San Francisco is known for the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, Fisherman’s Wharf, the bay, cable cars, and now TSA Inspector Eduardo Santos.
Madrileños por el mundo, an award-winning television travel show on Telemadrid, came all the way from Spain to California to feature Santos. Telemadrid is the official public broadcaster in Madrid, and Madrileños por el mundo is one of the channel’s most watched shows, traveling all around the world visiting and interviewing people born in Madrid who live abroad.
Santos came to the U.S. from Madrid on a student visa to get a college education, married a U.S. citizen, became a naturalized citizen, and in October 2002 chose a professional career with TSA soon after the agency’s inception.
“After the tragic events of 9/11, I wanted to be part of this agency, TSA,” said Santos. “I knew I could make a difference since I had worked as a security manager of a major airline at San Francisco International Airport (SFO).”
During the TV interview, Santos led a tour of SFO and the city and was especially proud to put TSA on display for the program’s Spanish viewers.
“TSA is a great agency to work for,” he proclaimed. “TSA has allowed me to experience new and exciting positions. As a young boy, never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined how integral I would be for such an important organization.”
Currently a supervisory TSA inspector, Santos has also served TSA as a screening manager, operations manager, aviation inspector, cargo inspector, and canine handler and supervisor.
“The sky is the limit with TSA,” he said. “It provides the opportunity to serve this great country in a meaningful and important capacity.”
San Francisco Assistant Federal Security Director-Inspections Tom Nagy described Santos as a “seasoned professional” who brings enthusiasm, dedication and passion to the job every day.
“He is able to strengthen partnerships within his team as well as all regulated entities,” Nagy said. “I am extremely proud of Eduardo’s recognition as his efforts transcend his heritage, drive and dedication. He is the quintessential example of the American dream.”
As TSA strengthens its focus on diversity and inclusion, Nagy sees Santos as a perfect fit.
“I have always prided myself on integrating diversity in every step of my journey with TSA,” said Santos. “As a supervisor, I always embrace and strive to encourage the ideas and strengths of a diverse team. I thank TSA for allowing me to bring in my own diversity to strengthen and empower the employees I have had the privilege to oversee.”
Not only is Santos essential to TSA’s San Francisco area operations, but also to his community. He volunteers at the city’s Spanish Cultural Center and participates in club events, serving as a board member and previously as vice president. He also helps teach children Spanish so they can learn the culture and language of Spain.
When asked what drives his enthusiasm and passion every day, Santos said, “People and knowledge. I am genuinely passionate about helping and leading people. I enjoy being a leader and mentor. It is a passion of mine.”
He wants people to know how important it is to learn beyond the classroom.
“Life has a lot of lessons to teach,” said Santos, “and being open to all that one can learn from others and from experiences is invaluable and something I try to integrate in my personal endeavors and the way I lead within my roles at TSA.”
Through his television appearance, Santos appreciates the opportunity to share some of his life experiences and his dedication to TSA.
“I came from a very rough situation growing up in Madrid, experiencing the tail end of dictatorship and poverty. But this country gave me an alternative ending to my life story. The knowledge, education and opportunity to join TSA has changed my life forever. I hope to continue dedicating myself to TSA and continue to lead with passion, respect for my team members and an openness to continue learning from [our agency’s] diverse population as well as this great country.”
Click here to watch Madrileños por el mundo’s episode featuring Inspector Santos.