b'82 INDUSTRY INSIDERA Gateway to Belonging: Why Naturalization Ceremonies Matter at AirportsEach year, more than 10.5purpose. Under her leadership, the Public million people pass through theAffairs team has aligned the ceremonyMario Rodriguez is Indianapolis International Airportwith our broader customer service andexecutive director and (IND). They come from every corner ofcommunity engagement strategies,chief executive officer of Indianapolis International the globe, each with a story, a purpose,ensuring it reflects INDs commitmentAirport (IND). Under a destination. But on Oct. 9, 2025, ourto hospitality, inclusion and civic pride.his leadership, IND has airport became more than a waypoint;Each year, as we welcome new citizens,experienced record-breaking growth it became a place where journeyswe reaffirm our belief that airports can beand has consistently earned recognition culminated in citizenship, where 95powerful platforms for belonging. as one of North Americas best airports. individuals from 42 nations stood togetherWhy host a naturalization ceremonyCommunity involvement and civic and became Americans. here at the airport? Because airportsengagement have been hallmarks of the 30+ years Rodriguez has held leadership This was our second annualare more than infrastructure. They areroles at airports across the globe.naturalization ceremony, and it wassymbols of movement, of connection, of nothing short of extraordinary. Held pre- possibility. They are where people arrive, security in Civic Plaza, the heart of ourdepart, reunite and begin anew. Whatthe diverse journeys that make up our team terminal, the event was filled with spirit andbetter place to mark the beginning ofand our community.profound emotion. The IND Honor Guard,American citizenship than in a space thatAirports across the country have the including members of our public safetyembodies the very spirit of transition andopportunity to become civic spaces, team and local TSA, presented the colors.transformation? places where democracy is not just The Ben Davis High School Premiers showAs a first-generation Cuban Americanprotected but practiced. Hosting a choir lifted their voices for the Nationalmyself, I know what it means to comenaturalization ceremony is not a logistical Anthem. The Honorable M. Kendra Klump,to this country with hope, to work hard,challenge; it is a moral opportunity. It is a magistrate judge of the U.S. Districtand to build a life rooted in opportunity.chance to show that we, as transportation Court for the Southern District of Indiana,That journey is why this ceremonyleaders, understand the human stories presided with grace and dignity. And asresonates so deeply with me. It is notbehind every boarding pass. It is a chance the Oath of Citizenship was administered,just a celebration of citizenship; it is ato remind travelers and employees alike the air was filled with pride, hope and thecelebration of resilience, of belonging andthat the American dream is alive, and that quiet power of belonging. of the promise that America still holds forit begins in places like ours.The idea to host a naturalizationpeople around the world. To the 95 new citizens who stood ceremony at IND was first brought to lifeAt IND, we believe in being more thanproudly at IND this October, welcome by Bill Stinson, our former senior directora gateway to destinations, we strive tohome. Your journey has enriched of Public Affairs. Bill was a dedicatedbe a gateway to community. That is whyour community, and your presence airport employee, a beloved figure in ourwe partnered with local representativesstrengthens our nation. To our community community and a passionate advocate forfrom the U.S. District Court and U.S.partners, young learners and staff who civic engagement. His deep respect forCitizenship and Immigration Services tomade the day unforgettable, thank you. the immigrant journey and his belief in themake this event possible. That is whyAnd to my colleagues at airports across airports role as a community connectorwe gave each participant a handwrittenthe country, I invite you to consider what inspired the inaugural ceremony in 2024,welcome note from our staff. Becauseit would mean to open your doors not just which was presided over by his wife, thecitizenship is not just a legal status, it is ato passengers, but to neighbors. Have a safe FLITE.Honorable Jane E. Magnus-Stinson. Afterwelcome, a handshake, a promise. At IND, we are proud to be a place retiring in August 2024, Bill passed awaywhere the American story continues unexpectedly in April 2025. His vision livesAnd for many of our own employees,to unfold. Because at the heart of ourIn the busiest terminals and concourses, FLITE-DEC keeps water contained on, not only in the ceremony itself, but inwho come from all over the world, this the people who carry it forward. ceremony is deeply personal. It is a momentmission is a commitment to makingand design uncompromised. Soap, rinse, and dry all happen in the basin, where they see themselves reflected in thepeoples lives better, and this event is one Megan Carrico, our current seniorpowerful way we live that outby buildingdelivering a safer, sleeker experience that endures long after boarding calls.heart of the airport they help operate every director of Public Affairs and one ofday. It sends a clear message: IND is aa stronger, more inclusive community for Bills mentees, now leads the teamplace that honors heritage and celebrateseveryone we serve. that organizes this event with care and Experience FLITE-DEC at sloan.com/ ite-decJanuary | February 2026AirportImprovement.com'