avionics manager at the time, Paul Cummings, who encouraged me. What do you like most about your job? Working with people in flight departments. They each have a unique mission for their company or owner, and they all face challenges. I enjoy getting to know them and their mission and learning how I can work with them to develop a partnership that's mutually beneficial. It is very fulfilling in that regard. It's a different type of satisfaction than taking your tools and wiring prints out to an aircraft. It's more of a long-term satisfaction. As a technician, you can physically see the work that you're doing. I see my role as helping to bring awareness of Pro Star's capabilities to customers in my region. There's a lot of building and maintaining relationships, attending industry events and staying up-to-date on all of the new technology and promotions available from dozens of vendors to best service my customers. It's a different way of utilizing your brain. Every position presents opportunity for growth. We challenge, we adapt, we overcome. We learn to be very good swimmers. What drives you to get more women involved in aviation and in workforce development in general? I think it's really important that we give back and help the next generation. We need to come together and help each other and make it better for everyone. You don't do that by sitting on the sidelines. You have to carry the torch for a little bit and pass along your knowledge and experience. It could be as simple as attending a women's symposium and sharing information avionics news * august 2022 53 with the next generation to help them better set themselves up for what's to come. I've had several mentors who have had a very positive impact on my career. You don't forget those people. You don't forget people who've helped you along the way and helped you grow in a very meaningful, personal and professional way. q To learn more about Pro Star Aviation, visit prostaraviation.com.http://prostaraviation.com http://www.sandia.aero