Celebrating #PDXPeople

We made it through another busy summer travel season at PDX! Travelers jetted off to fabulous summer destinations, but are now on their way back to dorm rooms for college or settling into another school year here at home.

As we prepare for the next busy travel season later this year, we are taking some time to thank the #PDXPeople who make this airport so friendly and welcoming for all. And celebrate those who powered us through the busy summer.

Nearly 10,000 employees work at PDX, all representing different companies, unique skills and backgrounds. As we hold events this month to thank these PDX employees, we wanted to take some time to introduce you to a few of the thousands of people that make our airport great. Turns out, these #PDXPeople have a lot of hidden talents on top of their day jobs. We’ll be sharing details in this blog and using the #PDXPeople hashtag on social media to profile these employees.

Teresita Campos

Unique Skill: Polynesian dance teacher.
PDXpertise: Supporting unaccompanied minors and special service passengers along every step of their journey.
22 years at America’s Best Airport.

What’s your favorite thing to do around the region in the summer?
Perform, share and teach Polynesian and different island dances at events and parties.

If you could give one insider tip for those who come to Portland, what would it be?
Visit the “Food Carts” and don’t forget to grab some Voodoo Doughnuts.

What is one of the most memorable things you’ve experienced working at the airport?
I love working here at the Portland Airport and have a lot of memorable moments. I would like to share this story that just happened recently (Note: these words are from Teresita’s supervisor): “It was brought to the attention of operations that 99-year-old Donald M. Procter was having a birthday soon. He was coming inbound in 20 min. and Teresita took it upon herself to make a connection with someone that was truly taken aback by the overwhelmingly kind gesture of balloons and company swag. Her demonstration of caring and making a connection with a stranger above and beyond what is expected is extraordinary and something that can’t be taught. Thank you, Teresita, for making Donald feel so very special. You and the team made this day amazing for Donald.”

Lowell and Helene Jackson

Unique Skill: Dynamic – and entrepreneurial – father-daughter duo.
PDXpertise: Performing the lost art of shoe shine to help you walk taller on your travels.
4 years and 2 years, respectively, at America’s Best Airport.

What’s your favorite thing to do around the region in the summer?
Roadtrips! LOVE visiting the Oregon coast, Sunriver and Seattle, WA to dip my toes in the water!

If you could give one insider tip for those who come to PDX, what would it be?
Ah, so much to do in PDX! With that said, my best tip is to save room in your bag for tax-free shopping!

What is one of the most memorable things you’ve experienced working at the airport?
We’ve had so many great moments while working at the airport, but overall the camaraderie between all of the employees at the airport is the best I’ve ever experienced. It feels like a family. People are always so polite and helpful, it’s a real team environment!

Elysa Wilson and K9 Fany

Unique Skill: Professionally-trained dancer. Kangaroo impersonator.
PDXpertise: Providing friendly “paws on the ground” service to keep you safe.
8 years – and 45 dog years – at America’s Best Airport.

What’s your favorite thing to do around the region in the summer?
Visit all the beautiful local wineries.

If you could give one insider tip for those who come to PDX, what would it be?
Arrive early to give yourself time to enjoy all the amazing food options and relax to some live music.

What is one of the most memorable things you’ve experienced working at the airport?
The most touching moment was during the government shutdown. To see how the PDX employees and the local community came together in support of those impacted by the shutdown. It gave me an overwhelming sense of pride to be a PDX employee.

Conswella “Coco” Maalouf

Unique Skill: Skydiving enthusiast.
PDXpertise: Serving up the best of local flavors before your flight.
13 years at America’s Best Airport.

Marco Mendoza

Explorer of Oregon’s outdoors.
PDXpertise: Ensuring both you – and your bag – get to the right place, on time and on schedule.
3 years at America’s Best Airport