For Tonja Molina, aviation is more than a career - it鈥檚 become a passion that has shaped her professional journey and brought her back home.
As the Senior Manager of Commercial and Business Development at 麻豆AV International Airport (YLW), she plays a key role in ensuring the airport remains a thriving hub for the region.
Molina grew up in 麻豆AV 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.
鈥淎viation became a true passion,鈥� Molina said. 鈥淪o when an opportunity came for me to do the same thing that I love to do, but in an area where I grew up and loved, I couldn't say no.鈥�
Returning to 麻豆AV 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鈥檚 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鈥檚 economic growth.
Like many professionals, Molina has had to navigate the challenges of balancing work and family life. She credits YLW鈥檚 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.
鈥淚 love seeing parents with their small children and knowing they can be close to them throughout the workday,鈥� she said.
Molina has played a pivotal role in several major projects at YLW, and the centre is a standout.
鈥淏eing one of the first (airports) to get a childcare centre is probably one of my proudest moments,鈥� she said. 鈥淔or us to be able to get it fully funded through grants is amazing.鈥�
Another milestone is the airport鈥檚 first five-star hotel, a significant step in enhancing the passenger experience.
鈥淎nd the first five-star hotel in the city,鈥� Molina pointed out. 鈥淚鈥檓 proud of our team and everything we've accomplished so far. We've got big plans for the future.鈥�
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鈥檚 support of future aviation professionals through the YLW Scholarship Fund, which helps individuals pursue careers in the industry.
鈥淚t鈥檚 an amazing team. We all step in and help each other, whether it鈥檚 a small task throughout the day or a larger project. We all have fun, which is important.鈥�
With years of experience in the aviation industry, Molina has learned invaluable lessons from mentors and colleagues along the way.
鈥淚 think that鈥檚 helped me become confident in making decisions and following through on them,鈥� she noted. 鈥淟istening and understanding what people鈥檚 goals and purposes are is probably one of the most important things.鈥�
She believes that mentorship is everywhere, even in unexpected places.
鈥淭hey鈥檙e all around, we just have to recognize them as mentors and leaders. I joke that sometimes my kids are my mentors鈥hey have great insight and often the simplest solutions.鈥�
Her leadership style is rooted in trust and empowerment.
鈥淚 love watching people make confident decisions, knowing they have the autonomy to do so. Everyone is a leader in their own right鈥攜ou just have to make sure they鈥檙e recognized for it.鈥�
For Molina, part of YLW鈥檚 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.
鈥淪o ensuring that we鈥檙e focusing on that, offering different experiences and providing local opportunities at the airport, is important.鈥�
Molina encourages anyone considering a career in aviation, or any field, to take the leap.
鈥淭here are so many different industries. There鈥檚 HR, there鈥檚 marketing, there鈥檚 business development like I鈥檓 in, there鈥檚 IT,鈥� she added.
She firmly believes that aviation is more than just a job.
鈥淥nce you work in aviation, it鈥檚 in your blood you don鈥檛 leave,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 truly love it.鈥�
