Flight Attendant Turned Tech Founder Tackles Airport Accessibility
Veronica Woodruff, an Afro-Latina entrepreneur, leveraged her experience as a flight attendant to launch Travelsist, an AI-powered app that provides on-demand travel assistance for those who need extra help at the airport. From witnessing passengers’ struggles firsthand, Woodruff recognized a gap in airport accessibility and took action.
“I can remember taking a trip to California to visit family, and I started connecting the dots. I remember during my time as a flight attendant how I would always watch moms with small children struggle to get on board the plane and thinking, How much has this evolved?”
A Tech Solution for Inclusive Travel
Travelsist offers a platform that connects users with assistants who can guide them through the airport, from drop-off to boarding. Whether it’s families with young children, individuals with disabilities, or VIP travelers, the app aims to make the airport experience more seamless and empowering.
“We’re on a mission to transform the travel tech landscape by leveraging innovative solutions to enhance airport experiences and make travel more inclusive,” said Woodruff.
Venture-Backed and Accelerator-Driven
Woodruff’s innovative approach has attracted $1.1 million in venture capital funding and participation in prestigious accelerators like J.P. Morgan & Techstars and The Partnership for Southern Equity (PSE) in conjunction with The Rockefeller Foundation’s Opportunity Collective (ROC).
Empowering Women and Opportunity Zones
Travelsist’s mission extends beyond airport assistance. The company hires contractors from opportunity zones surrounding airports, providing flexible and safe work options, primarily for single mothers.
“Not only that, they get to meet people from all over the world,” Woodruff shared, highlighting the enriching experiences her employees gain.
Woodruff’s journey from flight attendant to tech innovator exemplifies her commitment to solving real-world problems and creating inclusive travel experiences through technology.
