
Life at MHIRJ: Sarah Gastelum

Sarah Gastelum never planned on a career in aviation. “I was actually going for healthcare before I moved out here 15 years ago,” she says. Starting as a data entry contractor, she quickly found her passion. Now, after 13 years—three as a contractor and ten as a direct employee—Sarah is a planner at MHIRJ and wouldn’t change a thing. Watch her story here:
“I Love Coming to Work”
Sarah’s enthusiasm for her role is undeniable. “I just love coming to work,” she says. It’s a statement that feels genuine, especially as she reflects on the people she works with. “I love the guys here, the women here—everyone is so nice. I’ve made so many friends that I hang out with after work.” After more than a decade at MHIRJ, Sarah has built strong relationships, and it’s the sense of camaraderie that motivates her every day.
For Sarah, it’s not just about the work—it’s about the community. “The people here bring a smile to my face as soon as I walk in,” she says with a grin. “It’s diverse, and things are always changing, with new customers and new challenges. That keeps it exciting.”
From Data Entry to Planning
Sarah’s career at MHIRJ has been a journey of growth, something she’s grateful for. “I started with data entry, and now I’m a planner. I’ve also been asked to be an interim supervisor,” she shares proudly. For Sarah, the opportunities she’s been given are a testament to the supportive environment at MHIRJ. “I’m grateful that people here saw potential in me and gave me the chance to build my skills.”
When asked what advice she would give to her younger self, Sarah laughs and says, “I’d tell myself to go to aviation school! This industry isn’t going anywhere, and there’s always going to be work. You can build a career here that can take you anywhere in the world.”
Building Friendships That Last
One of the most important aspects of Sarah’s time at MHIRJ has been the friendships she’s formed. “I don’t usually hang out with many women—I tend to connect more with the guys,” she explains. One of her closest friends is Lanny, a quality control lead. “We’ve been friends since the day I stepped into this building. We’ve gone to concerts, hung out—it’s just great.”
These relationships extend beyond the workplace. “When we have big gatherings, it’s amazing. We talk about our personal lives, and no one judges. We’re like a family.”
A Career That’s Here to Stay
Looking back on her career, Sarah is certain of one thing: “I will most likely be here until I retire.” It’s not just the work that keeps her around, but the connections she’s built, the opportunities for growth, and the fact that, as she puts it, “This is a family. I wouldn’t trade one minute of my time here for anything.”
Sarah’s story is one of finding a career she never expected to love and realizing that sometimes the best paths are the ones you don’t plan for. From her early days in data entry to her leadership role, Sarah has built a career at MHIRJ that’s fulfilling, challenging, and—most importantly—full of joy.
Read more stories about life at MHIRJ on WINGSPAN, and explore our current open positions to take the next step in your aviation career: mhirj.com/en/careers
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