July 2026 Employee of the Month: Operations Specialist aids passenger after a dangerous fall
Miami International Airport Terminal Operations Specialist Wendy Rodriguez was named MIA’s July 2026 Employee of the Month for springing into action after a traveler had a dangerous fall inside the airport’s passport control area.
When a passenger tripped over his luggage and sustained a head injury, Wendy immediately stepped in to help. She remained calm under pressure and used her own work vest to apply pressure while staying on the floor with the passenger. She kept the passenger’s head supported, helped to control the bleeding, and kept him conscious until Miami-Dade Fire Rescue responders arrived to provide medical attention.
“Wendy’s professionalism in such a critical moment reflects the highest standards of our team,” said Marisol Lorie, the MIA Operations Senior Agent who nominated Wendy. “Her dedication, positive attitude, and consistent commitment to excellence have not gone unnoticed.”
Miami International Airport, America’s busiest airport for international freight and the second busiest for international passengers, is receiving an unprecedented investment of $14 billion in capital improvements and maintenance upgrades. MIA offers more flights to Latin America and the Caribbean than any other U.S. airport and is also the leading economic engine for Miami-Dade County and the state of Florida, generating business revenue of $212 billion and approximately 60 percent of all international visitors to Florida annually.
To request materials in accessible format, Sign Language Interpreters, CART services and/or any accommodation to participate in any Miami-Dade Aviation Department (MDAD) public meetings and events please email the ADA Office at ADAcoordinator@miami-airport.com or call the office in 305-869-1859 five days in advance to initiate your request. Persons who are deaf or hard of hearing may also call 711 (Florida Relay Service).