Women’s History Month is here! In honor of the trailblazing leaders, inventors, creators and thinkers, we’re spending a minute with some fantastic Women of Envoy to learn more about their careers and their appreciation for women’s history.

Let’s hear from Alma Valdez, a Customer Services Supervisor at Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) in Grand Rapids, MI.

What is your Envoy story?

I’ve been with Envoy for nearly two and a half years. I started off as an above-the-wing part-time Customer Services Agent and after a year, I knew that this was what I wanted for myself.

I needed to move up in my career path so I spoke with my manager and she helped guide me. After learning how things operated out on the ramp, a supervisor position opened up and I immediately applied.

The challenges that arise with this position — they satisfy me. You can call me crazy, but as difficult as it seems, as long as it seems, or as busy as it seems, it keeps me attracted to it and I just keep coming back for more.

What’s the significance of Women’s History Month to you?

I’m honored and thankful that women have the opportunity to grow and advance in careers and live a life that’s fulfilling. To be able to celebrate that, it’s a good feeling.

Why is celebrating gender diversity inside and outside of the workplace important to you?

It’s important to have a balance and to be able to have women alongside men in leadership roles just shows that we’ve broken barriers. I come from a Latin culture where femininity has been looked down on in the past, so being a female in leadership to me — it’s awesome.

What advice do you have for young women who are beginning to plan their careers?

Perseverance and determination is key to your success. You have to commit to yourself and say, “Advancement is what I want. A career is what I want.”

Work daily toward that, and don’t let anyone discourage you. You are the only one who can stop yourself from moving forward, so let your light shine.

Tell us one surprising fact about yourself that others may not know.

I have six children.