After serving her community as a Miami-Dade County Public Library System employee for more than 37 years, Elizabeth Parada retired six years ago to spend more time with her family and friends in the Fontainebleu area and travel, but she still had a strong desire to help others.
That passion for community service led her to become a Volunteer Ambassador at Miami International Airport, where she has contributed over 2,821 hours to helping passengers make their way through the global gateway. She currently spends three days of the week at MIA, entertaining young passengers and their parents with the Volunteer Program’s Children’s Cart and other activities, as well as mentoring new airport volunteers. She also represents MIA’s volunteer program at outreach events across Miami-Dade County throughout the year.
In recognition of her service, Parada was named MIA’s Volunteer Ambassador of the Year at the airport’s annual Volunteer Ambassador Recognition Gala on April 21, to cap off the airport’s celebration of National Volunteer Week. Parada’s award came with two tickets from American Airlines to travel anywhere in the continental U.S., the Caribbean, Canada, or Mexico.
Dozens of volunteers 16 years old and up dedicate their time to assisting MIA visitors during four-hour shifts at least twice a month. For their service, Volunteer Ambassadors receive free parking, discounts at the airport and local attractions, and other rewards. To volunteer at MIA or to learn more, visit the MIA Volunteer Ambassador web page.