News and resources for airport employees.
News and resources for airport employees.
Efigenia Perez Santos
Efigenia Perez Santos Finds the Words to Provide Exceptional Customer Service
When a fellow PDX employee ran into a language barrier with a traveler, Efigenia Perez Santos (she/her) didn't wait to be asked to help – she saw a need and offered her expertise: 
"The day before Thanksgiving, I was trying to help a visitor at the Travel Oregon Welcome Center, but she didn't speak English and I don't speak Spanish, so we were having some trouble trying to communicate. Luckily, Efigenia happened to be going by on her route, saw what was happening and immediately asked if she could help translate for us.
She spoke with the visitor, and after a minute, she had the situation in hand. Efigenia jumped right in and saved the day without hesitation. She truly demonstrates our values of being friendly, knowledgeable and respectful, and I am thankful we have her at PDX."
Missed the last virtual awards ceremony? View the event recording or read about past winners on the PDX People website. You can also nominate an employee who embodies the PDX People values and serves as a shining example of great customer service for next quarter – submit a nomination now. 
Nominate a PDX Employee
What's New with PDX Next: A Look Behind the Construction and the March Forum
A Look Behind Construction: Pssst! Want to go behind the construction wall at PDX and see the roof in progress? Check out this short video and see what's up at PDX. Next in 2023: finish the floors, add the glass walls, plant the trees and build lots of new local shops and restaurants.
March Forum: Mark your calendars for Tuesday, March 28, at 10:30 a.m. to get the inside scoop on construction at PDX. Jen Reynolds from the Port of Portland along with Pat Bifone and Bri Leiblie of Hoffman-Skanska share the latest construction updates and answer your questions about PDX Next in just 30 minutes.
Looking for more PDX Next information? We're keeping you in the know on what's new on the PDX People website. Have questions or suggestions about construction? Email hello@pdxnext.com or call the construction hotline at 503.460.4339.
PDX Employee Interfaith Prayer Room Opens
Starting today – Monday, March 20 – an employee-only Interfaith Prayer Room is open. The room is located pre-security on the north side. To access the room, enter the hallway through door T2TS25 near the entrance of the D/E checkpoint and the Interfaith Prayer Room will be the first door on the left (T2TS33). As always, being respectful is a PDX People core value, which includes your actions toward other airport workers and shared spaces. With that in mind, please note a few guidelines for the room:
  • Please be respectful of all occupants. 
  • Enter and exit in a quiet and peaceful manner. 
  • Reserve all conversation for outside this space. 
  • Food and beverages are prohibited.
Kimberly Cantu Holds the Keys to Great Service
For visitors at PDX, the rental car counter is often one of their first impressions of the city. That's why Kimberly Cantu (she/her) of Dollar Car Rental makes sure to "thank everybody for coming to Portland. Portland's a beautiful city and I tell them, 'Have a good time while you're here!'" Kimberly is a winner of a PDX People Customer Service Award and in this spotlight video she shares why working at PDX is always interesting and spills her secret to making each guest feel welcome.
Left: Conrac Solutions employees holding Pip's donuts. Center: PDX employees playing games to win swag. Right: Three PDX employees wearing silly accessories and posing for a photobooth.
Five Years Cruise By at the Quick Turnaround 
Last Friday we celebrated the five-year anniversary of the rental car quick turnaround facility (QTA). The QTA was the first large infrastructure project completed under PDX Next, and we marked the anniversary with donuts, PDX People swag, a photobooth and a few fun facts. Did you know:
  • The QTA facility has a 15,000-gallon underground rainwater harvesting tank
  • More than two million gallons of water per year is harvested from rainwater
  • 430 cars can be fueled and cleaned in an hour
  • There are 72 fueling positions and 16 individual car wash bays
Thanks to all who came out to mark the occasion and everyone who makes the rental car experience a shining example of top-notch customer service for travelers.
Juliett's wall featuring women in aviation
Juliett's wall featuring women in aviation
Be Knowledgeable: Upcoming Events and Classes on the PDX People Calendar 
Did you know there's a calendar of events on the PDX People website? It's the best way to keep track of upcoming learning opportunities and fun events open to all airport employees.
Women's History Month Celebration at PDX: Join PDX People and the airport community to celebrate Women's History Month. Stop by Juliett on Concourse E for snacks, mocktails and music while you learn about women in aviation.
Civilian Response to Active Shooter (CRASE): Last chance to sign up! On Tuesday, March 21, Captain T.J. Eriksen and Sergeant Jeremy Hepp will offer the CRASE course, where you’ll learn how to avoid an attacker, deny access to your location and defend yourself. Class size is limited, so sign up now. If you're interested in scheduling a private training for your employees, email Brenda.Reynolds@portofportland.com.
PDX Job Fair: Know friends and family who might be interested in working at the airport? Invite them to our PDX Job Fair this Wednesday, March 22, in the north tunnel where they can meet 25 different employers. Attendees can also be entered to win one of five $100 VISA gift cards and other door prizes when they fill out an application. Must be present to win!
Blood Drive: Our partners at Alaska Airlines have a blood drive scheduled from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., next Monday, March 27, on the north end of the upper outer roadway. Sign up now.
Artwork from artist Jamila Rahimi depicting leaves. Text reads,
March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, observed throughout March, is a nationwide event to raise awareness about the inclusion of people with developmental disabilities and address the barriers that those with disabilities face. Inclusion is necessary since about 15% of the world’s population lives with a disability. In honor of this month, take a moment to listen to Jetamio Kennedy and Jonathan Cresson from Relay Resources as they explore the intersection of systemic racism and ableism and their impact on the lives of people of color with disabilities.
Left: Lowell Sr. of Jackson Shine with five therapy dogs; Right: TSA employees with three therapy dogs.

Left: Alaska employee with three therapy dogs; Center: Six therapy dogs with a handler; Left: Working committee members and therapy dog with handler
PDX in Pictures
Too cute to pinch! The PDX dog therapy program – brought to us by our partners at DoveLewis – made the rounds last Friday, bringing a little luck, smiles and pawsitive vibes to PDX employees and travelers on St. Patrick's Day. 
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