Women’s History Month 2021

“In life, it can become easy to take things for granted. Time passes and memories fade of the struggles that existed for yourself or for someone else. That is why Women’s History Month is so important, in order to reaffirm and remind everyone of all that women have overcome, especially in aviation. Each strong woman I meet in ATC inspires me and reminds me of the importance of the comradery we all share with one another. They push boundaries and challenge every roadblock in their way.

This month is not only about honoring and showing appreciation to those women and the struggles they have overcome, but also the trail blazers that came before them in order to make it possible. Every day I am proud to be a woman in aviation and I feel the best way we can all show gratitude ,to all those amazing women past and present is to stand up, support one another and look forward to making the path a little brighter for the next generation.”

“This month is a time to remember women’s trailblazing efforts in the past and a time to inspire women to challenge the status quo, as they strive to become leaders in their daily lives and their workplace.”

“If I can be honest, the fact that we have to have a month shows just how much work needs to be done to achieve equality and inclusivity. On a daily basis, women are not seen in the same vein as men. Sometimes, it appears that our voices are silenced due to old habits and stereotypes. I hope it allows more people to honor and appreciate women, and for women who see themselves as less than and misrepresented. When it comes to making decisions and having impacts on our community, workplace, and positions in aviation, we bring a perspective that mirrors the landscape of our society. We just need to catch up.”

“I was a young mom. When I had my first son, I was 18 years old, so many people close to me told me that I had to give up going to college and focus on being a mom. I heard it so many times, ‘A woman’s place is at home taking care of her children.” I knew I wanted my own career. So, I refused to give up on my education. I knew I could do it all, and I had my Mom in my corner supporting me to follow my dreams. I went to school full time, worked full time on midnight shifts, and was able spend a lot of time with my son. (Obviously, sleep was non-existent, but hey,I was young) When I got hired with the FAA I knew all my hard work had paid off. But I still had to convince my husband and my own father that leaving for Oklahoma for 3 months was worth the sacrifice. Because again, I was bombarded with people telling me, ‘You have a husband, stay home, let him take care of you.’ And even, ‘What kind of mother leaves her children for three months?’ I knew it would be difficult but I did it. I was hired off the street, and although I breezed through basics, I really struggled when I started Tower-Terminal class. Phraseology and the table tops were really hard for me to get. I had one really bad session I distinctly remember. My instructor was frustrated with me and I was frustrated with myself. I left class holding back tears. A classmate came up to me and told me to give up and go home to my kids, and said ‘A pretty face wont get you certified!’ That lit a fire inside of me. I only had a few women in my class but they understood me and helped me, along with some amazing gentlemen. We had some great study group sessions and I made it! I certified at my first facility, Chicago Midway, and then at my second and current facility, Chicago O’Hare. There is no doubt in my mind that I am at where I am because of the support and help of some awesome people, but the drive to keep going was definitely fueled from someone telling me I couldn’t do something because I was a woman.”

“As a member of our team at DLH, I realize we are all equally important, regardless of gender identity. My coworkers have always treated my with the utmost respect and realized me as a valuable member of our team. As a facility, we promote an environment where we expect the best of another and continue to push ourselves to be better every single day. My hope for my roles within NATCA is to leave everything better than I found it. Leadership is not defined by gender , but by integrity, which is something that must be practiced consistently. I believe that is something that we do well at my facility, as well as nationally, and something I am deeply proud to be a part of. Work hard, lead by example, and never apologize for being who you are.”

“Throughout my years in the Marine Corps and the FAA, I’ve often been the only or one of the the very few women on crew. There’s often the stigma of having to work twice as hard and only being given half the credit. As my career progressed, I proved that my dedication and work ethic are what set me apart from everyone else, not my gender. Now as a FacRep, I encourage my peers to set any goal they are willing to work for and let results of their work speak for itself.”

