TGI Celebrates Female Leaders on International Women’s Day 2022

CHICAGO, March 8, 2022 – As a women-owned business, The Grove, Inc. CEO Nina Madonia says, “I couldn’t be prouder of all the awesome women at TGI. They bring spirit and dedication to all they do, whether it’s at our venues, with our brand partners, and at home within their communities and families.”

Today we want to celebrate four women who oversee all operations at TGI’s SLC, EWR, JFK, and ATL airport stores. We asked these exceptional leaders a few questions to reflect on this International Women’s Day.

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

“International Women’s Day for me means the celebration of women that keep fighting for our independence – to show the world that we women are smart, strong, powerful, and can be leaders to others no matter the gender. From a personal perspective, this is the day that I can think about how far I have come in my career and personal life. I am able to recognize the progress of my goals and the accomplishments I’ve made, and how proud I am to be the woman I am today – a leader, wife, and mom.” – Jenny Jimbo, Director of Operations at Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)

Why do we need more women in leadership?

“Gender shouldn’t be a factor in whether a person can be a great leader. A person’s leadership abilities should depend on their individual strengths and personality traits. When women become leaders, they provide a different set of skills, imaginative perspectives, and, importantly, structural, and cultural differences that drive effective solutions. In a women’s life, wearing different hats within their roles is often a common occurrence. You can find them often balancing careers, households, and taking up the mantle of parental guidance along with many other experiences.” – Ely Amarante, Director of Operations at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)

Who is a powerful woman you admire?

“The powerful woman I admire is my mom. To watch her set goals and achieve them is what gave me the strength to be who I am.” – Laronda Brown, Director of Operations at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)

What are you most proud of doing?

“Raising a daughter who I speak life and encouragement into. I always tell my daughter, the sky is not the limit. There is much more beyond the big blue clouds, but it’s up to you to go further.” – Shalanda Powell, General Manager at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Airport (ATL)

Thank you Jenny, Ely, Laronda, and Shalanda. We are inspired by you every day and so grateful to have you on the TGI team. Happy International Women’s Day!