For Tonja Molina, aviation is more than a career - it香蕉视频直播檚 become a passion that has shaped her professional journey and brought her back home.
As the Senior Manager of Commercial and Business Development at Kelowna International Airport (YLW), she plays a key role in ensuring the airport remains a thriving hub for the region.
Molina grew up in Kelowna before moving to Vancouver to study public relations and journalism. Her early career took her into commercial leasing at Metropolis at Metrotown in Burnaby, gaining experience in business development. After meeting her husband, they relocated to Alberta where she landed a job in commercial leasing at Edmonton International Airport.
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Returning to Kelowna with her husband, two boys and a new position at YLW was a dream come true, she added.
One of the things Molina loves most about her job is that no two days are the same. Her work involves engaging with passengers to understand their needs, researching opportunities and collaborating with stakeholders on new developments. Whether it香蕉视频直播檚 planning new retail and food options or working on infrastructure expansion, the work she and her team do directly impacts the airport and the region香蕉视频直播檚 economic growth.
Like many professionals, Molina has had to navigate the challenges of balancing work and family life. She credits YLW香蕉视频直播檚 strong workplace culture and her supportive team for making this balance possible. One initiative she is particularly proud of is the opening of the YMCA childcare centre on the airport campus.
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Molina has played a pivotal role in several major projects at YLW, and the centre is a standout.
香蕉视频直播淏eing one of the first (airports) to get a childcare centre is probably one of my proudest moments,香蕉视频直播� she said. 香蕉视频直播淔or us to be able to get it fully funded through grants is amazing.香蕉视频直播�
Another milestone is the airport香蕉视频直播檚 first five-star hotel, a significant step in enhancing the passenger experience.
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Sutton Place Hotels is building a six-storey, 245-room hotel and a seven-level 1,000-stall at the airport.
Molina is also passionate about the airport team香蕉视频直播檚 support of future aviation professionals through the YLW Scholarship Fund, which helps individuals pursue careers in the industry.
香蕉视频直播淚t香蕉视频直播檚 an amazing team. We all step in and help each other, whether it香蕉视频直播檚 a small task throughout the day or a larger project. We all have fun, which is important.香蕉视频直播�
With years of experience in the aviation industry, Molina has learned invaluable lessons from mentors and colleagues along the way.
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She believes that mentorship is everywhere, even in unexpected places.
香蕉视频直播淭hey香蕉视频直播檙e all around, we just have to recognize them as mentors and leaders. I joke that sometimes my kids are my mentors香蕉视频直播hey have great insight and often the simplest solutions.香蕉视频直播�
Her leadership style is rooted in trust and empowerment.
香蕉视频直播淚 love watching people make confident decisions, knowing they have the autonomy to do so. Everyone is a leader in their own right香蕉视频直播攜ou just have to make sure they香蕉视频直播檙e recognized for it.香蕉视频直播�
For Molina, part of YLW香蕉视频直播檚 success is its ability to grow while maintaining a focus on being a low-cost, community-based airport. Her department is responsible for generating alternative revenue streams, such as retail, food and beverage, land leases, and other developments, all of which help improve the passenger experience. She points to the success of introducing local businesses to YLW, including Sandrine, a French pastry caf茅, and Bright Jenny, a local coffee roaster.
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Molina encourages anyone considering a career in aviation, or any field, to take the leap.
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She firmly believes that aviation is more than just a job.
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