“While other little girls were asking for Barbies, I was asking for model airplanes. I have always been the outlier. I am in a field that’s mostly men, in a profession considered to be rather conservative. I’ve got tattoos, colorful hair, and I’m not afraid to speak my mind. I have learned that being part of the Union has given me a voice I knew I always had, but didn’t know how to apply. Seeing other strong women thrive in our field has given me hope that change is possible, and it starts with me.”

“As an 18-year-old, I enlisted in the Navy in the advanced electronics program as a Cytological Technician – Maintenance, when it was a male-dominated field and began a long career of more than 40 years as an Electronics Technician and Information Technology Specialist. I showed that women not only could do this type of work but could excel at it and mentor others in the field. I also broke other norms, such as working independently and remotely since 2001, when I accepted an FAA HQ position but worked from Kansas City, Mo., leading to what would later become telework.”

“I would like to meet the Chancellor of Germany, Angela Merkel. I would ask her how, knowing that she is one of the smartest people in the room, and mostly among men, that has affected her leadership and decision-making. I would also ask her how she feels about not only being elected as Chancellor of Germany, but also assuming the role of de facto leader of the European Union.”

“I would like to meet Mary Jackson, the Aerospace Engineer for NASA. I would ask her what her source of inspiration was to be able to endure the adversities she experienced at NASA.”

“Listen to people then empathize and blend what you’ve learned into your daily life. Each one of us has something special that can be built upon to create a wonderfully diverse tapestry of experiences.”

“I believe the only way to fully develop as an organization is to promote an inclusive environment for all underrepresented people. The growth potential for us as individuals and as a Union multiplies exponentially through perspective gained by embracing our diversity. Building that culture requires each and every one of us to look within and challenge ourselves to really listen and empathize, even if we feel a bit threatened or intimidated. An honest self-assessment may reveal that we each hold some unacknowledged prejudices. We work in a naturally competitive environment that can easily slide into a “macho” atmosphere. We should hold an unwavering expectation that not only ourselves, but also our peers, do not participate in misogynistic, bigoted, or otherwise discriminatory rhetoric in the workplace. It is equally important to recognize subtle, yet systemic sexism, racism and homophobia that can take place right under our noses – just because you may not be directly impacted does not mean it doesn’t exist. Openly reject intolerance, embrace compassion, and do it proudly – this will inspire a sea change!”

“Treat everyone with respect and kindness. A little aloha goes a long way!”

“It was not uncommon for many labor unions in the United States to discriminate against and not offer membership to women prior to World War II. Serving on my local NATCA leadership board represents the positive ways our society can adapt and change over time. Women at my facility, across the Agency and around the world are recognized for the contributions they make and the distinctly female way we engage, encourage and lead.”

“Being a Union leader allowed me to have a seat at the table. A voice. Change may not always be instant or welcomed but it does get done. If you don’t like the way things are being done or you have ideas to move forward in a positive manner, keep taking a seat at the table. Continue to stand up. Raise your voice. I’m a strong believer in if there’s a problem, be part of the solution; address the problem with some evidence, show possible solutions, and explain what the outcome could be.”

“Being in a very male-dominated industry, I am proud to say that I feel empowered and embraced by all of my NATCA brothers and sisters in the roles I am currently serving.”

“I believe becoming a part of Union leadership help inspire other women to take that leap towards leadership. Sometimes seeing examples give tangible evidence that you too can do it to. The person that inspired me to be more involved with legislative activism was a woman. I honestly never thought I would be the type, but now I love the work I do with NATCA activism. If I never got involved with NATCA activism I know for a fact I would’ve never ran for facility FacRep. Now I want to pass that same inspiration onto more members. Diversity brings different ideas, perspectives, and experiences. I truly believe with more opportunities and more tangible examples of representation, women in leadership will be the norm.”

