Meet the Luxembourg Pavilion team in Dubai: Jonalyn Thompson

“Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success.”

We’re excited to introduce you to the people working at Expo 2020 Dubai. During 6 unforgettable months, they’ll assure that the message of the Luxembourg Pavilion resonates in all its vibrancy.

Today, you’ll meet Jonalyn Thompson, Administrative Assistant.

1. What is your name and what do you do at the Luxembourg Pavilion?

Hello, I’m Jonalyn Thompson, my friends used to call me “Lyn”. I am an administrative assistant at the  Luxembourg Pavilion.

I do research, reports, and assist in presentations. I’m assisting the accreditation liaison officer in making temporary and permanent passes not just for the employees but also for the official participant guests (to include the Crown Prince of Luxembourg).

I also help the pavilion event in charge to do Meet and Greet for the visit of delegations to Expo and our pavilion.

Having more than 10 years of experience in the hospitality industry, 8 years doing administrative tasks, having knowledge about UAE Law, and having a FANTASTIC team makes it easy for me to do my job.

2. What motivated you to work at the Luxembourg Pavilion?

The People in general. 

The Happy Pavilion Visitors. I love to hear the kids giggle and laugh going down the slide, and the adult’s good feedback especially when they say what they like about our pavilion. 

The same goes for the Pavilion employees. I love to see those smiling faces every day. I like hearing “Good Morning” (English)- “Gudde Moien” (Luxembourgish) in different languages. 

I love how each and everyone is embracing one another’s uniqueness. 

3. How does a day at the Luxembourg Pavilion look like?

As an administrative assistant, I must say every day is never the same. There are times that we have consecutive days of delegation visits, so everyone is busy doing specific tasks. For me, I have to make sure that their passes are ready when they arrive.

We do have the days too where we have to assist the delegations in visiting other pavilions and everyone is hands-on doing their individual tasks given by the pavilion ALO and event in charge.

We also have the appreciation day, where our Pavilion Director and Deputy Director are arranging meetings after having a successful/busy month to recognize the team effort of the pavilion employees.

4. What is your favorite aspect of working for the Luxembourg Pavilion and for Expo 2020 Dubai?

My favorite aspect is meeting different people from different backgrounds and learning their cultures and ideas.

The sustainable aspects are very informative too. My hope is that people will take the need for sustainability seriously.

5. What is your favorite part of the Luxembourg Pavilion?

Everything is my favorite, from the architecture of the building which is amazing to showcasing the coherent and approachable nature of Luxembourg through diversity, connectivity, sustainability, how the country enterprise and of course, the beautiful aspects showcasing not just their beautiful natures but also the fun side of their festival through the slide.

But if I were to choose my favorite part. It is the Crystal balls which has a 3D picture of the beautiful cities in Luxembourg. It is truly eye-catching. It made me want to see them in person.

6. What is the most important lesson you have learned during your time working for the Luxembourg Pavilion so far?

Being in a diverse workplace (Dubai and Luxembourg) thought me that “Every person is a new door to a different world”.

7.      Any special events you’re particularly looking forward to?

I don’t have any particular event. I would love to see as much as many musical or dance events as I can. Of course, I am excited about the event on Jan 23, which will be the celebration of Luxembourg national Day.

I will surely be busy that day, but I know it will be an amazing event.

8.      What can EXPO 2020 DUBAI do for our future?

Expo2020 Dubai brings together leaders, experts, and citizens to explore how we can, and must transform the way we move, build, consume and live in the habitats of the future.

“We must learn to live together as brothers, or perish together as fools”- Martin Luther King Jr.