SSP America and the Airport Minority Advisory Council (AMAC)

SSP America is proud to work with the Airport Minority Advisory Council (AMAC). AMAC is the only national, non-profit trade association dedicated to advancing the full participation of minorities and women in contracting and business opportunities throughout the aviation and aerospace industries.

Since 1984, AMAC has been at the forefront of nearly every national policy initiative impacting the participation of disadvantaged businesses in airport contracting. According to their website, AMAC works consistently with the federal government, aviation trade associations, and strategic partners as resources for information, education, and guidance on business and employment matters. AMAC represents a diverse membership of airports, corporations, minorities, women-owned and disadvantaged business enterprises, and professionals within the aviation and aerospace industries.

In August of 2024, the SSP America team had an extraordinary time at AMAC’s Airport Business Diversity Conference. This was the 39th anniversary of this critical event. That year, SSP America CEO Michael Svagdis spoke during the Concessions Workshop on Industry Leaders and the Pros of Supplier Diversity. Vice President of Business Development Dawn Hunter Christy spoke during the Celebrating Women in Aviation Breakfast. The breakfast celebrates and promotes the career achievements of women in aviation and related fields. 

SSP America team members participate in Project Leaders Inspiring Future Talent, or Project LIFT. Through Project LIFT, leaders in the industry work with eighth grade and high school students who are interested in aviation and aviation-related fields via forum-style mentoring sessions. Project LIFT exposes students to potential full-time careers, including entry-level careers, and educational paths to success. It also provides networking opportunities to further their academic development.

SSP America Joint Venture Partner Shonda Scott of 360 Total Concept supports the AMAC Foundation Scholarship through the annual Bill Walker Memorial Golf Tournament. The tournament honors one of AMAC’s tireless proponents, Bill Walker. Mr. Walker’s affiliation with the AMAC conference began in Los Angeles in 1988 when he was vice president at Pacific State Airlines. The scholarship exposes historically underrepresented men and women to work opportunities in aviation. 

Finally, we were honored by the turnout for our annual SSPLive event, which took place during the conference. We’re thankful for the opportunity to showcase SSP America’s ‘personality’ while celebrating with our colleagues in the aviation space. Together, we’re creating restaurant jobs in the aerospace industry all over the country. To learn more about our jobs hiring now, please visit our work opportunities page.