“I’ve heard Paul Rinaldi say, ‘If you aren’t at the table, you’re on the menu.’ Ok, he used it in a slightly different context and I’m trying to be funny, but it’s worth applying it lightly to the idea that lacking woman leadership might easily mean women’s issues could be ignored. And, even bigger than that, I have realized that more women at the NATCA table means more diversity of opinion and a broader energy on issues that affect many minority groups within our Union. Unions were created because workers needed to come together to fight for what they deserved. If we are to fight together, we have to stand together as a better representation of our whole. More diverse backgrounds and experiences means our Union can continue to strengthen and meet the challenges that lie ahead. I have personally been able to interject a differing opinion or idea into many NATCA meetings and gatherings that I feel might have gone unrealized if a woman wasn’t in the room. I feel these small interactions make a difference because offering perspective is a crucial part of being the change we want to see. It has taken a lot of courage and dedication and, sometimes even hard honesty with my male peers, but I have seen minds change and grow and have benefitted from their perspectives as well. In fact, most of my mentors have been male and our brothers have encouraged me and made me a better leader. And those occurrences of melding of minds, thoughts, experiences and perspectives make us all stronger leaders and collaborators going forward. From difficult conversations to unlikely friendships, I have found my fears and insecurities to be unfounded and my strength and knowledge to be important for the future of the Union. When I think of the women in the Union who came before me and how much their involvement has made my career and place in the Union possible, I’m grateful and humbled. I hope to continue to grow and reach for opportunities and to see more women bravely put themselves in places where their ideas and experiences can make our Union and jobs better for everyone.”

“I have a voice as an engineer within the ATO, but it is NATCA and my role as a Rep that provides an immediate, augmented platform to be more than a voice, to be an empowered change agent to improve our technical and work environment. ATSAPx, Collaboration, and the Articles of our CBA point the way. NATCA has created a path for Engineers, welcoming us to the table, putting a hand on my shoulder and power on my side to help lead the way. This opened a door. As a young woman that aspired to be an engineer from a strong family, I know what support looks like. It’s hearing you can do it; its encouragement. NATCA has been there for me to help push my technical points and support me when things got tough. Through my years in the FAA, I have grown accustomed to being the only female engineer at that table. Joining NATCA and later becoming a representative broadened my experience to see that there are other women in roles like mine seeking similar goals. This normalizes the playing field to be inclusive and equitable.”

“Florence Nightingale. When women weren’t allowed to learn medicine, she basically constructed a whole new discipline of taking care of wounded soldiers. She is now credited for being the founder of modern nursing.”

“Amelia Earhart. I love how she just paved her own way and didn’t let anything stop her from going after her goals.”

“I have come to admire Maya Angelou as one of my favorite female figures. She was an American poet, memoirist, screenwriter, actress, and civil rights activist. She’s written poetry that speaks to courage, overcoming hardships, and personal power, and expresses the struggle against society and racism. Through her work, I believe she encourages people to face their trials and hardships, look for the positive, and never give up. She wrote, ‘I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.'”

“My favorite historical figure is Shirley Chisholm, who was born in my hometown of Brooklyn, New York. Ms. Chisholm was a Congresswoman from 1969 to 1983. Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm served on the Agriculture Committee, the Veterans’ Affairs Committee and the Education and Labor Committee. Ms. Chisholm was one of the founding members of the National Women’s Political Caucus, a committee founded to increase the number of women in all aspects of political life. I admired Ms. Chisholm’s dedication to the belief that every day is an opportunity for personal and professional growth. Ms. Chisholm viewed education not as a degree or courses completed, but a daily process of continued learning. Here is one of my favorite Shirley Chisholm quotes: ‘Service is the rent that you pay for room on this earth.'”

“As a woman, it can be daunting to pursue a career in a male-dominated industry. Being a part of NATCA has helped me realize that we’re all a family working towards a common goal. I’ve had the privilege of working with some incredible role models, both male and female, who have inspired me and helped me become the controller I am today. I would love to be able to do the same for the next generation of women in aviation. Put in the time to hone your skills (it will take time and hard work) and your abilities will speak for themselves. Seek out the positive and don’t let the negative drag you down!”

