Her Story
About Roxanne
Roxanne Henry is a flight attendant and peer advisor with a strong foundation in aviation and academic support. She has been a Flight Attendant with JetBlue Airways for three years and six months, following her move to the United States from Jamaica in 2021. In addition to her role at JetBlue, she works as an Academic Advisement Peer Advisor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, where she earned her bachelor's degree in forensic psychology in three years. She is currently enrolled in a graduate program in immigration law while balancing her flying schedule and advising responsibilities. Roxanne attributes her success to her upbringing in Jamaica, where she was motivated by her environment to work hard, make sacrifices, and pursue a different path for herself and her family.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Roxanne
01What do you attribute your success to?
My background and culture. I grew up in Jamaica in a very poor family, and there was a lot that I saw at an early age that motivated me to work hard and make sacrifices. I knew I didn't want to be a part of the teenage pregnancy and gang violence I saw around me. I wanted to be different and be the one person in my family doing something good that my parents can be proud of.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Do something that you're passionate about. When you love what you do, like flying and traveling, it doesn't even feel like a job. It feels like a lifestyle. Once you're doing something that you love and you're passionate about, it makes your life way easier and you won't get up feeling miserable going to work.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
It will be worth it. Some days you have long delays, diversions, medicals on board and it can feel overwhelming, but eventually it's worth it with wonderful layovers and a sense of gratitude. Remind yourself that you are a safety professional, not just a waitress in the air, after going through 5 to 6 weeks of intensive training.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Opportunities include jobs with NYPD and internship programs for forensic psychology students from John Jay. Challenges include a slower job market than expected and difficulty gaining legal experience like judicial internships while balancing flying, peer advising, and graduate courses.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity and honesty are very important. Once you're honest with yourself, you'll be honest with everyone else. You have to believe in yourself first before you can believe in other people, and show up to work every day feeling like your best self.
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