How did you get your start at Toronto Pearson? 

I was employed by the Frankfurt Airport Authority. I loved the atmosphere of the airport and when I decided to move to Canada, I knew I wanted to work for the GTAA because I knew that it was one of the best companies here in Canada. When I got here, the first day, I met a manager of the GTAA and asked him how I would be able to work at the airport – he laughed and said, “you just arrived!” 

After a week in Canada, I dressed up and went to the Lufthansa office. The manager said only those who speak German can be hired. He started speaking German and when I responded fluently, he was amazed. I started about three days later. And another three years after that, I was hired as a Passenger Service Representative by the GTAA. I’ve been with the GTAA since June 19, 2003. 

What about the airport do you enjoy the most? 

Helping passengers. Last week, a passenger had three laptops left behind at security, which were company laptops. He was crying, saying, “if you don’t help me, I’m going to lose my job.” I told him to wait there. I found them and he said, “you have saved my life”. That is what we do here. I really empathize with passengers when they are in such situations. 

You recently won an award for Community Innovation from the Ghanaian Canadian Achievement Awards. What did this mean to you and how does this inspire you in your role at Toronto Pearson? 

I feel honoured. It boosts my morale to do more for the community at large. I really cherish everybody that I work with at the airport. Because most of these achievements I’ve earned is through their encouragement. When I used to write the Weekly Observer here at Toronto Pearson, the encouragement I received motivated me to write more. Thank you to all of my colleagues – I go to work with enthusiasm and joy because I love what I do. 

Quick Hits 

Favourite plave you’ve travelled to? 

Germany

Reading and writing?

Both!

Favourite food? 

Fufu

Going out or staying in? 

Staying in

If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would it be?

Africa – especially Ghana, my home country