“My advice to women interested in aviation careers would be to follow your dreams, chase your passions, and never let anyone discourage you. Set your goals and be prepared to put in the work to achieve them. While there may be more men in the aviation industry than women, don’t let that intimidate you. Women are just as capable as their male counterparts. Hard work, determination, and dedication will help lead you to a successful career in the aviation industry. Let your knowledge, skills, and ability speak for themselves!”

“You are wonderfully made and have a lot to contribute to the aviation industry. Don’t allow your fears to hold you back from achieving greatness within your desired field. You got this, go do it!”

“I would tell any woman interested in an aviation career to just go for it. Stay true to yourself and stand out! Don’t conform or stand in the shadows because it is a male-dominated industry; but rather take every opportunity to set an example for ALL your aviation counterparts and be a true leader. Strive for excellence in all that you do, and stand strong by your convictions when faced with adversity.”

“Being a woman should not keep you from choosing a career in the aviation field or any other male-dominated field. If anything, you should feel empowered and willing to demonstrate that you are just as worthy and capable as your male counterpart. And although there might be bumps on the road, know that you are strong and you’ll overcome all the obstacles, and pave way for all the other females that might be second-guessing their abilities.”

“To any women interested in aviation who might be intimidated I would say: ‘If I can do it, you can do it!’ I’d also give them the following advice:

Step 1: Seek Out Mentors – All along my aviation experience, I’ve been very fortunate to have excellent mentors (both men and women). One of my favorite aspects of the aviation industry is that most of the people involved are incredibly passionate about what they do and they’re willing to share their knowledge with you if you show interest. I was introduced to air traffic control by the amazing Torri Ellingwood who now works at Houston Center (ZHU). Torri was working in Alaska at the time and was willing to share with me her passion for aviation and even show me around the different facilities in Anchorage. She gave me the confidence and the knowledge I needed to apply to the University of Alaska CTI program and move up there to start my aviation journey. Once I finally made it to Washington Center, my trainers were incredibly patient and thoughtful and really took me under their wing for the first couple years at my facility. I am forever thankful to Bryan Baxter, Sean Howard, and Shaanon Thomas for being the best training team I could have asked for.

Step 2: Get Involved! Shortly after I certified at Washington Center, I was honored to be appointed as local secretary on the executive board. I’ve been able to learn from Mike Christine, Aaron Wilt, and the rest of our E-board including our legislative rep Kristena Jones. The education I’ve received in the last year has been challenging and rewarding. Being involved with NATCA has definitely connected me to more people and unique training opportunities than I ever thought possible.

Step 3: Own it. You belong here! I feel fortunate to be a woman in aviation because the industry as a whole prioritizes safety and professionalism above all else. It’s an important, technical, and innovative industry and there are limitless opportunities for any men and women who want to be involved. I’d love to begin paying forward all the opportunities I’ve been given by helping other women get started in the aviation industry.”

“I would tell them not to feel intimidated by being part of a male-dominated field. All they need is the passion for the job and to believe in themselves. In the aviation field, as a woman, you will always be surrounded by men but we need to show them that we can do the job as good as they can.”

“To trust in their worth and to not lose their voice. I’m very fortunate to be in a facility with a lot of other strong females present, but I’ve sat in many rooms as the only one. Know that if you are prepared and work hard, you can achieve any goal you set forth for yourself, and your voice always deserves to be heard.”

“Cultivate confidence and respect, learn how to handle conflict, take on leadership roles and get involved. Support other women!”

“Do not let the female:male ratio deter you from entering an aviation career. Be proud of who you are. Pursue your dream with integrity and passion. I entered the Academy at 21 years of age. Not only did I have the challenge of being female, but also very young. While I encountered a few difficult situations caused by male co-workers, those paled in comparison to the number of amazing men that have worked alongside me over the past 30 years.”

“Play to your strengths, be yourself, and don’t let anyone else’s expectations define you!”

