Meet 18-year-old Angel Marino, the 2026 recipient of Sydney Airport's SYD100 Scholarship

A childhood flight from the Philippines to Australia sparked a fascination with aviation that has stayed with Angel Marino ever since. Today, that passion has helped her become the seventh recipient of the Trevor Gerber SYD100 Scholarship.

Sydney Airport Group Executive - Government Relations, Sustainability & Legal, Karen Tompkins, said:

"The future of aviation is strengthened when talented young people can see a pathway into the industry and have the support to pursue it."

"Angel Marino has the passion, curiosity and determination to make a real contribution to aviation. It's a privilege to support her studies and to see the SYD100 Scholarship creating a growing network of young people building careers across the industry," she said.

To celebrate the milestone, Angel and her family were invited behind the scenes at Sydney Airport for a special airfield tour, where they met airport employees, explored the airfield and learnt more about the many careers that keep Australia's busiest airport running. The experience was made even more special by Jessie Huynh, a former scholarship recipient who now works at Sydney Airport.

A dream years in the making

Born in the Philippines, Angel moved to Australia with her family when she was seven years old. It was during that journey that she experienced her first flight and discovered a love of aviation. Since then, she has pursued that interest through the Australian Air Force Cadets, attending air shows, exploring aircraft and learning more about the industry.

With support from the SYD100 Scholarship, Angel is now studying Aviation Management at UNSW. The scholarship provides funding for up to four years of tuition and support towards accommodation while students complete their studies.

"Receiving this scholarship from Sydney Airport has given me the opportunity to pursue a dream I've had since I was a child.

"I've been fascinated by aviation since my very first flight to Australia when I was just seven years old. Once I caught the aviation bug, there was no turning back and I can't imagine a career in any other industry," she said.

Seeing what's possible

For Angel, one of the highlights of the day was meeting Jessie.

In 2022, Jessie received the SYD100 Scholarship while studying a double degree in Commerce and Aviation Management at UNSW. Today, she works at Sydney Airport as an Operations Technology Enablement Coordinator, helping deliver technology improvements across airport operations.

Having someone who once stood in her shoes leading the tour brought the scholarship's impact to life.

Jessie's journey shows how the scholarship can help open doors to industry experience, professional networks and meaningful careers in aviation.

"Having completed four enjoyable years with the support of the SYD100 Scholarship, I would like to thank Sydney Airport and the Team for the support and guidance over the years.

"I'm incredibly grateful for the doors the scholarship has opened for me and the confidence it has given me to pursue a career in aviation. I'm truly thankful to be a part of the SYD100 community and I look forward to continuing my journey in the industry."

Creating opportunities for the next generation

Since 2020, the SYD100 Scholarship has supported students from backgrounds traditionally under-represented in aviation, helping more young people access university education and pursue careers in the industry.

The scholarship is part of Sydney Airport's broader partnership with UNSW, which includes careers events, industry engagement, mentoring opportunities and airfield experiences that help students connect their studies with real-world aviation careers.

“The SYD100 Scholarship opens doors for students by supporting not only their access to university, but also their ability to fully participate in student life, grow in confidence, and build a future in the aviation industry,” Professor Sven Rogge Dean, UNSW Science

One in four commencing domestic undergraduate students at UNSW now comes from low socioeconomic backgrounds, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and Gateway partner schools. The partnership with Sydney Airport is helping ensure more young people can access opportunities that may otherwise be out of reach.

Building the future workforce

The impact of the scholarship extends well beyond financial support.

Past recipients have gone on to internships, leadership roles, industry placements and careers across the aviation sector. Current recipient Harmony Boonaerts has stepped into an executive leadership role with UNSW Redback Racing while studying Aviation Management and exploring a future career in aviation safety.

“I am highly grateful for the opportunities this scholarship has provided to me by making university accessible, it is great to know that they are investing in the success of students, just like me,” said SYD100 scholarship recipient Harmony Boonaerts.

For Sydney Airport, investing in students today helps strengthen the future workforce that the industry will rely on tomorrow.

As Angel begins her university journey, she joins a growing network of SYD100 Scholarship recipients already making their mark in aviation.