NATCA Staff Spotlight: Office Manager Charry Jimenez

NATCA is incredibly fortunate to have a team at our National Office that exemplifies dedication and excellence. Each day, they pour their hearts and efforts into their work, driven by a commitment to deliver unparalleled service and representation. NATCA’s members have every reason to be proud of this remarkable team, for they are the backbone that supports and uplifts our Union. Today, we are excited to shine the spotlight on a standout member of our National Office team: Office Manager Charry Jimenez.

Tell us about the places you’ve called home and how they’ve shaped the person you are today.

I would say the Philippines, which is my birthplace with Hong Kong as my second home. As a young child of a large family, my parents were old-school and very religious, so strict parenting was the norm in my generation. In the long run, my parents taught me valuable life skills. They have helped me create self-discipline, and establish responsibility and accountability.

After graduating from college, I returned to Hong Kong and joined my older siblings who were also my guardians while our parents were back in the Philippines. My family supported my decisions in my career path, even when I took the huge leap of relocating to the United States in 2000. I am very grateful to my parents and my eldest sister, whom I consider my mentor. Their guidance and support have allowed me to navigate challenges, make wise decisions in my life and thrive in my career.

What schools or institutions have you attended, and what unique learning experiences, formal or otherwise, have contributed to your personal and professional growth?

I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Education in the Philippines. After a short career as a teacher, I found my calling in customer service and became a hotelier at the Ritz-Carlton Company. From there, I have expanded my skills and experience at NATCA since 2005. I am proud to be part of this amazing organization that truly cares for the aviation professionals and ensures safety workspaces around the country and more.

How has being a part of NATCA’s staff influenced your perspective on labor unions and aviation?

I have great respect for labor unions and aviation. It is wonderful how NATCA protects the members’ rights, and negotiates fair wages and safe working conditions for their members. It’s incredible to know that, being in a union, there will always be a group of supporters always fighting for the employees to maintain their job security and to continue working in optimal environments.

Can you share a memorable experience or success story from your time with NATCA?

I remember being hired in the same week as NATCA in Washington 2005. My first task was to help my supervisor sell NATCA Store merchandise which was my first time to staff a booth!

I was initially nervous, but I immediately felt welcome after meeting the members. After a few weeks of training, I gained confidence in managing the store and sometime later, transitioned to eCommerce, thanks to the support of my superiors, colleagues, and their trust in me to apply my customer service and organizational skills. Those who know me know how much I enjoy my job and enjoy sharing my knowledge and skills with my team in the Membership Department.

What initially drew you to a career in the aviation sector and to NATCA specifically?

I came across the job advertisement in the newspaper. After seizing this great opportunity to work for NATCA, I have learned a lot about its mission and whom they represent. To this day, I am very proud to be part of this Union.

If you could share with NATCA’s members a little-known thing about being a member of NATCA’s staff, what would it be?

Being part of the NATCA family in the National Office is a huge honor. I get to interact with members, whether by phone or email when they have questions about anything related to their membership; or when they shop at NATCA Store. I always look forward to members being in town, where I get to put faces to names and be available for any assistance. If there is something I am unable to address or if it is not within my field of expertise, I know I can rely on my colleagues for assistance.

What’s one skill or hobby you’ve developed outside of your work life?

I love to sing. I used to be in a choir in my younger days but as a working mom, time and energy can be challenging. Thanks to technology and a karaoke app, I get to share my talent with many great singers around the world whilst in my quiet space and I can meet new friends.

If you could solve one world problem, what would it be and why?

Plastic Pollution. If everyone had a deeper understanding of what can be thrown away and what cannot, and what will be the environmental impact of it, we could effectively conduct recycling practices and help in reducing plastic contamination. With better education, funding, and improved recycling services, this would influence our behavior to protect the planet even more. And not have unsegregated and disposed materials wind up in landfills or the oceans, causing chaos in the environment and putting humans, animals, and marine life at risk.

What’s your go-to method for unwinding after a busy day? I love to unwind at home and watch comedy sitcoms. It lightens the mood and brings me to a place where everyday worries don’t exist. Laughter is indeed the best medicine! Korean romantic-comedy is my 2nd favorite show to watch.