DFW-based Customer Service Agent Baqash Wilson was honored with a 2024 President’s Award in recognition of his extraordinary service, unwavering dedication to passengers, and inspiring passion for aviation. Whether he’s tracking down lost luggage across terminals or helping our customers, Baqash goes above and beyond every single day.
Outside of work, Baqash is also a talented fashion designer whose creations have graced runways from New York to Ethiopia—bringing the same creativity and drive to his art as he does to his role at Envoy. Congratulations Baqash on your President’s Award!
We sat down with Baqash to learn more about his journey, his dual passions for aviation and fashion and what he hopes to achieve next.
What inspired you to pursue a career in aviation?
I took my first flight at age 12 traveling from New York to the Virgin Islands. I enjoyed the experience so much I made it my goal to travel as much as possible. Then when my son was 12, he was chosen as an Ambassador to the Children International Village representing the US Virgin Islands and travelled all the way to Alta, Norway. Because he desired to be an airline pilot, he stayed awake during the entire flight and got to go into the flight desk for part of the flight. His passion has led him to becoming a pilot and making working in the airlines a family affair.
Are there any memorable moments or significant milestones in your career that stand out to you?
Helping passengers is always my main concern. One memory I have is when a passenger was travelling to an annual conference they led, and they were delayed. Their bags were misplaced and they panicked as it contained all the materials, they needed for their major donors to be presented at the Conference. I searched every terminal and visited several carriers to search for their bags and finally located them and had the bags expedited overseas to arrive in time for the Conference. They were so grateful. The mission was worth every effort.
What is your favorite part about working at Envoy? What has been the most rewarding aspect of your career so far?
My favorite part of working for Envoy is being able to travel anywhere I desire! The most rewarding aspect of my career in being cross trained in various areas so there is no opportunity for boredom, never a dull moment! I relish in being able to help many people regardless of their problems which always require going the extra mile.
What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned throughout your career?
Treat others with respect and dignity and it will come back to you. People see it and feel it. It is a blessing when a total stranger comes to you and thanks you for doing a great job!
Are there any hobbies or interests outside of work that you’re passionate about?
I am pursuing a career as a fashion designer. I began making my own clothes at the age of 12 and I majored in Design at college. I have been moonlighting as a designer for more than 40 years now. I can be working on a flight in Dallas and one of my clients is competing in a major pageant halfway around the world wearing one of my creations. I have been honored to show my work during New York Fashion Week and at shows in South Africa, Ethiopia, Kenya and Nigeria. I ultimately hope to design uniforms for American Airlines to bring together my two passions!