In 2016, people working in all areas of Toronto Pearson came together to discuss what they did each day to give passengers the best possible airport experience. Those conversations soon became a grassroots movement, and by the end of 2017, more than 10,000 proud airport employees had adopted its rallying cry: I am Toronto Pearson.
The movement continued to gain momentum over the past year, attracting over 8,000 additional members from companies and organizations responsible for everything from baggage handling to dining to cleaning and maintenance. Michelle Henry is one of 500 I am Toronto Pearson ambassadors who take the lead in creating a positive difference for passengers – and inspiring co-workers to do the same.
“Sometimes people I work with tell me, ‘I could never be like you,’” says Michelle, who screens passengers in Terminal 1 domestic departures for GardaWorld, a private security firm under contract to CATSA. “But kindness is not difficult. And the more you help people, you don't even think about it. It’s just a matter of being who you are. I believe everybody has goodness in them.”
“I am Toronto Pearson just means being the person I’ve always been – but now I can show it a little more.”