Introducing our 2025 Summer Interns
My name is Eden, and I am thrilled to be interning with JSSI’s Marketing Team this summer! Over the next few months, I will be documenting the Class of 2025’s journey as we grow professionally, expand our business aviation knowledge, and learn from the passionate professionals around us. Join me in welcoming my cohort of 13 summer interns to JSSI!
Our intern group represents a range of departments company-wide, and in addition to our daily projects, we have a packed summer schedule of activities designed to provide us with a meaningful intern experience. I will take you along on our summer in Chicago, including a trip to JSSI Parts & Leasing’s Kentucky warehouse, our volunteer project, and a day at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh.
This is just the beginning of an incredible summer of growth and learning. I am looking forward to documenting this journey as we immerse ourselves into the daily operations of the aviation business industry. Stay tuned for more updates and insights as the summer unfolds!
Keep reading to get to know JSSI’s 2025 Intern Class.
Eden Melamed
Marketing
School/Year: University of Delaware, Class of 2026
Major: Entrepreneurship
Minor: Piano Performance
Hometown: Tenafly, New Jersey
“I am excited to explore the strategies behind building a strong brand and to gain hands-on experience in how we can connect with our audiences in the aviation industry. Being welcomed into a team of passionate professionals is an incredible opportunity for me to learn and grow. Marketing has the power to bring ideas to life, and I am eager to be part of that creative impact.”
margarita cruz
accounting
School/Year: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Class of 2026
Major: Accounting
Hometown: Cicero, Illinois
"When I was little, I was fascinated by the 'big things flying in the sky'. Upon discovering what these things were, I was in awe of how complex they are. Since then, I have a great appreciation for planes. Having the opportunity to learn more about them and their complexity truly excites me."
Declan Daleiden
parts & leasing
School/Year: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Class of 2026 Major: Aviation Business Administration
Hometown: Satellite Beach, Florida
“What excites me the most about the aviation industry is the development and expansion of EVTOL operations, especially in countries like Colombia and Brazil.”
Davis Flint
PARTS & LEASING
School/Year: Clemson University, Class of 2026
Major: Management
Hometown: Milton, Georgia
“Aviation is a vast and expanding industry with tons of opportunity to grow. What excites me the most, especially in the parts sector, is its essential role in keeping planes in the air. No matter how much technology advances, every plane will need parts at some point.”
Colby flint
Conklin & De Decker
School/Year: Clemson University, Class of 2026
Major: Management
Hometown: Milton, Georgia
"I'm excited to learn how JSSI's clients use Conklin & de Decker's data and tools. My family has deep roots in the business aviation industry, and I’m excited to learn as much as I can as I work toward becoming a third-generation professional in the field."
kenya handfield
CLIENT SERVICES
School/Year: Thurgood Marshall School of Law Class of 2028 / Spelman College Class of 2025
Major: Psychology, Pre-Law Track - undergrad
Minor: French
Hometown: Miami, Florida
"I'm excited to explore the relationships between client services, underwriting, contracts, and legal to understand the interpretation and translation of language in the business aviation sector."
Loa Johannsson
FP&A - Data Analytics
School/Year: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Masters Student
Major: Aerospace Business Analytics
Hometown: Orlando, Florida
“I have always been passionate about the Aviation industry! Now by working on this team I am able to apply data analytics skills and learn how they make real impacts in the industry. It's truly such an exciting opportunity!”
Jermar Johnson
Software - IT & Innovation
School/Year: Northern Illinois University, Class of 2027
Major: Computer Science
Hometown: Chicago, Illinois
“What excites me most about this opportunity is learning how technology supports and transforms the aviation industry. As a computer science student and tech enthusiast, I’m constantly immersed in emerging technologies. However, I have limited knowledge of the aviation sector itself, and I’m eager to explore how innovation and engineering intersect in this field."
Courtney Cairo
Client Services
School/Year: Illinois State University, Class of 2026
Major: Public Relation Communication
Minor: Italian Studies
Hometown: Glen Ellyn, Illinois
“What excites me the most about the aviation industry is the unique combination of precision and global connectivity. A major influence on this passion has been Lou Seno (one of JSSI's original founders), whose vision and leadership have shaped how I view the industry's potential.”
Kira Rudersdorf
Tax
School/Year: Indiana University, Class of 2027
Major: Accounting and Finance
Hometown: Libertyville, Illinois
“The tax team all comes from different backgrounds, making them a great group to learn from whether it be tax knowledge or career advice. I am also excited to learn about how tax applies to aviation, as many flights are international and travel through different jurisdictions."
Drew schneider
Aviation Capital
School/Year: Miami University (OH), Class of 2026
Major: Finance
Hometown: Long Grove, Illinois
“I am excited to join the Aviation Capital team as it provides an amazing experience to put my finance background in real world situations. I look forward to learning from industry experts and contributing to impactful projects.”
Trey Woolley
Underwriting
School/Year: Samford University, Class of 2026
Major: Accounting
Hometown: Peachtree Corners, Georgia
“I do not have extensive aviation knowledge, but planes have always fascinated me. I knew I wanted to be challenged, and this was an opportunity to do that while in an industry that has always intrigued me. I'm excited to combine and develop my skills in analyzing visual patterns and understanding company operations through my time at JSSI this summer."
Thien Ho
IT
School/Year: University of South Florida, Class of 2025
Major: Information Technology
Hometown: Tampa, FL
“I was drawn to this internship because of the ability to make an impact with the IT Team and the opportunity to learn more about the aviation industry.”
JSSI is the leading independent provider of aircraft maintenance support and financial services to the business aviation industry.
