Her Story
About Maria
Maria Cayanan is the Business Manager for Ground Handling Operations at the San Francisco International Airport, where she works with Philippine Airlines under Hallmark Aviation Services. In this role she oversees ground handling operations and draws on six years of prior operational experience. Earlier in her career she served as corporate trainer for four years, during which she prepared and onboarded staff for 28 airlines at the airport, focusing on empowering individuals to advance and succeed. A graduate of a Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology, she transitioned from a pre-med path into aviation services because of her passion for working directly with people in hospitality and communications. She values loyalty and commitment in her professional life and attributes her success to trusting her own judgment while pursuing the quality of life she desires.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Maria
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to chasing and trusting myself, focusing on the quality of life I want, and recognizing that life is a competition where I must push myself to accomplish my goals. Everything happens for a reason and brings meaning and growth.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The number one person that you need to chase and trust is yourself. People will tell you what you should be doing but you yourself can tell exactly if this is what you really wanted to do. If your interest is not there then the purpose of achieving or chasing that dream will not be possible.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Show them that even if we are women we know how to wear our pants and perform just as well as men. As long as a woman knows how to think very well she will be able to perform strongly and be her own boss.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
I am lucky to have a company with equal opportunity that does not bully discriminate or harass people. As long as you give your performance and perform well there will be no competition and you enjoy your passion.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Loyalty is most important. If you are not loyal to anything that you do then you will not be able to turn into trust and you will not be able to earn the respect. You have to be able to commit.
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