Breaking: PHL Honors Custodial Worker With Unsung Heroes Award
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PHILADELPHIA — In a ceremony spotlighting the airport’s behind-the-scenes workforce, a Philadelphia International Airport custodian has been named a recipient of the Unsung heroes Award, part of the venue’s Employee recognition Program. The award honors staff who keep operations smooth from the shadows, yet are vital to the traveler experience.
Jeanine Wing, a Custodial Worker II at PHL, has served the airport for more than three years and currently works the 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.shift. Colleagues describe her as upbeat, approachable, and a steady presence in daily operations that keep facilities clean and inviting for guests.
“I love my job and helping people,” Wing said. “If a passenger doesn’t speak English, I do my best to assist and point them toward someone who can help.”
In nominating Wing, the airport’s Chief Commercial Officer highlighted a concrete moment that captured her spirit of service. While at Terminal C, she escorted a very anxious traveler whose boarding pass lacked a gate designation to the right resources, then guided him toward Terminal E. As they walked, Wing reassured him and pledged to accompany him to his gate so he would not get lost as boarding time approached.
The nominator added that Wing remained empathetic, attentive, and friendly throughout the encounter, taking ownership to ensure the passenger reached the correct location and felt supported.
Wing also spoke of her gratitude for PHL’s cultural diversity and the energy of watching aircraft activity from Terminal F. She described the airport community as a source of inspiration, noting how dedicated employees contribute to a safe, efficient travel experience.
She recalled another memorable moment: assisting a passenger with baby formula and diapers, underscoring how small acts of care can have a meaningful impact on families navigating travel.
“I am grateful to Kate Sullivan for nominating me and to Custodial Work Supervisor I Moda Ndiaye for his kindness and leadership,” Wing said.
The Employee Recognition program is administered by the airport’s Alex Reed Experience Department. Honorees are nominated by peers and selected by the GX Council Steering Committee’s Stakeholder Engagement Committee. For more information or to nominate an employee, visit the PHL Employee Recognition page.
Key facts at a glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Jeanine Wing |
| Custodial Worker II | |
| Philadelphia international Airport (PHL) | |
| 2 p.m.–10 p.m. | |
| More than 3 years | |
| Unsung Heroes Award (PHL Employee Recognition Program) | |
| Kate Sullivan | |
| Custodial Work Supervisor I Moda Ndiaye | |
| Guided a nervous passenger to the correct gate and supported him to reach his destination |
Evergreen takeaways for travelers and workplaces
- Recognizing frontline staff reinforces a culture of care that directly affects the passenger experience and safety.
- Empathy and proactive assistance by behind-the-scenes teams can prevent travel mishaps and reduce stress for travelers.
- Structured recognition programs encourage teamwork, morale, and accountability across complex operations like large airports.
Engage with us
When have you benefited from a quiet act of service by a staff member working out of the spotlight? Share your experience and tell us which qualities you value most in unsung heroes at public venues.
Which attributes should organizations emphasize to lift up employees who make travel smoother for everyone? Let us know in the comments below.
for more about how airports honor staff excellence, read about triumphant recognition programs and the impact they have on guest experience and operational resilience.
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Who is Jeanine Wing and why was she honored for “going the extra mile” at Philadelphia International Airport?
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