Valeria Castorina joined Menzies in November as Customer Service Manager at London Heathrow Cargo. She started work in the aviation sector in 2015 and would like to head up a cargo operation at some point in her career – unless fate changes her path. Here’s her story…

When Valeria Castorina left her family in Sicily aged 16 to go to high school in California, little did she know her travels would eventually lead her to a career in aviation.

Two high school diplomas and two university degrees later, hardworking Valeria found herself living in Milan and looking for work. She had applied for over 100 positions and was standing in the middle of Milan’s famous Piazza del Duomo when she got a call from Etihad Airways inviting her to an interview for their graduate management programme.

It was while working for Etihad in Abu Dhabi that Valeria met Robert Fordree, now Menzies EVP Cargo, and started to build her network within the cargo business. “Using your contacts is good, especially when you reach a management position.” recommends Valeria, “And at any point in your career a mentor, who sees what you’re good at and can offer you direction, is a great asset.”

While working for Etihad, Valeria sought the support of her network when she took on ever-more challenging jobs – such as station manager for Etihad and Alitalia Cargo in Rome, in 2017. The following year, she was drawn to a role at WFS in the UK, eventually joining Menzies in 2020 as Customer Service Manager.

Her advice for women working in aviation; “I find working in aviation a very stimulating industry as you are interconnected with the world through your company and your customers. You will get to know different work cultures, style and goals that will give you the opportunity to work with an open mind.”