JAS Worldwide
6195 Barfield Rd.
Atlanta, GA, USA
In the heart of the JAS Worldwide New York office, two extraordinary women, Grisel Henriquez, and Ana Ruth Olivo, are rewriting the narrative for survivors of domestic violence through their nonprofit organization, ALNUA: Alzando Nuestras Alas (translated in English to Raising Our Wings). As we celebrate International Women's Month, it's essential to highlight the remarkable efforts of women like Grisel and Ana Ruth, who are making a profound community impact beyond their successful full-time careers.
Established in mid-2020, ALNUA was born out of a shared vision to provide resources, information, education, and support to women navigating the complexities of domestic and intrafamily violence. For many survivors, breaking free from the vicious cycle of abuse can seem impossible. ALNUA aims to be the guiding light, offering a path to empowerment and healing.
Grisel Henriquez began her journey at JAS in July 2022 as an Account Lead. Due to her exceptional performance and hard work, she was promoted to Warehouse Supervisor in 2023. Her professional success, however, pales in comparison to her personal triumphs. As a survivor of domestic violence herself, Grisel's courage to share her story inspired countless others. In July 2020, she authored her book, "Mariposa de Acero" (Steel Butterfly), which became a best-seller in three categories on Amazon within 24 hours of its formal launch. But for Grisel, this was just the beginning.
Ana Ruth Olivo, also based in the JAS New York office, joined JAS as an administrative assistant in March 2022. Alongside her professional endeavors, Ana Ruth has pursued personal growth through education, completing a Neuro-linguistic program (NLP), a communication tool that helps influence behaviors through language – a skill that would prove essential in her nonprofit work. Her dedication to making a difference has been recognized by the Council of Paterson City, NJ, for Outstanding Civic Contribution.
The year 2020 brought exceptional challenges, particularly for victims of domestic violence. As shelter-in-place orders swept the globe, reports of domestic violence surged. Victims found themselves trapped at home, with limited avenues for escape. Grisel, along with her friend and fellow JAS colleague Ana Ruth, recognized the urgent need for action. Equipped with Grisel's first-hand knowledge and Ana Ruth's empathetic nature, they founded ALNUA: Alzando Nuestras Alas.
ALNUA's mission extends far beyond directing victims to resources. It's about fostering a society free of violence, instilling self-love and empowerment among survivors, equipping them with the tools and resources needed to reclaim their lives. Through career development workshops, access to counseling services, and outreach programs, ALNUA is creating a supportive network where women can find the courage to spread their wings and soar to new heights.
What began as a team of two has blossomed into a thriving network of volunteers – from lawyers to psychologists offering a range of services tailored to meet survivors’ needs. In 2024, JAS’s philanthropy organization, the Bruni Foundation, got on board with ALNUA’s mission, enabling its expansion on a global scale. In November 2024, ALNUA will visit girls’ shelters in the Dominican Republic to continue its advocacy efforts and raise awareness about the resources available for victims of domestic violence – regardless of age or gender.
As we celebrate International Women's Month, let us honor the resilience, determination, and dedication of women like Grisel Henriquez and Ana Ruth Olivo. Their tireless efforts through ALNUA serve as a testament to the power of women empowering women and remind us that together, we can break the cycle of violence and build a brighter future for all.
Follow ALNUA's journey on social media and join us in supporting their mission to uplift and empower survivors of domestic violence. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those in need.
ATLANTA, February 20, 2025 – JAS, a global leader in logistics and supply chain solutions, has successfully completed its acquisition International Airfreight Associates B.V. ("IAA"), a specialized provider of Air, Ocean and Road Freight services headquartered in the Netherlands. This milestone follows the signing of the Share Purchase Agreement (SPA) announced in December 2024 and marks the official integration of IAA into the JAS network.
