Black History Corner
Rising In Aviation
Jocelyn LaBove is the Houston Airport System’s (HAS) Chief Aviation Risk and Regulatory Compliance Officer for the Aviation Risk and Regulatory Compliance division. Labove brings almost three decades of labor and employment law experience, aviation law, human resources as well as a strong executive management background in risk mitigation, compliance, management coaching, investigations, employee relations, legal research, project management and policy development. She’s Board Certified in Labor and Employment Law, SHRM and a Certified Mediator. LaBove holds a Law degree from the University of Houston Law Center and a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Chemistry from Houston Baptist University.
In honor of Black History Month, LaBove is grateful to share the following with Greater Houston Women’s Chamber of Commerce:
Black History Corner
As I reflect upon Black History Month, I can’t help but think of those who came before me in the field of aviation. Particularly, I note the accomplishment of Bessie Coleman, a trailblazer as the first African American female pilot. Her achievement was not without its challenges due to the color of her skin. Denial of her attempt to gain her pilot’s license in America only led her to pivot and pursue it in France. Her journey and spirit resonate with me as African American woman, aviation counsel and executive. Here is why.
I am fascinated by flight. Even as a young litigation attorney I wanted to be involved in aviation. I relished in every opportunity to represent the Houston Airport System (HAS) in slip and fall cases or any other suit. They did not come often, but I dreamed of one day working for HAS. The opportunity didn’t come at that time despite my attempts. However, I did not give up. I pivoted to labor and employment law in hopes my opportunities would increase.
Indeed, it did. This expertise led to my invitation to join the only Houston based airline at the time, Continental Airlines, as a labor attorney. I vividly remember two days into my employment where I was flying to San Francisco. During the flight, I looked at the clouds, thought of aviators like Bessie Coleman, marveled at my evolution and vowed to make my ascent exemplary. In that very moment, I also was reminded, unlike Bessie Coleman, I had a fear of flying.
Undaunted, I conquered my fear of flying and other challenges similar to Ms. Coleman’s. I served my employer well. I recognized my fortune and urged sustainable inclusive procurement of outside counsel and other expertise. Continental granted my request to further diversify, and the firms I secured zealously and successfully represented its interests. This success continued even through Continental’s merger with United Airlines.
As fate would have it, I pivoted again when family demands precluded my residence in Chicago. Remarkably, I joined HAS as an Assistant Director, fulfilling my earlier career goal. I soon after became the Chief of Aviation Risk and Regulatory Compliance and recently, obtained my International Airport Professional certification. My team and I eagerly assist the organization with governance, risk management and regulatory compliance counsel.
I’m enthusiastic about my service at an industry leading airport. More importantly, I remain committed to share my expertise in an inclusive, sustainable and equitable manner. Bessie Coleman is without a doubt a trailblazer who inspires me every day to follow my passion, continue my evolution and ascend, despite challenges and closed doors. I genuinely hope my journey inspires you to evolve and ascend in a sustainable and equitable manner.
By: Jocelyn LaBove
Chief Aviation Risk and Regulatory Compliance Officer for the Aviation Risk and Regulatory Compliance Division, Houston Airport System