Edinburg Airport Staff Honored as ‘Top 40 Under 40’ Winner By National Magazine
Photo above: Jarita Hernandez, center, is honored by the Edinburg City Council with proclamation for her selection as a “Top 40 Under 40” by Airport Business Magazine.
Jarita ‘Rita’ Hernandez, an Administrative Assistant in Edinburg’s Department of Aviation, will be honored this week by the Edinburg City Commission for being selected as a 2022 recipient in Airport Business Magazine’s annual “Top 40 Under 40,” which recognizes aviation professionals and leaders from across the country.
Hernandez is profiled among her peers in the November/December 2022 magazine issue and through the publication’s digital publication AviationPros.com.
Joe Petrie, Editorial Director for the Endeavor Aviation Group, which publishes Airport Business Magazine, said “The 2022 ‘40 Under 40’ showcases the most innovative emerging leaders building the future of aviation in North America.”
“A ‘Top 40 Under 40’ winner is chosen for showing commitment, drive, professional accomplishments during their career. All winners not only showcased their drive and accomplishments, but they are working to build the next generation for tomorrow. This is the eleventh edition of this program, and we received hundreds of nominations across North America from all facets of the aviation industry,” Petrie added.
In the magazine article, Hernandez, a Customer Service Specialist at South Texas International Airport (KEBG), said the first time she stepped foot in an airplane was in 2021. Prior to that, she had done everything she could do to avoid airplanes due to all the terrifying stories she had heard. To her surprise, that first flight was nothing like her expectations, and in fact turned out to be enjoyable. As she went on more and more flights, she quickly realized that she wanted to be part of the aviation industry – specifically assisting people in their travel needs.
“What I enjoy most about what I do is the interaction and communication I do on a daily basis with pilots, passengers, government agencies and other companies that are a key part of airport operations,” said Hernandez. “It all starts with customer service and what we can do to improve everyone’s experience at KEBG.”
Hernandez said the impact she wants to have on the organization she is part of is bringing in more business to the airport.
“We are a small airport that many are not aware of. I want to make it known so that the community is informed of the services available at the airport, but also the opportunities that may come along with expansion,” she said.
An accomplishment she is proud of in her career is obtaining a promotion in an advancement position available in the department.
“I had no previous knowledge of the aviation industry and was able to grasp the nature of the daily activities needed and exceeded expectations,” said Hernandez.
At this week’s regular Tuesday night meeting, the Edinburg City Commission is expected to approve a proclamation honoring Hernandez.
The proclamation notes Hernandez’s “began her employment with the City of Edinburg Department of Aviation in May 2022 as a Customer Service Specialist. While having no prior background in the aviation industry, upon her hire she immediately distinguished herself as a quick learner whose dedication as a public servant is matched by her curiosity and determination to learn the intricacies and operation of the South Texas International Airport of Edinburg, and how its growth serves our community.”