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Jonnie Rodriguez Practices Patient and Knowledgeable Customer Service
Jonnie Rodriguez (she/her) was nominated by two PDX travelers.
Nomination 1: "My son arrived in Portland and couldn’t find where to catch his Uber. I called the airport and was lucky enough to speak to Jonnie. She spent at least 10 minutes (if not more) on the phone with my son and me, walking him through the airport. She was patient and kind.
I ordered another Uber and when my son found the driver, I asked him to hang up so I could speak to Jonnie alone on the line. I was incredibly emotional and so very grateful for everything she did. She went out of her way to make my son feel safe, and also calm me down. I felt so helpless, but having her there made me feel so much better. I cannot tell you how much comfort she gave me. Being a mom so far away from her son, who was lost, tired, and frustrated was very scary and disheartening. No amount of words will suffice when it comes to my gratitude for all she did for us."
Nomination 2: "Jonnie was kind, patient, really searched for the answers I needed, and it didn’t take long at all – she seemed to really know her stuff. I only had to explain my situation once. She totally went above and beyond giving me super helpful information, and she sent it to me immediately via text!"
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What's New with PDX Next: Elevator C08, Concourse B and E Detours and South Ticket Lobby Updates
Elevator C08: Elevator C08, near the Concourse C east food court, is closed for refurbishment on all levels until Friday, April 4. As an alternative, you can use the elevator near Gate C10.
Concourse B and E Detours: Due to weather, there is a slight adjustment to the Concourse B and E detours. The Concourse B detour will be in effect from Saturday, March 21, through Thursday, March 27, impacting travelers arriving between 6 p.m. and 3 a.m. Concourse E evening arrival impacts start again on Thursday, March 28.
South Ticket Lobby: Crews are performing carpet demolition and terrazzo installation near the south escalator core in the ticket lobby now through Tuesday, April 22. Expect elevated noise and ventilated odors while this occurs; mitigation techniques will be in place. Additionally, on Wednesday, April 23, through Friday, April 25, south core escalators will be closed. Elevators will be available, but stairs to the ticket lobby will not.
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.
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Sign Up Now for Bring Your Child to Work Day at PDX
This event is open to PDX airport employees and up to two of their children, ages 4 years and up. Register to save a spot for you and your kids at this event. Activities for all including:
- Therapy llamas
- Scavenger hunt
- Pizza from Sizzle Pie
- Tables and demonstrations from airport teams including PDX People, Port of Portland Police, PDX Wildlife, TSA, PDX Maintenance, and Lost and Found
Whether you can attend the event or not, you’re welcome to bring your child to work as long as your employer allows it. Just remember that you must adhere to escorting rules at all times:
- To escort, you must have an ‘E’ icon on your badge and register at PDX.com/escort
- Escort only through designated doors and gates
- No more than three escorts per badgeholder
- Keep escorts within 10 feet at all times
- No escorting in construction zones
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Be Respectful: Get Sensory Inclusive Certified and Enter to Win $50
There are two ways you can learn – and get entered to win $50 – during April for Autism Awareness Month!
Increasing accessibility at PDX is an ongoing endeavor, and we encourage you enhance your inclusivity work. Whether this is a refresher or your first time, KultureCity (our partner in creating the sensory room on Concourse D) is offering in-person educational opportunities for PDX People.
All in-person attendees have the opportunity to learn directly from KultureCity, enjoy food, and get entered to win a $50 gift card.
Can't make the in-person sessions? Take the training online and you can still get entered to win a $50 gift card. Just watch a 30-minute video and take a short quiz – score 80% or higher and you’ll be rewarded with sensory inclusive certification.
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"Get Directions" Goes Live on PDX
This just in: The "Get Directions" feature on the PDX digital map is now live! This new tool will help travelers estimate how far it is from Point A to Point B and will show them how to get there. It even includes accessible routes – think elevators instead of escalators – and includes security wait times if the route goes through a checkpoint. Test it out on desktop or mobile by selecting where you want to go and clicking the "Get Directions" button. Enter where you’re coming from and you’ll see the time-to-destination and number of feet, as well as a visual route, then click "Start" to follow the directions.
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Fast Company: How PDX Became the Country's Best by Going Local
Well, look at that – the Port of Portland just landed on Fast Company’s list of the World’s 50 Most Innovative Companies of 2025, right up there with YouTube and the WNBA. That’s a big deal for a public agency! Apparently, turning an airport into a full-on love letter to the Pacific Northwest – with a locally sourced mass timber roof, all Oregon shops, 90% union-built everything, geothermal systems cutting fossil fuel use by 90%, and art that tells the story of Oregon – really does grab attention. Check out the article and see how PDX is redefining what an airport can be…carpet and all.
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PDX in Pictures
Recently, several airport employees came together to star in our new video introduction to the PDX People program that plays at the end of badge training. From highlighting our core values – being friendly, knowledgeable, and respectful – to our many employee recognition programs, this short video is the perfect way to introduce new hires to the PDX People community. Watch now and see if you spot any of your colleagues!
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