Riadel Manzano is not your typical aircraft mechanic. Based in East Williston, New York, she has spent over a decade ensuring that airplanes are safe and ready to fly. Her journey into aviation was anything but ordinary. In a field where women are still a minority, Riadel’s passion and skill have helped her break barriers and inspire others to follow in her footsteps.
Growing up on Long Island, Riadel was fascinated by airplanes. She would often watch them fly overhead, wondering how such massive machines could soar so effortlessly. “There was something magical about it,” she recalls. “I knew I wanted to be a part of that world.” This early fascination turned into a lifelong passion for aviation.
After graduating from W. T. Clarke High School, Riadel Manzano pursued her dream by enrolling at Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology. She worked hard to earn her degree in Aviation Maintenance, becoming one of the few women in her class to gain certification as an Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) technician. “It wasn’t easy,” she admits. “There were moments when I questioned if I was doing the right thing. But my love for aviation kept me going.”
Her career began at a regional airline, where she got her hands dirty learning engine diagnostics, avionics troubleshooting, and airframe repairs. The job was demanding, both physically and mentally. However, Riadel thrived. Her attention to detail and ability to solve complex problems quickly earned her respect in the hangar. “The first time I fixed an engine issue that got a grounded plane back in the air was unforgettable,” she says. “Moments like that remind you why the hard work is worth it.”
Today, Riadel works for a major airline at LaGuardia Airport. Her job involves handling some of the most challenging maintenance tasks. From diagnosing engine problems to ensuring that every bolt and wire is in place, she takes pride in knowing that her work keeps passengers safe. “Safety is everything,” Riadel explains. “When I sign off on an aircraft, I’m putting my name on it. That means it has to be perfect.”
Beyond her technical skills, what makes Riadel’s story so inspiring is her dedication to making aviation more inclusive. As a woman in a male-dominated industry, she understands the importance of representation. Riadel mentors young women who are interested in aerospace careers, often volunteering at local schools and community programs. “Seeing a young girl’s eyes light up when she realizes she can do this too—that’s priceless,” she says. “I want them to know there’s a place for them in this field.”
Her advocacy doesn’t stop there. Riadel regularly speaks at workshops and events, sharing her story and encouraging others to pursue careers in STEM. She believes that diversity in the industry leads to better problem-solving and innovation. “When you have different perspectives at the table, you get better solutions,” she points out.
When she’s not at the airport or volunteering, Riadel enjoys exploring Long Island’s parks and beaches with her family. She also has a passion for building model airplanes, a hobby that keeps her connected to the wonder of flight that first sparked her career. “It’s a way to unwind but also a reminder of why I fell in love with aviation in the first place,” she says.
Looking ahead, Riadel hopes to continue making an impact—both in the hangar and beyond. Her goal is to inspire more women to join the industry and to keep pushing the limits of what’s possible in aviation maintenance. “There’s still so much to learn and so much to do,” she reflects. “I can’t wait to see what comes next.”
Riadel Manzano’s journey proves that with passion, skill, and determination, the sky is truly the limit.
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