"The acquisition of IAA strengthens the JAS global logistics portfolio and access to key markets, particularly in the time-critical perishable goods sector," said Marco Rebuffi, CEO and President of JAS. "We are proud to welcome IAA's talented highly experienced team to JAS and are looking forward to delivering excellent service to our customers together."
Jur de Graaf, Managing Director of International Airfreight Associates, added, "Joining JAS allows us to expand our services globally and continue delivering high-quality logistics solutions for our customers. We are confident that our partnership will create new opportunities for our employees, partners and clients.”
IAA is one of the top 3 IATA forwarders at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport with Warehouses and Operations in the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany. IAA specializes in managing time-sensitive perishable fresh goods and livestock shipments as well as multimodal general cargo.
The acquisition strengthens JAS global service portfolio by enhancing the footprint in the European logistics market and beyond. Together, JAS and IAA teams will drive customer value through expanded service offerings, operational excellence, and an even broader global network.
About JAS
JAS, a global leader in logistics and supply chain solutions, was founded in Milan, Italy, in 1978. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, and supported by 7,000+ team members in more than 100 countries, JAS focuses on creating solutions that are innovative, sustainable, and tailored to customer needs. As a privately owned company, JAS is committed to creating opportunities for communities, customers, and colleagues to thrive.
About International Airfreight Associates B.V.
International Airfreight Associates B.V. ("IAA") is a specialized provider of Air, Ocean and Road Freight services headquartered in the Netherlands. With nearly 100 employees and strategic locations and operations including Amsterdam, Aalsmeer, Rotterdam, and Frankfurt, the company specializes in moving fresh perishable goods, livestock and multimodal supply chain solutions for a diverse range of clients.
On January 24, 2025, industry leaders gathered at the Renaissance Warsaw Airport Hotel to celebrate a year of collaboration with Lufthansa Cargo.
The evening brought together key partners to reflect on past achievements, discuss future opportunities, and recognize outstanding performance across the logistics sector.
JAS Poland had a standout night, earning three awards for exceptional performance in 2024:
The event featured an inspiring speech by Ashwin Bhat, CEO of Lufthansa Cargo AG, and a panel discussion on the evolving landscape of e-commerce. The awards gala was a testament to the strong partnerships and shared success within the industry.
A heartfelt thank you to Lufthansa Cargo for their continued trust and collaboration. Here’s to another year of reaching new heights!
The European Union's Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) mandate is set to reshape the aviation industry, requiring airlines to incorporate a minimum of 2% SAF in their fuel mix starting in 2025. This regulation represents a major step toward reducing carbon emissions, but it also brings substantial cost challenges for carriers operating across Europe.
Impact on Freight Costs and Sustainability Surcharges
The implementation of the SAF mandate is driving up operational costs for airlines, directly influencing freight rates. To offset these additional expenses, airlines are introducing mandatory sustainability surcharges on shipments departing from or transiting through European airports. While this presents immediate financial challenges, it also serves as a catalyst for innovation and investment in alternative fuels, paving the way for a more sustainable aviation sector.
Balancing Cost and Sustainability
As airlines adapt to these regulatory changes, they must navigate the delicate balance between cost management and environmental responsibility. The evolution of SAF production, along with advancements in supply chain logistics, will play a critical role in determining how efficiently the industry can meet these mandates. Collaboration between fuel suppliers, airlines, and logistics partners will be essential to ensuring a smooth transition.
Stay Informed with JAS
To help our customers understand the implications of this new regulation, we invite you to download HERE the JAS One-Pager on the ReFuelEU Aviation Regulation. This resource provides a clear and user-friendly overview of the changes and their impact on airfreight logistics. Additionally, you can visit the ReFuelEU Aviation Regulation website for further details (ReFuelEU Aviation Regulation website )
At JAS, we are committed to clear and transparent communication regarding regulatory changes affecting global supply chains. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact your nearest JAS representative for more information and tailored support.
Our Sites use cookies for analytics purposes. For more information about the cookies we use on our Sites or how you can disable them, please see our Cookie Policy.
.png)