Jocelyn Labove, Houston Airports’ Chief Aviation Risk and Regulatory Compliance Officer, received a great honor at the 14th Annual Greater Houston Conference for Women on May 5. Labove was selected by the Greater Houston Women’s Chamber of Commerce as one of 17 outstanding Breakthrough Women for 2022. 

“I’m honored to receive this prestigious recognition from the Greater Houston Women’s Chamber of Commerce,” Labove said. “When I look back at my career, I hope I am leaving a legacy of mentorship and selflessness.” 

The GHWCC Breakthrough Women award recognizes the “unparalleled capacity to empower and inspire women and girls” and “unites internationally-acclaimed leaders and visionaries.”  

“I’m genuinely excited to be a part of a colleague’s journey to success and professional development,” Labove said.   

 Labove was recognized alongside 16 other women in various high-level leadership positions across the City of Houston at the annual conference. As HAS’ Chief ARRC Officer, she leads a division comprised of three sections: Enterprise Risk Management (ERM); Risk Strategy & Analytics (RSA); Risk, Operational Compliance and Contract Management (ROCC).  Together, this team is laser-focused on providing Houston Airports’ employees with expert support, consultancy, and policy development regarding risk and regulatory compliance and other aviation/legal related matters. 

  “Opportunities arose from fortune and adversity, and I value and appreciate all my career experiences that shaped and directed my journey,” Jocelyn said.  “It is those experiences that underly my effort to promote inclusivity and mentorship all throughout my career.” 

 Labove was responsible for re-designing the organizational effectiveness and development project captured by MyJobFit and sanctioned by the City of Houston Mayor, Legal and Human Resources (HR). This onsite expertise resulted in new classifications, and market pay for critical operational roles and hands-on support to the business around workforce planning and organizational design.  

  She recently earned her International Airport Professional (IAP) certification with the support of HAS’ Director of Aviation Mario Diaz. She is Board Certified in Labor and Employment Law, SHRM certified and a certified Mediator. She holds a Law degree from the University of Houston Law Center and a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Chemistry from Houston Baptist University. 

  Labove paid homage to others for her rise through the ranks and opportunity to excel at the highest levels. 

“I credit my mentorship from Thomas Melo, now deceased, and Arturo Michel, City Attorney for the City of Houston for my professional legal development,” Jocelyn said. “Most of all, I believe that my early service in the restaurant industry for my parents provided the foundation for my private and public corporate achievements. This is when I first began to understand that the value of a customer-centric culture evolves from taking care of your employees, so they, in turn, will take care of you.” 

GHWCC event also featured Dr. Maria Bottazzi

Dr. Bottazzi is widely recognized for her work and generosity in the creation of Corbevax, a patent-free COVID-19 vaccine designed to be widely accessible and inexpensive to manufacture. This new vaccine is poised to be a life-saving tool for many around the world. Dr. Bottazzi and Houston’s own Dr. Peter  Hotez, two Texas Children’s Hospital researchers, have been nominated for the 2022 Nobel Peace Prize after developing Corbevax.  

HAS attendees and guests included Melanie Brown, Lynette Campbell, Jocelyn Labove, Adrianna Montero, Jarrett Simmons, Rhonda Arnold, and City Attorney Arturo Michel. 

The GHWCC is a “nonprofit business organization of highly influential and diverse women and men dedicated to the advancement and empowerment of women through avenues of leadership, education, advocacy, and mentoring.”