August 2026 Employee of the Month: TSA Officer assists mom and young child who lost their travel documents
Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Supervisory Officer (STSO) Nicole Ponce was named MIA’s August 2026 Employee of the Month for providing additional love and care to a single mother traveling with a young child with a disability. The mother had lost their travel documents during their stay in Miami, which required them to obtain replacement documents from their country’s embassy, delaying their departure. Because of their extended delay in Miami, they had depleted many of their travel supplies, including baby formula and juice.
STSO Ponce noticed that the mother and child were having difficulties and initiated a conversation with them to learn more about their situation. When she learned about their challenging circumstances, she bought them refreshments out of her own pocket before they continued their trip home.
The mother expressed heartfelt gratitude for the kindness and support shown by STSO Ponce. The act of generosity not only provided much-needed assistance to the family but also highlighted the positive impact our officers can have on the traveling public.
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).
