Life at OPENLANE Pride Month Edition: Q&A with Maria Valadez, Scheduling and Logistics Specialist
This Pride Month, we’re proud to feature Maria Valadez, Scheduling and Logistics Specialist at OPENLANE. Learn about Maria’s journey at OPENLANE and her involvement in the LGBTQ+@OPENLANE employee resource group.
What has your journey at OPENLANE looked like?
I started my journey at OPENLANE in May of 2019 as a field inspector and got to travel quite a bit. I have been to 80% of the southern states; It’s been interesting and fun! I just transitioned to the scheduling and logistics team in late May 2025 and I am really enjoying it.
What is something you are most proud of during your time with OPENLANE?
I’m most proud of the fact that I was not only a field inspector but also a trainer. As a field inspector, I took on the additional responsibility of training new hires across Texas and Oklahoma. This involved guiding them through their initial weeks, helping them understand the intricacies of the role, and ensuring they were well-prepared to handle inspections independently. I found joy in sharing my knowledge and seeing my trainees grow into competent and confident inspectors.
What do you like the most about working at OPENLANE?
I have always liked the freedom and trust given to me to do my work. It empowers me to approach my work with autonomy, allowing me to innovate, problem-solve, and manage my responsibilities. This environment fosters a sense of ownership over my projects and tasks, which in turn fuels my motivation and commitment to delivering high-quality results.
What is the best career advice you’ve ever heard?
In an age where integrity and authenticity are increasingly valued, the simple yet profound advice “Never lie and you will never have to try and remember what you said” serves as a powerful cornerstone for not only your professional life but your personal life too.
What does Pride Month mean to you personally?
Growing up in East Texas, being different was difficult. The fear of not conforming, of standing out, was a constant companion. Things aren’t always easy, but I’ve found immense joy and comfort in connecting with friends who share similar interests and experiences. I joined a local group that organizes a variety of engaging activities. We enjoy things like volleyball and bowling, fostering both physical activity and friendly competition. These gatherings provide a much-needed space for camaraderie, understanding, and a sense of belonging that was often absent in my earlier life.
What is your favorite part of Pride Month?
I honestly just truly appreciate the existence of Pride Month. It’s a dedicated time that allows us to collectively celebrate the LGBTQ+ community, acknowledge their history, and raise awareness about the challenges they still face. It fosters a sense of belonging and solidarity, and it’s a vital reminder of the ongoing fight for equality and acceptance for all individuals.
Tell us about the work that LGBTQ+@OPENLANE does and the importance of this group to you.
LGBTQ+@OPENLANE gives us a safe place to share and express our thoughts and ideas; it brings us to the forefront. Despite the myriad of differences in culture, language, appearance, etc., at our core, we are all members of the same human family. This group gives us a space where individuals feel secure enough to be authentic, to express their thoughts and most innovative ideas without fear of judgment.
