Portway Celebrates International Women’s Day with Stories from Those Who Make a Difference Every Day
On International Women’s Day, Portway pays tribute to the women who contribute every day to building a stronger, more diverse and future-ready company. In a demanding sector traditionally marked by a predominantly male presence, many professionals demonstrate through their work that competence, dedication and leadership have no gender.
To mark this occasion, four women from Portway shared what it means to be part of the organization and to build their professional journey here.
For Sofia Franco, Head of Training at Portway’s headquarters, being a woman in the company means actively contributing to the transformation of both the organization and the sector:
“Being a woman at Portway means playing an active role in building a more diverse, skilled and future-oriented company. It means working in a demanding, dynamic and historically male-dominated sector and still making your mark with competence, resilience and leadership. Portway’s women show every day that talent has no gender. They operate, coordinate, lead and transform.”
Cláudia Mascarenhas, Operational Manager in Faro, also shares a journey marked by pioneering achievements and the overcoming of challenges. Over 25 years with the company, she has opened paths in several operational roles, many of them performed by a woman for the first time within the organization.
“Being a woman at Portway means being a pioneer, adventurous, determined and perseverant. It means being focused. It means being strong. In the handling world still largely marked by a male presence being a woman is a constant challenge. We are often put to the test and sometimes underestimated. But every day we show how far we are capable of going.”
Cláudia proudly recalls her journey since joining the company on April 1, 2001, highlighting key milestones in her career: she was the first female Dispatcher in Faro, the first Operations Coordinator at the airport, the first Head of Operations Department in Lisbon, and the first Head of Ramp and Cargo in Faro.
“Over these 25 years I’ve had the privilege of working with extraordinary teams. I still come to work with the same passion as always. I believe you need a lot of passion.”
For Ana Isabel Gomes, Operational Manager at SOCC Madeira, her professional journey at Portway has been shaped by opportunities for growth and continuous learning.
“Being a woman at Portway means feeling that my commitment and professionalism are valued, and that every challenge is an opportunity for growth.”
Throughout her career, Isabel has worked across several operational areas, from the sales desk to leadership roles, gaining experience in supervision, passenger department management, operations and operational management.
“This experience has allowed me to gain a comprehensive view of the handling sector and grow both as a professional and as a person. It is rewarding to be part of an organization that values its people and promotes equal opportunities.”
Ana Moreira, Ramp Supervisor in Porto, highlights the pride she feels in being part of a company where she has built nearly two decades of her professional life.
“Being a woman at Portway, in this ‘home’ where I built my professional life, is a daily exercise in commitment and determination.”
Looking back at her journey, Ana emphasizes that every challenge she faced contributed to her personal and professional growth.
“Being a woman in this context required courage to face challenges and earn my place in a constantly changing world. I learned that female leadership is built on competence, but also on empathy and sensitivity.”
Today, the prevailing feeling is one of pride in continuing to be part of this story.
“Being a woman at Portway means having a strong identity: we are resilient, authentic and not afraid of hard work. These 20 years are not a finishing line, but proof that dedication builds a meaningful story.”
On this International Women’s Day, Portway celebrates all the professionals who, across different areas of the company and at several airports throughout the country, contribute every day to strengthening the handling sector and promoting an increasingly inclusive, diverse and future-oriented culture.