HEBRON, Ky. — In northern Kentucky, Amazon is working to increase female leadership in the company. One woman who has spent a decade climbing the ranks herself is making room for others.

What You Need To Know

  • Jess Stewart was recently named the Director of Operations for Amazon Air KCVG, making her the first female director in northern Kentucky

  • She is one of three women to hold the same title at Amazon Air

  • Women make up less than 20% of the workforce and for the last 60 years, the introduction of women into the aviation industry has been largely dormant

Jess Stewart started her career with Amazon Air a little over two years ago in Ohio. Then made her way to northern Kentucky eight months ago as the Air Hub’s first female general manager. And now, as she continues to climb the corporate ladder, Stewart was just named the facility’s director of operations.

During a women’s meeting intiative, she spoke to the group urging them to believe in themselves. 

“You already have a seat at the table. You don’t have to earn that. Your name is already on it,” she said.

Only two other female leaders worldwide hold the same title at Amazon Air. In her day to day, she oversees hundreds of people, plane operations, and even the largest Amazon robotics floor in the world.

During the tour, she explained how the work on each floor is managed. She proudly showed off the robotics floor. “So, you’ll see robots that are carrying packages to shoot. And then those packages go to our ground floor and get loaded appropriately so they can get to our customer on time,” she explained.

She says she knows how it feels to feel unsure of yourself when you’re not supported.

“When you’re moving in your career. You want to do great things,” she shared. “But if you don’t have a seat at the table and you don’t feel like you have a voice. Do you really make any impact?”

According to the 2022 Women in Aviation advisory board report, in most aviation occupations, women make up less than 20% of the workforce and for the last 60 years, the introduction of women into the aviation industry has been largely dormant.

That’s why when she’s not making sure operations are running smoothly, she’s dedicating her time to Amazon’s women initiative to grow confidence and community.

She said will always support the associates of Amazon and make sure they have to tools to succeed. “Give the vision, give the goals, give the team the trails. And as long as they keep moving forward, then we’re winning. We’re winning together,” she said.

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