October_2021 - 19

Jessica Espinoza Renz, 34, Tech Ops Compliance Specialist, Endeavor Air, Apple Valley, MN
Jessica Espinoza Renz grew up close to Detroit Metro Airport,
which gave her a love of aviation at an early age. She initially wanted
to be a pilot, but didn't have the financial means. When her
high school offered dual enrollment with the Michigan Institute
of Aeronautics (Michigan Institute of Aviation & Technology) at
Willow Run Airport, to pursue an Airframe & Powerplant certificate,
she jumped at the opportunity and never looked back.
Renz's career started in 2006 at Willow Run Airport, working to
restore a fleet of Lockheed L-188 Electras. She has also worked on
general aviation, corporate and other cargo aircraft before starting
with Endeavor Air (then Mesaba Airlines) in 2008. At Endeavor, Renz
was an AMT for eight years and Lead AMT for three. She served as
Endeavor's Detroit Tech Ops Safety Committee vice chair for six
years and as Endeavor's Tech Ops ASAP Event Review Committee
employee representative for five months, before transitioning to
her current role as tech ops compliance specialist in 2019.
" In my current role, I investigate technical non-compliance to
understand what went wrong and why, then use my background as a
technician to effect change that is meaningful both to the company
and frontline employees, " she explained. " Seeing the result of the
changes we've developed in response to our investigation findings
has been incredibly rewarding, and further drives my passion to
run a thorough investigation. At the end of the day, I'm trying to
put myself out of work. "
Renz earned an A.S. in Aviation
Ma intenance
from Embr y-Riddle
Aeronautical University in 2019 and is pursuing
a B.S. in Aviation Maintenance Safety
from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
Renz said she tries to give back to the
community by offering guidance to aspiring
aviation maintenance professionals. " I'm
approached by young professionals surprisingly often, with questions
about how I've gotten to where I am today and looking for guidance
on what type of education may be best for their career goals, "
she mentioned. " I recently started a Facebook group (Students of
Embry-Riddle Worldwide) to help connect Embry-Riddle Worldwide
campus students from around the globe. We're currently over 500
members strong and it's been a great way to help others navigate
their own professional journeys. "
She would like to start a scholarship program to help aspiring
aviation professionals. " College wasn't a topic of discussion in my
household when I was growing up, because it wasn't something my
family could afford, so I've had to earn my degrees while working
full-time, " she said. " I'd love to give others an opportunity to start
their career with a degree or earn their degree later in their career. "
40 UNDER 40
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2021 HONOREE
JESSICA RENZ
Technical Operations Compliance Specialist
Thank you for your leadership and commitment
to safety and operational excellence.
www.endeavorair.com/careers
2110AMTEndeavorAir.indd 1
9/15/21 1:52 PM
http://www.endeavorair.com/careers
October_2021

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