future is bright! There are so many opportunities to grow new business, reach new markets, and cultivate broader customer segments. Technology will continue to offer simple ways to pay for travel as well as pay in different currencies abroad without needing to perform money exchanges. Travel is for everyone; it’s simply a matter of choosing a destination and planning the journey!
  8. What’s one thing you look for when interviewing a job candidate?
    Whenever I interview new candidates, I look for individuals who are prepared. Did they research our organization, me and they type of work we perform? I ask questions regarding their ability to focus on tasks and I pay close attention to their ability to communicate coherent thoughts. Trust me … it’s rare these days!
  9. What’s something that you learned about yourself in the past year?
    Over the past year I learned that I’m pretty resilient. I also learned that traveling heals my soul. Each year, I select new destinations to help build my personal experiences. I want to continue to push myself and travel this big globe!
  10. What’s your favorite podcast?
    Medical mystery and other podcasts related to medicine. My daughter is a doctor so she has me hooked.
  11. What values are most important to you as a leader?
    Integrity and honest
  12. What’s the most important thing people should know about you?
    I’m a straight shooter! I’m honest and transparent. Most of all, I’m proud of me, my background and my journey to now.
  13. Do you prefer to work in the office, at home, or hybrid?
    I prefer a hybrid work arrangement.
  14. Where is your favorite place you’ve traveled to?
    My favorite travel spot has been Kenya. It’s really a tie between Kenya and Egypt.
  15. What’s a top item on your bucket list?
    Write a book!
  16. What do you do to recharge?
    I travel to Europe to recharge. Seriously, chilling in London, Amsterdam, Paris or Lisbon makes a sister pretty Zen-like!
  17. What’s your biggest accomplishment?
    My biggest flex is my children. I’m proud of their personal and professional accomplishments. They’re really good people!
  18. What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?
    Be bold, stop second guessing your decisions, and learn from both failures and successes.
  19. What gets you up in the morning?
    I get up in the morning because I want to leave a legacy for my family. I want generational wealth that has eluded many people of color.
  20. What do you like most about being a member of Women Leading Travel & Hospitality?
    I like being around boss women who have taken the chance of betting on themselves. This organization fosters confidence and I like that.

If you would like to become a Women Leading Travel & Hospitality member or need additional information about our organization, click here.