1. Can you share a specific experience or moment in your life that solidified your desire to become a pilot or work in the aviation industry? In February 2020, I had just started dating my boyfriend, a UPS pilot. When he invited me to join him in Miami for transition training, I impulsively agreed-an unusual choice for someone as cautious as I usually am. This timing, however, coinciding with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, and with widespread flight cancellations, I found myself unexpectedly grounded in Miami. After his training, he suggested we fly to Minneapolis together, where he introduced me to his Cessna 172. On our first flight, he guided me through what turned into my very first flight lesson. As we flew over Minnesota at sunset, I was captivated. We spent the week flying to different places, and with each flight, he patiently showed me the basics of flying. I realized that aviation could be more than just a pastime; it was something I could achieve and turn into a career. This experience was transformative. With each hour in the air, I felt myself stepping into a future I hadn’t dared to imagine. I learned my life wasn’t defined by my role as a single mom; I could take charge and pursue something I was genuinely passionate about. This journey in the cockpit ignited my desire to become a pilot and solidified my commitment to the aviation industry. 2. Safety is paramount in aviation. How do you plan to prioritize and maintain safety in your flying practices? Safety is paramount in my aviation decision-making, especially as a newer pilot and a parent of two children. I’m committed to returning home safely at the end of each flight, and this responsibility motivates me to prioritize safety in every aspect of flying. Currently, I am pursuing my instrument rating to improve my ability to navigate safely in varied weather conditions and respond effectively if unforeseen weather circumstances arise. This training will strengthen my skills and decision-making under conditions that demand a high level of precision and awareness. In my career as a compliance officer, I make risk-based decisions to protect my company, and I approach flying with the same safety-oriented mindset. Each go/no-go decision is rooted in a structured assessment of risks, ensuring that I am prepared and intentional about each flight. By combining my compliance experience with ongoing training and a commitment to safety, I aim to consistently uphold the highest standards of safety in all my flying practices. 3. Describe a time when you faced a significant challenge in your pursuit of aviation? How did you overcome it? A significant challenge I’ve faced in my pursuit of aviation has been building the self-confidence to continue, especially when progress feels slow, or setback arises. As a woman in aviation, I found myself often surrounded my people who, while skilled, didn’t always celebrate the journey or the small victories. Many of the male pilots I know speak negatively about aspects of their careers and training, which at times made me question my own path and accomplishments. To overcome this, I sought out a network of supportive women in aviation. I connected with women who share my passion and understand the unique challenges we face. One of the most transformative relationships I developed has been with a retired airline captain who mentors me. She consistently encourages me, offers practical advice, and celebrates my achievements—big or small. Through this mentorship and my friendships with other women in the field, I’ve gained the confidence to persevere and to view each milestone as a step forward. This support network has been invaluable, reminding me that I’m not alone and helping me build the resilience needed to succeed in aviation. 4. What personal qualities or skills do you possess that you believe will contribute to your success in aviation? My commitment to continual learning and growth is a quality I believe will drive my success in aviation. I am constantly seeking ways to improve my flying skills, from reading aviation literature to studying flying techniques, manuals, and safety protocols. My journey to becoming a pilot required hard work and determination, as I didn’t come from a family background that could support this dream. Obtaining my private pilot’s license was a significant milestone that I achieved through persistence and sacrifice, and it reinforced my belief in the power of dedication. I am also motivated by a desire to become a role model—not only for my children, but for others considering a future in aviation. This goal pushes me to continually strive for excellence, showing that with hard work, perseverance, and a passion for learning, success in aviation is within reach. 