Life at MAN - Alicia McDonnell, Head of Diversity & Inclusion

Manchester Airport sees more than 30 million passengers pass through its terminals annually, travelling to and from destinations across the globe. It also employs thousands of people directly – and up to 20,000 indirectly – with colleagues drawn from across Greater Manchester and the North West, one of the UK’s most culturally diverse regions. The UK’s global gateway in the North is committed to ensuring that neighbouring communities share in its success.

For Alicia McDonnell, Head of Diversity & Inclusion at Manchester Airport, success means ensuring that people from different communities and backgrounds across the airport’s catchment area have the opportunity to build a career here, and feel represented and supported in going about their work.

In this month’s edition of our Life at MAN series, as we mark National Inclusion Week, she lifts the lid on the airport’s work in this area, explains why Every Journey Matters, and shares some top tips on building your career at the airport, whatever your background.

How long have you been working at Manchester Airport?

I am fairly new to Manchester Airport. I started work here in November 2024, so still in my first year and learning lot’s every day!

What does your job involve on a typical day?

I’m focused on evolving our equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) strategy – that is a core part of my day and rightly so because it impacts every single person, team and function in the business. Essentially, I’m a bit of a people mechanic! Everyday I look under the bonnet of the organisation and find ways to make the journey smoother for everyone here, so everyone can thrive.

Why is it important for an organisation like Manchester Airport to be committed to Diversity & Inclusion, and how does everyone benefit?

Airports are a hub of diversity. Every day we connect thousands of people across the globe to an abundance of rich cultures. It’s a part of our DNA as an organisation and it’s also a business necessity because we want to be a close as possible to the passengers and communities we serve – and that means we must have a plan to attract them to the organisation, give them opportunities to fly, and of course keep them here!

What skills and training are needed for your role?

I think there isn’t a one size fits all for the skills and qualifications needed as a Diversity and Inclusion practitioner. However, I have completed my Chartered Management Institute Level 7 course in strategic approaches to EDI, I’ve become an ICF (International Coaching Federation) accredited people coach and a qualified project manager. From my time in this field, I think the essential skills and qualities you’ve got to have are strategic thinking, leading with empathy, being collaborative, influencing others, and last but not least – being a great story teller and/or panellist!

What is the most memorable thing you’ve worked on?

Creating MAG’s ‘Every Journey Matters’ Equity, Diversity and Inclusion strategy. The whole process enabled me to work with people right across the organisation from frontline colleagues to the airport managing director. The people here are inspirational and having diverse voices co-create our ambitions was very special.

What do you enjoy the most about working at the airport?

That you can walk into the airport terminals every day and be immediately immersed into why our roles are so important. As I said before airports are very special places and if you want to feel inspired here at Manchester Airport you really don’t have to walk to far to get that hit.

What one piece of advice would you give to someone considering a career at the airport – particularly someone from a minority background?

Find yourself colleague mentors, coaches and sponsors who are going to help you navigate the organisation and help amplify your talent – and just remember we operate on diversity. It’s the backbone of who we are.

What do you like to do when you're not at work?

I love to travel, which fuels my buzz for working at the airport. Day to day though I’m a book worm and spend any spare time I have getting lost in one!

Which destination that we fly to from Manchester do you most want to visit?

It has to be New York. I’ve never been and it’s number one on my hit list.