Featured Employee – Claudia Vazquez
At Reliance Aerotech Services, we believe great companies are built by great people. Each quarter, we celebrate an employee whose actions inside or outside of work reflect the values at the heart of who we are: integrity, community, and showing up when it matters most. These are their stories.
Claudia Vazquez serves as Reliance Aerotech Services’ Talent Sourcing and Business Development leader. She recently showcased her attention to detail and boldness in an act that changed the lives of her community members.
At around 5 AM, due to her barking dogs, Claudia woke from her sleep and noticed flames billowing from her neighbor’s chimney. Arizona heat, melted electrical wiring, and heavy rainstorms created a recipe for disaster and Claudia’s quick thinking prevented what could have been a catastrophe for her two elderly neighbors. Upon the realization of what was going on, Claudia ran to notify her neighbors of the fire as they were sleeping soundly, not realizing that thick black smoke was quickly filling their home. This moment of quick thinking likely saved their lives.
Most people freeze in emergencies, what pushed you to act?
I have known my neighbors for so long and they are so kind, I was more afraid of something bad happening to them than anything else. They deserve so much more from this life.
What is one thing that you remember most in that moment?
The look in my neighbor’s eyes demonstrating the fear of losing everything she and her husband had built together. Along with the fear in her husband’s eyes of something happening to her, and him not being able to help.
Has this experience changed the way you view yourself and your community?
Yes, in a way, it was just a reminder that we need to be more involved, be more present, and check with our elders, because they truly need us, and maybe I could have been checking on them more often. We can always do more. And this whole situation only brought us all closer.
What do you want most people to take away from this story?
Be there for your parents, your grandparents, your elders, check on them, answer that phone call, stop by, check their fridge, check their doors, their fire alarms, make sure they have everything they need. At the end of the day what’s going to be the most important thing for them is that you called or that you showed up. They don’t ask for much so let’s stop acting like it’s a lot. Love them like they love you, because one day we will be them.
What do you enjoy most about your role at Reliance Aerotech Services?
The opportunity to learn something new day by day, I’m grateful for my daily interactions and the daily growth.
What words do you live by?
Learn something new every day; Comfort feels good, but curiosity builds your future. The moment you think you know enough, you stop evolving.
Claudia Vazquez is a member of the Reliance Aerotech Services team. Her act of courage is a reflection of the values we celebrate every day: showing up, looking out for one another, and never hesitating when it counts.
If you have a passion for aviation, we’d like to have you on our team. Learn more about working with Reliance Aerotech Services and apply for jobs here: www.reliance.aero/aviation-jobs