Aviation has not only sparked my interest—it has ignited a calling within me. My journey began in middle school when my uncle, an airline check airman, gifted me a discovery flight. As I lifted off the runway, I felt an immediate sense of excitement, purpose, and belonging. That single flight opened my eyes to a world where I could challenge myself, defy expectations, and one day help others do the same. In high school, I earned my private pilot’s certification and often found myself as one of the only girls at my local airport. At times, that reality felt isolating; however, instead of allowing it to discourage me, I used it as motivation to inspire the next generation of girls to pursue aviation and other male-dominated fields. I began speaking at outreach events across Charlotte, including Girls in Aviation Day, STEM programs, and school visits. Through these efforts, I have shared my story with over 1,000 children, encouraging young girls to envision themselves in careers they might not have otherwise considered. It was in those classrooms and hangars that I discovered my passion for mentorship and outreach—something I’ve carried with me ever since. Today, I hold my commercial multi-engine certificate and am currently working toward my Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) rating. This summer, I am interning with Delta Air Lines in the Flight Operations department. This role has allowed me to see many facets of the airline industry—from operational efficiency and flight safety to scheduling and large-scale leadership. This experience has broadened my perspective on aviation and reaffirmed my passion for one day leading in and beyond the cockpit. At Auburn, I have continued to mentor and lead others through my roles in organizations that reflect my values. As President of the Ninety-Nines Auburn University Wing, I have worked to create a strong, supportive space for our group of women in flight training by organizing study groups, mentorship pairings, and professional development events. In my role as Outreach Chair for the Women in Aviation War Eagle Chapter, I have helped lead Girls in Aviation Day, secure sponsorships, and create engaging opportunities for younger students to connect with aviation in meaningful ways. One of the most rewarding moments of my journey occurred at the Women in Aviation International Conference. While recruiting for Auburn’s program, I met a young woman who told me that after hearing me speak at an event in Charlotte two years prior, she had begun working toward her instrument rating. That moment reminded me of the power of mentorship and how one connection can change the course of someone’s life. Beyond aviation, I have organized and led three annual toy drives benefiting children’s hospitals and foster organizations across three states, collecting and personally delivering over 1,500 toys. These experiences have taught me that leadership is about using your voice and your platform to create meaningful, lasting impact. As I continue to pursue my goal of becoming a commercial airline pilot, I am committed to stepping into leadership roles that allow me to serve others, especially those still searching for someone to show them what’s possible. I am driven not only by my own dreams but also by the opportunity to inspire and pave the way for future generations.

Aviation has profoundly shaped my life, fueling my passion for leadership, mentorship, and breaking barriers within this remarkable industry. My journey began in middle school when my uncle, an airline check airman, introduced me to flying. The moment my first flight took off, I knew I had found my calling. Driven by this passion, I earned my private pilot certificate in high school, often being one of the few female pilots at my local airport. This experience strengthened my resolve to inspire and mentor aspiring aviators, particularly young girls who may not see themselves represented in this field. Currently, I am pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Professional Flight at Auburn University and working towards my commercial multi-engine certification. This summer, I will continue to develop my skills through a Delta Air Lines internship, which will provide invaluable industry experience, expand my professional network, and enhance my operational knowledge. Upon returning in the fall, I plan to obtain my Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) and Certified Flight Instructor - Instrument (CFII) certificates and begin flight instructing to gain experience. Beyond my flight training, I am deeply committed to making a lasting impact in the aviation industry and my community. As President of the Ninety-Nines Auburn Wing, I have led efforts to create a close-knit and empowering environment for female aviators by organizing mentorship programs, study sessions, professional development workshops, and networking opportunities. Additionally, as Outreach Chair for the Women in Aviation War Eagle Chapter, I have played a vital role in planning Girls in Aviation Day, securing sponsorships, and ensuring that young students gain hands-on exposure to aviation careers. One of the most rewarding experiences I have had was attending the Women in Aviation International Conference, where I had the opportunity to recruit for Auburn Aviation and share my journey with prospective students. While there, I was able to reconnect with some of my mentors who have significantly influenced my aviation career, as well as meet inspiring women from across the industry. A particularly special moment occurred when I met a young woman I had first spoken to at Charlotte’s Girls in Aviation Day in 2022. She approached our booth and shared that she was now pursuing her instrument rating. It was super fulfilling to know that I had played even a small part in her journey, and reaffirmed my desire to one day take on a recruitment role at an airline. My passion for mentorship and outreach extends beyond aviation. I have organized and led three annual holiday toy drives, benefiting children’s hospitals and foster children across three states. Over the years, I have collected and personally delivered more than 1,500 toys, ensuring that children in need experience the joy of the holiday season. Through these efforts, I have realized the power of giving back and the importance of using my platform to uplift others. As I continue my journey, I plan to advocate for greater accessibility in aviation and support future generations of pilots. My long-term goal is to become an airline pilot and recruiter, helping others navigate the complexities of the industry. Many of my greatest mentors are current or retired airline pilots who have profoundly impacted my career, and I hope to honor their legacy by guiding others on their paths.

