Semi-Skilled Laborer Carmen Jengo recently received the “Caring Support” award in PHL’s Airport Employee Recognition Program. This award recognizes employees who provide exceptional care and services to seniors, families with young children, disabled passengers, and others with special needs.
Jengo has been at the airport for 22 years, working in the Pavement & Grounds, Custodial, and the Guest Experience (GX) departments. As a Custodial team member, Jengo was responsible for removing recycling items from the large silver recycling bins found throughout the airport. She currently assists the GX Department in handing out face masks to guests, working the 6 a.m. – 2 p.m. shift.
In his recommendation of Jengo, American Airlines Customer Service Agent Saar J. Gborith stated, “Carmen goes above and beyond what is expected when it comes to ensuring passengers feel less anxiety from traveling. She is an overall joy to know.”
Jengo is a social butterfly who enjoys socializing with traveling guests while she walks from Terminal A-West to Terminal F. “I love interacting with passengers, coworkers, vendors, stakeholders, and everyone else at the airport,” said Jengo.
Before joining the airport, Jengo worked in banking and assisting special needs children. She enjoyed teaching them how to read and tracked the children’s progress over time.
For the past two decades, Jengo has enjoyed crossing paths with different presidents of the United States, celebrities, and sports teams like the Philadelphia 76ers and Philadelphia Eagles. She has kept an autograph book that includes over 30 autographs from her favorite celebrities.
“The airport is a city within itself,” said Jengo. “It’s a whole new world. There’s never a dull moment. I take each day as it comes because I never know who I’m going to meet.”
Jengo gives off positive vibes with her friendly personality. She is kind, open-minded, and flexible in her work ethic. She meditates every morning and lives by the Biblical passage, Romans 12:12, “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.”
“I have had the pleasure of working with Carmen over the past few months,” said Director of Guest Experience Leah Douglas. “She is always proactively and personably engaging with our guests, whether offering them extra masks to ensure a healthy travel experience or providing passengers with directions. Carmen strives every day to make our passengers feel welcome during their time at the airport.”
Jengo is a lifelong learner and is projected to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in Urban Education from Temple University in 2023. She has previously served as a member of the airport’s Sustainability and Safety committees.
Not only is Jengo actively engaged at the airport, but she’s also an advocate for her community, She serves as the block captain in her neighborhood, is part of the City of Philadelphia’s Department of Streets beautification program and participates in street cleanings.
“It’s about taking pride in your community,” said Jengo. “I love being involved and bettering my neighborhood.”
Jengo is easily identified in the airport due to her distinct fashionable hat and eyeglasses. She's usually chatting and waving hello to people throughout the terminals.
“Meeting people from all over the world is exciting to me,” said Jengo. “I love learning about different cultures and recognizing how similar we are.”
The PHL Employee Recognition Program was established by the airport’s Guest Experience (GX) Department. Honorees are nominated by their peers and selected by the GX Council Steering Committee’s Employee Conduct and Recognition Committee. To nominate an employee click here. For more information about the program, click here.
