In a male-dominated industry, women are breaking down barriers each day in aviation. During the last two decades, the number of women involved in aviation has continually increased, but there is still higher altitude to reach. Women pilots, for example, represent only 6% of the total pilot population. Representation, inspiration and education are crucial for continuing to uplift those in the industry, and those who are looking to step foot into an aviation career.
Today on Friday, March 8, we celebrate International Women’s Day. It is a time to remember and honor the women who have trail blazed the way for all women – no matter the time, place or industry.
Read about four Endeavor women and what being a woman in aviation means to them:
MOLLY BLACKFORD, FIRST OFFICER, ATL
“I was not one of those people who grew up always wanting to fly. I have always been someone who wanted to understand the “why” behind everything. I was obsessed with learning the why behind how airplane engines work and the why behind wings allowing airplanes to fly. Combine these with the challenges of learning a brand-new world of flight planning and maneuvers, it was an instant perfect fit for me!
For me, being a woman in aviation is a life-changing chance to be a part of something way bigger than me. I wasn’t trying to ‘rock the boat’ or make a huge feminist statement by becoming a pilot – I was simply a girl who liked airplanes. Now that I have been flying for a few years, I have grown to realize that I am a representation of something much more important than just me and my interests. Intentional or not, people seeing a young woman in a pilot uniform can be very impactful!
Be the smiling face in the room, be the reason someone else smiles too. Whenever I encounter an unpleasant situation, or whenever I feel my confidence dip in general, I consciously pull back my shoulders, pick up my chin, and remind myself that I am a trained professional who has proven her right to be here. If you hold yourself to that standard of the highly trained professional you are, then your performance will speak for itself.
Wherever you may be in your flying career, help the person behind you. Whether they are two days behind you, two years, or two decades. Everyone needs someone to look up to. If you can be that person for even just one other individual, then suddenly all your struggles are worth it!”
GISELLE ALVARADO, AMT, JFK
“I didn’t have any female role models in the aviation industry, but thinking back on it, that’s what motivated me even more to be a part of the world of aviation – I wanted to a part of the very few that are. Even this year, there’s only 6 female mechanics compared to the 50+ male mechanics in my base alone, so maybe I can inspire someone and be their role model one day!
For me personally, I feel proud being in a mostly male-dominated industry, especially being a mother to two boys. My oldest is 3 years old and my youngest is 10 months old. I’m happy they are growing up in a world where they know their mom fixes airplanes during the day before coming home to play with them. A world where they know and respect that girls and boys can do anything they want to do.
If I had to give advice to a girl wanting to join the industry would be to have confidence! It helps when you’re doing the job. Once you believe in and trust in yourself, no one is going to rain on your parade and your accomplishments!”
RACHAEL MOORE-RICHARDSON, SR. MANAGER, INFLIGHT OPERATIONS
“I started at Endeavor as a flight attendant and was excited about being a part of people’s journey. After six months as a flight attendant, I wanted to do more and start learning the operation. Since then, I have had roles as the Operational SAFA, Regional Crew Manager, the JFK Base Manager, and now recently – the Senior Manager of Inflight Operation.
I was inspired by watching and learning the fundamentals from the Endeavor women around me. I was inspired by the strength and commitment of Nikole and Patty’s leadership on the Inflight team; I am motivated by their grit, determination, and passion to run and elevate Inflight.
Endeavor communicates on a high level, therefore, if you are inspired to grow, knowledge is right there at your fingertips. This company is fast-paced and always seeking to find new initiatives to acknowledge and develop the flight attendants and that is something that I always want to be a part of.
I am always inspired because I feel that I have a voice, and they allow me to be my authentic self. To women who want to excel in this industry, I believe you should lead by example, identify potential in your employees and empower them to develop their leadership to a higher level.”
BECKY LAMBERT-WIDMARK, MANAGER, FLIGHT OPS GROUND TRAINING
“Just because aviation is a male dominated industry does not mean there isn’t a place for women. It’s great we are seeing more women pilots, as well as women becoming technicians, which is also a male dominated area in aviation. I try to spread the word about aviation, whether it’s going to local schools starting as early as elementary or talking to high school students. It’s important to plant that seed and educate them about the different paths you can take in this career.
I face challenges every day as a woman in aviation. It can be something where people don’t realize you are a pilot or refuse to be a student in your training class because you are a woman. Proving that you’ve taken the same steps to get here as your male counterparts can be a battle sometimes.
Over the years I think it’s become less challenging than when I first started in the industry because more people are aware that this industry is for men and women. It has made me much stronger at decision making and making sure everything is discussed objectively versus subjectively.”
EDV On The Fly 