Aviation has shaped my life, fueling my passion for leadership, mentorship, and breaking barriers in this incredible industry. My dream is to become a commercial airline pilot while stepping into leadership roles to inspire future aviators and advocate for more accessible pathways into aviation careers. An aviation degree will provide the technical knowledge, flight training, and leadership development necessary to succeed in this field while preparing me to give back to the aviation community. My inspiration to pursue aviation stems from my uncle, an airline check airman who began his career as a gate agent. His journey instilled in me the values of resilience, dedication, and hard work. A defining moment was when he gifted me my first flight, while I was in middle school. As the plane lifted off, I felt an exhilarating sense of freedom that confirmed my passion for flying. From that moment, I knew aviation was more than just an interest—it was my calling. Determined to make this dream a reality, I earned my private pilot certificate in high school, often finding myself one of the few female pilots at my local airport. Recognizing the need for more representation in aviation, I became committed to inspiring and mentoring young girls interested in flight. I started speaking to Girl Scouts, after-school programs, and summer camps, sharing my story and encouraging them to pursue their dreams. Seeing their excitement and curiosity reinforced my mission to not only become a pilot but to uplift others in this field. Currently, I am pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Professional Flight at Auburn University, working toward my commercial multi-engine certification, with plans to obtain my Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) certificate. This degree is critical to my long-term goal of becoming an airline pilot and advancing into leadership roles within the aviation industry. The dynamic nature of flying—making quick decisions, navigating unpredictable weather, and refining my technique—challenges and excites me every day. Beyond technical skills, aviation fuels my love for travel and cultural exploration. Pilots connect people, reunite families, facilitate life-changing journeys, and enable new adventures. I aspire to be part of that, making an impact both in and beyond the cockpit. Beyond my academic and flight training pursuits, I have been deeply involved in my community, striving to create opportunities for others in aviation. As President of the Auburn Ninety-Nines Wing, I lead initiatives that empower female aviators, organizing mentorship programs, networking opportunities, and professional development events. Additionally, as the Outreach Chair for the Women in Aviation War Eagle Chapter, I have helped coordinate Girls in Aviation Day, secure sponsorships, and ensure young students gain hands-on exposure to aviation careers. My passion for aviation extends into student recruitment as well. As a Striped Wings Ambassador for Auburn’s School of Aviation and a College of Liberal Arts Student Recruiter, I guide prospective students, sharing my experiences and helping them navigate their aviation journeys. An incredible moment for me was representing Auburn at the Women in Aviation International Conference, where I reconnected with mentors who shaped my journey while also inspiring the next generation. A particularly special experience was meeting a girl I had spoken to at Charlotte’s Girls in Aviation Day in 2022. She excitedly shared that she was now working toward her instrument rating—knowing I played even a small role in her journey reaffirmed my dream of mentoring and recruiting future aviators. Receiving this scholarship would allow me to further my education and flight training while continuing to mentor and uplift aspiring aviators.