The Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) Volunteer Navigators Program is part of the Guest Experience (GX) department and includes more than 80 volunteers ready to assist guests throughout the airport. Some of them are high school students who are interested in the aviation industry, where they cross paths with thousands of people including pilots and flight attendants. 

Meet Alissa, a senior at Upper Darby High School and one of 16 high school volunteers at PHL. She enjoys volunteering at the airport and hopes to become a pilot one day. Alissa said she loves flying. “I think it's amazing, and I want to claim the sky as ‘my home.’ I believe becoming a pilot would be a very fulfilling career for me.”   

The PHL Volunteer Navigators Program is managed by Christine Datesman, along with program coordinators Ebonee Allen and Morgan McBrearty.  “Alissa is truly a stand-out individual who impresses everyone she meets. She is talented, dedicated, and is focused on her career in aviation,” said Datesman. “Her caring nature and personality allow her to work well with others and she thrives here at PHL. We are so happy to have Alissa on our team!”   

Alissa has been volunteering every weekend at PHL since September 2021. Over the last 4 months, she has learned a great deal about the airport through volunteering and especially enjoys assisting passengers. “I recommend it to all my peers because I get a taste of responsibility. I'm reminded that my presence is needed every time I accomplish a task. It's very fulfilling.”   

“It’s the airport's goal that members of the volunteer program reflect the city's diverse population and the residents who live in the Greater Philadelphia region,” said GX Director Leah Douglas. “This includes our dedicated high school students and those who are passionate about airports and aviation. It's a great way to learn about the many professional careers that are available to them.”  
 

Interested in becoming a volunteer at PHL? Click here for more information.