Evita Garces, Managing Director of Maintenance Operations Control (MOC) and the FAA-certificated Director of Maintenance for American Airlines, was recognized recently as a finalist for Latina Style’s Corporate LATINA Executive of the Year program. Out of nearly 100 nominees, Garces was one of the top 10 women nominated by her peers for being an exceptional leader and a great example for the Hispanic community and female professionals across the country.
In its 11th consecutive year, the Corporate LATINA Executive of the Year program honors influential Latinas who demonstrate excellence in their industries, make a positive impact within their respective companies and create an environment where team members are encouraged to succeed and reach their full potential.
“We’re extremely proud of Evie for being recognized — she truly deserves it,” said Kevin Brickner, American’s Senior Vice President of Technical Operations. “She is an amazing leader who is known for inspiring and supporting team members and is highly-skilled in her craft. She understands the work that she and her team completes directly correlates to a safe and reliable operation for the entire airline, so she goes above and beyond to ensure quality aircraft for everyone who travels on American. Evie is a great example of taking care of people on life’s journey.”
Garces, the only person from an airline to receive the honor this year, made history in 2018 when she became the first female and the first Latina team member to be selected for the position of American’s Director of Maintenance. In this FAA-certificated position, she is responsible for ensuring that all work on the airline’s aircraft is performed in accordance with Federal Aviation Regulations, and she and her team help oversee the day-to-day technical operations for American, which includes oversight of all aircraft maintenance.
Garces has been successful in an industry where a majority of her peers are males, starting her career in aviation maintenance in high school. She became an Aviation Maintenance Technician at an early age and worked her way up to being a director in her 20s.
“I’ve been interested in aviation maintenance since I was 14, and the fact that this is typically a male-dominated industry didn’t deter me at all,” Garces said. “I enjoy what I do, and I, along with my team, are committed to ensuring that all of our aircraft are safe and airworthy for our customers and team members. Being named a finalist for the Corporate LATINA Executive of the Year program is an honor, as it’s ultimately recognition by my peers. I’m thankful that I get to work every day alongside such amazing team members that are as passionate about our work, our customers and the company as I am.”
