2022 Airport Business Top 40 Under 40: Jarita "Rita" Hernandez

Dec. 13, 2022
Jarita "Rita" Hernandez, Customer Service Specialist, South Texas International Airport
Jarita 'Rita' Hernandez, Customer Service Specialist, South Texas International Airport
Jarita "Rita" Hernandez, Customer Service Specialist, South Texas International Airport

The first time Jarita "Rita" Hernandez, Customer Service Specialist, South Texas International Airport (KEBG), 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.