March 6, 2020
International Women’s Day is March 8! This is a day to celebrate the achievements of women, and a call to action to accelerate gender parity from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) to our global community.
The International Women's Day 2020 campaign theme is #EachforEqual. An equal world is an enabled world. We are cultivating more gender balance at SEA by increasing the number of women-owned businesses at the airport with our Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise and Diversity in Contracting programs.
To honor the women-owned businesses from our Airport Dining and Retail program, meet several of the women that are ensuring travelers are well-fed and well-stocked for the journey ahead.
Katherine Lam, Bambuza Vietnam Kitchen — Located in North Satellite
Being a business owner at SEA is a full-circle moment for me. Bambuza got its start in Seattle, and to have this opportunity to share our family's recipes with the community as well as passengers from around the world is truly an honor. I am proud of the example it helps me set for my two young daughters as a woman entrepreneur. It shows them if you work hard and don't give up you can achieve your dreams!
Chef Kathy Casey and Stacy House, Lucky Louie Fish Shack — Located in Central Terminal
This is our first business venture together and SEA was the perfect place to launch. Lucky Louie Fish Shack combines Kathy’s passion for creating great food and Stacy’s passion for people and service in an environment that is supportive and constantly changing. We couldn’t be more happy with SEA as our home base!
Jennifer Longley, Planewear — Located on Concourse B
Being a business owner at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport fulfilled my personal goal of owning and operating a retail store at an airport and bringing my vision to life. Since our opening six years ago, we have grown our business from a kiosk to inline unit, and soon the opening of our new Planewear store. The Airport Dining and Retail team at SEA hold the knowledge and expertise to help small business tackle the extra hurdles that come with operating at an airport. It’s been an amazing experience and I look forward to many more years at SEA.
LeeAnn Subelbia, multiple locations
- Poke to the Max — Located on Concourse D
- Neighborhood — Located in Central Terminal
- The Stonehouse Café — Located on Concourse D
It gives me great pride to be amongst the minority owned business owners at SEA. As a Seattle food entrepreneur with a decades-long legacy in airport concessions, owning a business at the airport is one of the best choices in my life. Our restaurants create jobs for my family and opportunities we are extremely thankful for, especially to represent our Filipino-American and Polynesian community at the airport. We appreciate the Port of Seattle’s effort in making a place for women and P.O.C. businesses.
Randi Maya Sibonga, multiple locations
- Dufry Duty Free — Located on Concourse A and D and South Satellite
- Hudson News and Specialty Stores — Located throughout the terminal
- Alki Bakery — Located pre-security
- MAC Cosmetics — Located in Central Terminal
- Coach — Located in Central Terminal
- Made in Washington — Located in Central Terminal
- Elliott Bay Book Company — Located on Concourse C
Owning a business provides opportunities for deeper engagement and investment in my community. As a native Seattleite and someone who dearly loves the Pacific Northwest, I have the responsibility to operate purposefully and with respect for people and the environment in which we live. Running the business on my own terms means that I contribute to the community through employment, procurement, and charitable support in ways that are true to my values and passions. Business ownership also brings opportunities for continuous learning and growth as circumstances evolve and both triumphs and challenges arise. It is the creation and maintenance of something with a large sphere of impact, and a journey that I am so proud to have chosen.
#EachforEqual
The Port of Seattle is committed to a leading role in regional and national efforts to achieve equity and social justice. At SEA airport, we promise to create an elevated travel experience that’s inspired by a passionate service culture and the Pacific Northwest. That includes more opportunities for small, local and disadvantaged businesses, so that the face of the airport looks like the face of our community here in the Pacific Northwest.
When you’re traveling this weekend, and into the future, eat at and shop with these 18 women-owned businesses to support the entrepreneurs that help our economies and communities thrive.
- Bambuza Vietnam Kitchen
- Chalo
- Dilettante Mocha Café
- Dish D’Lish
- Diva Espresso
- Dufry Duty Free
- Fireworks
- Lady Yum
- Planewear
- Planewear Vending
- Lucky Louie Fish Shack
- Manchu Wok
- Neighborhood
- Poke to the Max
- Rel’Lish Burger Lounge
- Seattle Chocolate
- Seattle Hats
- The Stonehouse Café