“I would tell all women interested in aviation to just go for it. Don’t let intimidation stop you from living your dream. You are the keeper of your happiness so be happy.”

“Never consider yourself anything other than equal! Stay professional, and grab opportunities that present themselves. Surround yourself with like-minded people that support women equally. It’s not untrue that you will meet people who treat you differently, but you will meet many more that support and elevate you to succeed. Find those people and keep them in your life. Show your support in return.”

“Women are needed to bring a unique balance to the workforce. We are just as capable as any male, and oftentimes bring positivity and collaboration where there otherwise might not have been.”

“The only limitations are the ones you set. Be fearless and just do it. Create goals and once they’re achieved, make new, bigger goals. Continue to break barriers and do amazing things.”

“I think it’s important to get involved at whatever level and time commitment works for you. Everyone has a voice. Volunteers with ideas, energy and enthusiasm effect change. You are the only thing that sets limits on the possibilities.”

“You have the power to excel and exceed even in the face of adversity. Remember, to make this field less male dominated, we need to prove that gender doesn’t matter in your chance to succeed.”

“There are many aviation careers besides pilots and air traffic controllers. There are engineers, technicians, manufacturers, safety personnel and so on. You aren’t at a disadvantage in any of these fields just because you’re a female. Find the path you’re interested in, keep focus on your goals, and surround yourself with people who support you.”

“The only limitations you have are ones you put on yourself. Gender doesn’t determine your skills. If you put in the work and strive to be your best, there is nothing you can’t do!”

“My advice would be to power through your fears. Though aviation is male-dominated, it is very diverse and inclusive. People from all backgrounds work in aviation. You will find people you connect with. Air traffic control is an even smaller niche. Through work and events, you will build relationships that you will carry through your career and beyond. One look at the Union Synergy page and you will see that NATCA stands for an inclusive environment. The only thing worse than failing is not trying.”

“You will come across people who doubt and discourage you. Use those people as motivation to do even better and try even harder.”

“Never limit yourself. If a career in aviation is what you aspire to do, go out there and get it. Don’t compare yourself to anyone. Be strong and confident but yet humble at the same time. Women who excel at their job are respected and valued, so keep learning and growing.”

“I know it’s not as easy as ‘don’t be intimidated,’ but it’s as simple as that. The qualities that make me a great controller, such as my organization, multitasking, communication, and team mentality, have nothing to do with gender. People recognize hard work and at the end of the day that is what matters. Work hard, know you deserve to be there, and don’t give up because it’s difficult for everybody at times.”

“Don’t be intimidated. Have courage and faith in yourself. Keep your head up and prove you belong there as much as the person next to you. I’m also a military service member (currently deployed), so being in male-dominated fields has never really bothered me but still has always had its challenges. Everyone brings something special to the table. Do the job and do it well, but also be a part of the team. Make your presence known and settle for nothing less than the best, and encourage others to do the same. Aviation is a very small community but very encouraging and welcoming. It may seem intimidating at first but you will never know how far you can go until you make that first jump!”

“While we may have a low percentage of women in our field, we continue to see women break down barriers in many other professions and careers. Aviation should be no different, and I am hopeful that we will eventually follow suit. I have worked at a very diverse facility that has hovered around 50% women for the past eight years. I have personally seen the benefits of having this type of diversity in the workplace. I am proud to say that 3/4 of our current E-Board members are women. We are an example that there is a place for women at the table, and unconventional or cultural norms are a fallacy that should not be given any merit. I do believe that I have faced struggles based solely on my gender, but I also believe that it is not something to fear. It is imperative that women focus on their strengths that they are able to bring to the career, rather than focus on the sheer lack of representation based solely on numbers. We cannot allow that to deter us. We have many strong women role models to look up to, and it is beyond okay to strive to be one of them.”

“Follow your interests and don’t be deterred from doing so. Find supportive people who will help you find your way. Actively reach out to seek them out. You’ll be pleasantly surprised as to how many people want to help you succeed.”