Thursday, October 3, 2024

If they moonlighted as a stand-up comedy team, Sandra Melendez would be the straight man to her fast-talking husband's wry one-liners. They could easily win open mic night when riffing on their Hispanic fusion and cultural one-upmanship fed by his Puerto Rican heritage and her Mexican roots.

Deputy Executive Director Manny Melendez from TSA's Policy, Plans and Engagement - Air Cargo Division and International Operations Regional Bureau Chief Sandra Melendez were established aviation security professionals when they met 18 years ago. Since then, they've learned how to navigate a successful work-life balance as independent professionals, spouses and parents.

Hispanic cultural mash up

"Living together, we embrace our differences, finding humor in the cultural quirks and creating a home filled with laughter, love and a blend of traditions," said Manny, the jokester of the pair.

"We call our kids 'MexiRicans,'" said Sandra. "They identify with both our cultures and are very proud of it."

"Well, 75% Rican, 25% Mexican," Manny playfully shot back. "But we'll allow Sandra to keep her delusions!"

The fast-paced, good-natured smack talk reached a peak when describing the Christmas holidays and their mash ups on cultural food, music and dance moves.

In the kitchen, the competition heats up between Sandra's famous tamales and Manny's family recipe for pasteles.

"The next thing you know, the kitchen turns into a family cook-off, with our daughter by my side and our son by hers," said Manny. "Everyone is conducting a taste-test and playfully arguing over which dish is better. The verdict? Both are delicious, and everyone ends up with full bellies and big smiles. I have to say that because she may be reading this article, but truth is pasteles win every time!

"Then there's the Mexican mariachi vs Puerto Rican salsa and reggaeton dance off. The living room becomes a dance floor, and soon the kids are laughing at our silly dance moves."

They speak roughly 85% English at home, but when Latino tempers flare, Sandra and Manny's Spanish is what's heard the most. Even though they joke about the Mexican and Puerto Rican dialect differences, they've always found their native language a comfortable bond.

"Sandra might say, '¡Qué padre!' when something is cool, while I say, '¡Qué chévere!'" said Manny. "We quickly learned to understand each other's expressions, often laughing at the differences and similarities.

One of Sandra's favorite holidays is coming up in November.

"The Mexican culture keeps you alive forever," said Sandra of El Dia de Los Muertos. "When you die like a Mexican, you are still alive through remembrance. Your family keeps you alive through la ofrenda."

Compatible mission

Amsterdam is the backdrop for this photo of the Melendezes. (Melendez photo)

But when the rapid fire, lighthearted banter turned to shop talk recently, the good-natured ribbing vanished, and the couples' tone became reflective and no-nonsense.

A U.S. Army veteran, Manny's aviation security skills translated into work with an international security firm in Germany, American Airlines, and then with the federal government. Sandra began with the FAA as a 14-year-old in a student summer work program and worked there in different capacities until her graduation from college with a B.A. in journalism and political science, at which point, she was hired full-time under the Outstanding Scholar Program. They were in similar TSA roles as Transportation Security Specialists when they met at the Frankfurt consulate.

Although they hold different roles now, their understanding of the TSA mission helps them balance their careers along with their family responsibilities.

"It is really nice to marry someone who knows exactly what I do and how much travel it entails," said Manny.

"I understand when he talks about his work and vice versa," said Sandra. "He has his cargo piece, and I have my international piece, but if either of us needs to travel or has to work late, we know why. We totally get it."

"Sandra has worked a 24-hour clock over the years," Manny explained about his wife's schedule. "She has had to work different time zones in all her different roles, from Europe to Asia to Washington, D.C., where she starts the morning with taskers and then continues through the afternoon and evening. There're many little sacrifices such as scheduling dinner a little earlier than normal, so we just flow with it."

They've passed down their individual 9/11 stories to their 14- and 12-year-old children, who understand the importance of their parents' work and why the TSA exists. "They do ask questions," said Sandra. "As a matter of fact, we just had a long conversation about 9/11, and they know exactly where we were and how it affected our lives."

While Sandra recently shared empanadas and Mexican breads during a team meeting in honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month, Manny's observance is more personal, sharing indigenous music at home. He jokes that he asks Alexa to play a little less Taylor Swift and a lot more salsa and merengue.

"I don't bring the fiesta to work," said Manny. "But that does not mean I don't celebrate my heritage. I just happen to celebrate it all year long."

They are instilling the same strong work ethic in their children as they inherited from their parents.

"My parents came from Mexico," said Sandra. "I'm an inner-city kid. Manny is an inner-city kid. We both went to challenging schools. It was all about breaking the cycle, and I believe that's what Manny and I have done. Both of our kids know their grandparents gave us strong values, and now we are passing on those values to them."

What I do matters - Manny Melendez

Manny and Sandra Melendez celebrate the Chinese New Year in Singapore. (Manny Melendez photo)

"As the Deputy Executive Director for The Air Cargo Division, our team diligently writes policy, conducts air carrier corporate visits, trains and tests third-party canine screening teams and maintains cargo systems to help prevent dangerous materials and individuals from compromising public safety. Our team's vigilance and commitment not only contribute to a safer travel experience, but also bolsters national security, reinforcing public confidence in our transportation networks."

Sandra Melendez

"My current work at TSA is all about working collaboratively with international partners including foreign governments, foreign airport authorities, embassy officials and U.S. government agencies overseas. International Operations continues to raise security standards around the world through bilateral cooperation and engagement."

By Karen Robicheaux, Strategic Communications & Public Affairs