5. How do you plan to engage with, mentor, and support other aspiring aviators in your community, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds? As a woman in aviation, I know firsthand the importance of supportive communities. I aspire to uplift other women and create a welcoming space for aspiring aviators, especially here in Alaska. I’ve benefited immensely from female mentors who encouraged me to pursue my goals, and I aim to offer that same support to others. I am passionate about engaging with local Alaskan women in aviation and fostering connections to help us all grow together. Having come from a background without financial resources or family connections in aviation, I also want to inspire young people from underrepresented backgrounds. I want them to see that a thrilling and fulfilling career in aviation is achievable, regardless of their starting point. By sharing my story and offering mentorship, I hope to show them that the sky is accessible to anyone with the drive to reach it. 6. Why do you believe you are a strong candidate for this scholarship, and how will you achieve your aviation goals? I believe I am a strong candidate for this scholarship because I am deeply committed to a career in aviation and have the determination and resilience to succeed. While finishing my flight training at Blue River, I met Hannah, a bright and inspiring presence around the hangar. On the day of my check ride, she went out of her way to calm my nerves and share helpful advice, which left a lasting impact. Seeing her excel as a young woman in aviation and her kindness left a lasting impression. This fall, I encountered Hannah again while hunting in the Brooks Range. She was flying a group of hunters into the rugged Alaska wilderness—a role I could only dream of. Witnessing her confidence and skill in such a challenging setting inspired me to double down on my aviation ambitions. I am now even more committed to achieving my instrument rating and further certifications, moving steadily toward a career where I can inspire others as she has inspired me. With this scholarship, I will continue progressing, gain the qualifications I need, and give back to the aviation community by mentoring others and fostering a supportive environment for women in aviation. 7. How did your upbringing in Alaska influence your decision to pursue a career in aviation? I have spent a large majority of my life in Alaska. I didn’t come from a family with the financial means to support pursuits in aviation, so I initially thought flying was an unrealistic dream. However, living in Alaska showed me that aviation is an essential part of daily life here, especially for those in remote areas. Planes are not just a luxury but a necessity, connecting people to food, medical care, and essential resources. My own family relies on general aviation for our annual hunting trips which provides our food for the year. This gave me an understanding of how critical aviation is to the Alaska way of life. This exposure to aviation as a normal, vital mode of transportation inspired me and ignited my fascination with flight. Despite the challenges, I was determined to make this passion a reality. The resilience and self-reliance I learned growing up in Alaska have driven me to work hard to pursue a career in aviation, and I am motivated to give back to other Alaskans to foster a sense of community and support. 8. What do you believe are the unique challenges of flying in Alaska compared to other regions in the United States and how do you plan to address them? Flying in Alaska presents unique challenges that set it apart from other regions of the United States. While Alaska offers some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world, it also has some of the nation's most demanding terrain and rapidly changing weather conditions. Additionally, the absence of a universal ADS-B requirement in Alaska—now mandatory in the lower 48 states—poses a particular challenge. ADS-B is invaluable for improving traffic awareness, yet many Alaska aircraft operate without it, requiring pilots to rely heavily on vigilant traffic scanning and situational awareness. To address these challenges, I am pursuing my instrument rating to enhance my ability to navigate safely in unpredictable weather, a necessity given Alaska’s frequent and sudden weather changes. I prioritize flying with both ADS-B In and Out for added situational awareness and maintain a disciplined traffic scan when flying under VFR. Furthermore, I focus on thorough pre-flight planning, continuous weather monitoring, and learning from seasoned Alaskan pilots whose insights are invaluable for navigating the region’s unique landscapes. By refining my skills and adapting my decision-making to the demands of Alaska, I am preparing myself to be a competent and safe pilot who is well-equipped to handle the unique challenges of this region. 9. Can you discuss the importance of general aviation in Alaska, particularly in rural and remote areas? General aviation is a vital part of life in Alaska, especially for rural and remote communities. In areas without road access, aviation serves as the primary link to the outside world, providing essential services like medical transport, food supplies, and daily necessities. For many communities, general aviation is not just a convenience but a lifeline that ensures residents have access to healthcare, resources, and connectivity that would otherwise be out of reach. For my own family, general aviation is how we obtain our food for the year. This reliance on aviation underscores its essential role in our lives and motivates me to be part of the industry. By supporting and expanding general aviation in Alaska, I hope to contribute to the well-being and resilience of communities across the state, helping ensure they remain connected and well-supplied year-round.