As a young girl, my eyes would light up whenever my dad spoke about his adventures in the sky. A local police officer by weekday and a passionate pilot when he is off duty, my father cherishes every moment spent in and around planes. His love for flying ignited a fire within my own heart, fueling my own dreams to take to the skies. As I grew up, I would spend time at the small municipal airport near our home in a hangar while my dad performed pre-flight inspections. I loved the sound of propellers and the smell of fuel, and would always feel giddy when I put the radio headset on in my dad’s single engine plane. As the aircraft would roar to life, the world outside always seemed to shrink, and the sky became a special place to spend time with my dad and shortly opened up a new world to me. The sensation and view from above captivated both my heart and my head. I became consumed as a high school student with making aviation my career path, and found my purpose tightly enveloped in my advanced math and science courses and revealed in the extra curricular work in which I was engaged. While some of my peers were struggling to keep pace with the rigor of our dual enrollment classes, I leaned in and felt it was all very connected to my love for flying. And while my friends grumbled about their volunteer tasks and just checked off the boxes out of obligation for our National Honor Society requirements or for the sake of a college application, again I became exuberant about the leader I was becoming by my engagement. I was very aware as an emerging pilot that not many women seek professional roles in aviation, and that even fewer Latinas hold positions as flight instructors, first officers or captains. Instead of being daunted by these statistics, I was further “propelled” to break barriers and use my leadership development opportunities to build capacity for skills and compassion for advocacy. Working to tie my personal passions to a professional pathway, I became involved early with aviation related organizations. At home in my rural Texas community, I engaged with private flight schools to interview instructors and students. I gave my time to a STEM youth group, partnering with a local retired astronaut who continued to expand my horizons and build my network. Several members-only societies caught my interest, and I soon became actively involved in the research led by the Airport Minority Advisory Council (AMAC) and Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA). Flight magazines came in the mail almost as abundantly as the college recruitment flyers. In the fall of 2022 I began my studies in Aviation Technology at Utah State University, and as an out-of-state undergraduate with higher than average SAT/ACT scores I was honored to be the recipient of a freshman award. This was crucial in opening up my options for a highly sought after aviation program. I became a member of Women in Aviation International and as a sophomore now stay involved with local efforts such as girls’ day and other high school events at our university. When the rigorous studies and busy flight schedule seem overwhelming, I take my mind back to my dad’s hangar and remember all of the sensations of my earliest days in aviation. While I work to decide about the best internships for regional airlines, I am excited to continue to benefit from and contribute to opportunities in aviation.

In the quiet corridors of my middle school years, I stumbled upon a passion that would shape my identity, enrich my life, and empower me as a young female athlete – golf. This was an unexpected turn in my athletic pursuits (I played basketball as well) inspired by my father’s passion for the game. As a young Latina athlete, I was one of the few females, let alone minorities, on the course in my rural hometown in Texas. This presented its challenges, but my love for the game and the unwavering support of my father became the cornerstone of my determination. Playing alongside my dad, I discovered the beauty of golf: the precision, the patience, and the camaraderie that blooms among players. Yet, being one of the few Latinas in a predominantly white, male sport for my area was not without its hurdles. I faced no-so-subtle biases and prejudices, but my persistence and positive attitude propelled me forward. I chose not to be deterred by the stereotypes; instead, I let my passion fuel my ambition, turning every challenge into an opportunity for growth. Throughout high school, I continued to hone my skills on the course. The greens became my sanctuary, a place where I could be unapologetically myself, where my ethnicity was overshadowed by my love for the sport. The golf course became a level playing field, a space where hard work and dedication spoke louder than preconceptions. The more I played, the more I felt a deep sense of belonging in the world of golf. My journey took another positive turn when I decided to work part-time at a private golf course on an upscale resort in Texas. Here, I not only furthered my understanding of the game but also delved into the intricacies of the social fabric that knits the golfing community together. As a staff member, I learned not just about tee times and club selection but also about the art of building connections. Following high school I began my studies at a university in Utah, and I found myself working at a public course near my college, where I continued to foster my passion for golf. Working at a golf course has been transformative. It bolstered my confidence and expanded my social circle within the golfing community. I became adept at navigating the etiquette of the sport, forging friendships with fellow enthusiasts, and bridging gaps between diverse groups of players. The golf course ceased to be a place where I was merely a player; it became my second home, a realm where my passion and dedication resonated with others. My journey with golf as a young Latina athlete has taught me the profound impact of persistence, positivity, and passion. It has shown me that barriers, whether racial or gender-based, can be overcome with unwavering determination. Today, as I stand on the lush fairways of the golf course in Utah, I am not just a player or an employee; I am a testament to the power of love for the game and the strength that comes from embracing challenges head-on. Golf has not just been a sport for me; it has been a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and acceptance. Through the highs and lows, I have emerged stronger, more confident, and deeply in love with the game that taught me the true meaning of perseverance. As I continue to walk this path, I am not just a Latina in golf; I am a golfer, a mentor, and a beacon of inspiration for others who dare to dream beyond the confines of societal expectations.