9TH RALLY EDITION: OCTOBER 10 – 19, 2024

#133

The NEXT Wave

Cindy grew up in North Tonawanda NY, finishing school and graduating in Ft. Fairfield, Maine. Cindy joined the US Air Force and completed 20+ year career in Space Systems and Intelligence Analysis. The Air Force allowed for travel to many countries and a few “boots in the sand” opportunities. It helped create a strong work ethic and allowed for diverse experiences around the world, feeding her adventurous spirit. Retired from the AF and working for Iridium LLC in Phoenix, AZ now. Cindy enjoys pickleball, paddling the Salt River, and the lakes around Arizona as well as off-roading, as well as trying new restaurants and wine.
Born in Portugal, Annabelle moved to France at the age of 3 with her Portuguese parents where she lived until moving to the United Stated in 2014 in order to work on the Iridium Program for the French satellites manufacturing company Thales Alenia Space. The first in her immediate family to graduate from college, Annabelle has a Master Degree in Sciences from the University of Toulouse Rangueil (France). She spent all her adult life working for the same company in France until she decided to get new experiences by becoming a permanent resident of the USA. Annabelle is found of nature and animals, loves the Arizona weather, enjoys hiking and paddle boarding but most of all, she is a complete traveler enthusiast who especially enjoys exploring the more remote places of the world.
Cindy and Annabelle both work for Iridium LLC. Both new hires in the past year, they met through a mutual friend at work and realized they had a lot in common, they decided to apply for the opportunity to represent Iridium in the Rebelle Rally. Since then, they have spent time together learning about off-roading, likes, dislikes etc, attended a music concert and paddle boarded together. They both have one adult son, lived a lot of life before they met, and fun fact – they’ve both had pets named Missy. Annabelle brought up the Rally, and Cindy said – “heck yah!, Let’s do it!”, (If you know Cindy, that’s not “exactly” what she said. LOL).

Sponsored By:

Iridium LLC

Cindy Swazey

Driver

I am compassionate and dedicated. I enjoy being on a team and supporting overall mission goals.

Occupation:

Sr Test Engineer

Residence:

Phoenix, AZ

Favorite Quote:

“Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” Maya Angelou

Fun Fact:

I'm crazy about paddleboarding!

Why the Rebelle? Why now?

Annabelle and I became friends at work, both new hires in the past year, we were excited to apply and challenge ourselves, learn everything we can and network with other strong, independent, intelligent and likeminded women. And because we could!

Who, or what, inspires you most?

Life, living it the best possible way that I can. You can’t take much with you, but I believe our souls take the experiences of our lifetime with us.

Top three favorite podcasts / books / shows

Show: Alone Podcast: 75 Hard Book: The Power of Now

Greatest adventure to date?

Paddle boarding the Colorado River – Horseshoe Bend, (15 miles) followed by paddle and hike in Antelope Canyon, Page AZ.

Prior Years Competed:
Awards Achieved:

Annabelle DaSilva

Navigator

Passionate adventurer and very focused on whatever mission lies ahead. Also very determined, and seldom gives up.

Occupation:

Principle RF Engineer at Iridium LLC

Residence:

Phoenix, AZ

Favorite Quote:

Shoot for the moon, even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars. Norman Vincent Peale

Fun Fact:

I am a “all over the world” solo backpack traveler who have faced a lot of misadventures like being trapped in a military checkpoint in Lebanon at the border with Syria for a couple of hours, losing my passport during a business trip just the day before my vacations to Indonesia, barely missing being eaten by an alligator in the Everglades, etc, ...Just fun afterwards!

Why the Rebelle? Why now?

Since I was a teenager, I have been dreaming of participating to the “Rallye des Gazelles”. The opportunity came up with Iridium on a similar race, so I couldn’t help but jump into it right night to make my dream come true. I am still pinching myself, thank you Iridium! I feel so fortunate, grateful and honored to be a part of Team Iridium in the 2023 Rebelle Rally!

Who, or what, inspires you most?

I am inspired by those who are not afraid to get out of their comfort zone, those who fight for their dreams and those who share and give to the others.

Top three favorite podcasts / books / shows

Favorite Books: The Sun Also Rises, The Grapes of Wrath, La Terre Vue du Ciel

Greatest adventure to date?

Leaving my comfort zone in France surrounded by my family and friends to build a new life in the USA with new friends and great opportunities such as participating to the Rebelle Rally thanks to Iridium company

Prior Years Competed:
Awards Achieved:

Vehicle

Stormzy

Jeep Rubicon 2021