“I make sure to carve out time for things that bring me joy, like exercising, reading, and exploring new cuisines."
Milton De La Paz
Vice President Airline Relations
and Cargo, DFW Airport
Milton De La Paz, vice president of airline relations and cargo business development at DFW Airport, is one of the most enthusiastic and committed people in the busy world of aviation, where planes travel the world and terminals act as entry points for adventure. His career path serves as an example of the value of grasping opportunities, rising to the occasion, and finding purpose in one’s job.
De La Paz’s story is one of serendipity and determination, a tale that began with a twist of fate during his graduate studies at the University of Denver. Initially, he had set his sights on a different path, pursuing an internship opportunity in Washington, DC with the office of the president for trade. However, when faced with the financial burden of traveling to the nation’s capital, De La Paz made the difficult decision to decline the offer.
“I wasn’t looking to enter the aviation sector at all when I graduated from university,” De La Paz recalls. “But when I saw the opportunities it presented, I knew I had to leap.”
And leap he did. Armed with a newfound sense of curiosity and a desire for adventure, De La Paz found himself drawn to the world of aviation. Seizing the opportunity to explore a career in the industry, he began sending out resumes to airlines, hoping to secure a position that would facilitate his passion for travel and exploration.
“I started sending my resume to airlines as a strategy to facilitate travel for interviews,” De La Paz explains. “Little did I know that it would lead to a lifelong career in aviation.”
Indeed, De La Paz’s foray into the world of aviation would prove to be a transformative experience. Starting at an entry-level position with an airline, he quickly found himself immersed in the fast-paced and dynamic environment of the industry. The opportunity to travel the world, meet new people, and experience different cultures ignited a passion within him that would shape his career for years to come.
Over the years, De La Paz has worn many hats in the aviation sector, transitioning from airlines to airports and taking on roles of increasing responsibility and leadership. Throughout his journey, he has embraced new challenges and opportunities for growth, always striving to expand his knowledge and expertise in the ever-evolving world of aviation.
But beyond his professional achievements, De La Paz is also a firm believer in maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Despite his love for work, he recognizes the importance of prioritizing time for family, fitness, and personal pursuits.
“I may be a bit of a workaholic,” De La Paz admits with a chuckle. “But I also make sure to carve out time for things that bring me joy, like exercising, reading, and exploring new cuisines.”
Speaking of cuisines, De La Paz’s culinary adventures are as diverse as his travels. From Middle Eastern delicacies to Indian spices to Peruvian delights, he delights in sampling the flavors of the world, often incorporating them into his own cooking repertoire.
As for leisure activities, De La Paz is an avid sports enthusiast, with a particular fondness for the Olympics and the World Cup. He appreciates the spirit of competition and the camaraderie that comes with global sporting events, finding inspiration in the dedication and perseverance of athletes worldwide.
When asked about his advice for aspiring professionals, De La Paz emphasizes the importance of dedication, self-belief, and intellectual curiosity.
“Don’t let setbacks hold you back,” he advises. “Believe in yourself, stay open-minded, and never stop learning. The world is full of opportunities for those who are willing to seize them.”
As Milton De La Paz continues to soar to new heights in his career, his story serves as a reminder that with passion, perseverance, and a spirit of adventure, anything is possible in the vast skies of aviation.
