The self-proclaimed ‘RIVA Divas’, an all-women team supporting the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), embody what it means to build a strong, connected, and high-performing team. The team, led by Jackie Smith and Yenni Sierra, have intentionally transformed their workplace culture, ensuring that every member feels supported and valued.
Jackie and Yenni prioritize hiring individuals who bring positivity, relationship-building skills, and workload management, knowing that trust and engagement are just as critical as technical expertise. These skills are particularly valuable in supporting the FAA’s mission to ensure the safety and efficiency of the national airspace system. In high-pressure situations, it takes a strong, collaborative team to remain composed and ensure critical aviation operations run smoothly and safely.
Jackie shares, “I’m deeply invested in this team, the success, the recognition, and the RIVA Divas aren’t just the team that I work with. They’re incredible professionals, and they’ve shaped my leadership style and shown me just how resilient a team they are. They’re really a part of my heart.”
For one team member, Taylor Bruno, this mission is especially meaningful, as her family has a legacy of working in the same FAA tech center. This deep-rooted connection reflects the long-standing impact of strong teams and the generational dedication to aviation safety and innovation.
Beyond technical skills, fostering a sense of belonging and team spirit is essential to their success. To build team spirit, the RIVA Divas have embraced several creative initiatives. The Divas’ Cookbook contains favorite recipes from team members and their curated Spotify playlist features hype songs to energize their workdays. Finally, each Diva receives a customized vision board and word cloud representing the positive and unique aspects of strength, reinforcing their culture of appreciation.
“Jackie and I worked very hard to create a fresh, collaborative environment for everyone. We decided to introduce engagement initiatives, like the cookbook, the playlist, the word cloud. With a team that has been basically all women since its inception, it was important to reinforce a sense of unity and strength and support that has always defined us.” shares Yenni Sierra.
Their journey proves that the best teams—like the best recipes—are built with care, collaboration, and a shared vision for the future.
Here’s to the RIVA Divas, a true reflection of RIVA’s culture and spirit!
