Speaker
Linda Valdez Thompson is the Executive Vice President of Administration and Diversity at DFW International Airport (DFW). Linda is one of the highest-ranking Latinas in the aviation industry. In her role, she is responsible for Human Resources, Procurement and Materials Management, Risk Management, Corporate Communications, and Business Diversity and Development.
During her professional career, Linda has acquired executive experience in private and public organizations.
A recognized leader known for her strategic vision and ability to achieve business goals, Linda has built a reputation for consistently delivering results that benefit the Airport and the community.
Linda is also a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion in the workplace and is committed to attracting an retaining a diverse workforce by implementing strategies that promote engagement and develop a culture of inclusion. She has established a leadership council, various employee resource groups, and networks. Linda formally mentored over 100 women at the Airport.
Linda oversees the Airport’s award-winning business diversity program which continues to create significant economic opportunity for North Texas’ small, minority and woman-owned businesses. These programs promote opportunities for diverse suppliers to participate in the Airport’s contracting and procurement processes.
Linda has received several distinctions including being named Woman of the Year by Hispanic Business Magazine, and Ultimate Latina by the US Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. She’s been the recipient of the Dallas Business Journal Minority Business Award and most recently, was listed as a Top Latino Leader in Texas by the National Diversity Council. She is also an alumni of the prestigious National Hispana Leadership Institute (NHLI), and is a certified Diversity Professional/Advanced Practitioner from Cornell University.