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Merryl Tengesdal – the Dragon Lady

September 16th, 2026 3 minute read

U.S. Air Force Retired Colonel Merryl Tengesdal is an African American pioneer in military aviation. Merryl has shattered barriers and redefined excellence in her…

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Katharine wright: pioneering sister

August 18th, 2026 2 minute read

Born August 18, 1874, in Ohio, Katharine Wright was the younger sister of aviation pioneers Wilbur and Orville Wright. She became the only sibling…

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Wally Funk’s Journey to Space

July 20th, 2026 3 minute read

Wally Funk was the first female Federal Aviation Agency Inspector, first female Air Safety Investigator for the National Transportation Safety Board, and flight instructor…

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Valentina Tereshkova: First Woman in Space

June 16th, 2026 2 minute read

Born in 1937 in Maslennikovo, Russia, U.S.S.R., Valentina Tereshkova became interested in parachuting as a young woman while working at a textile mill. She…

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Ellen Church: First American Female Flight Attendant

May 15th, 2026 2 minute read

Ellen Church (1904 – 1965) dreamed of working as a pilot, but being born a woman, her options were very limited. She was also…

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Sabiha Gökçen: First Female Fighter Pilot

March 22nd, 2026 2 minute read

Sabiha Gökçen (1913 – 2001) orphaned as a child, grew up to be the first female air combat pilot. Adopted by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk,…

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Retired U.S.A.F. Colonel Nicole Malachowski – First Female Thunderbird

March 7th, 2026 3 minute read

U.S. Air Force Colonel Nicole Malachowski reached new heights in the Air Force as a female pilot, combat veteran, and White House Fellow. Her…

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Jerrie Cobb: Paving the Way for Female Astronauts

March 5th, 2026 2 minute read

From the beginning, Jerrie Cobb (1931 – 2019) was destined for greatness in aviation. Inspired by her pilot father, Lt. Col. William H. Cobb,…

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Dr. Mae C. Jemison – First African american woman in space

February 25th, 2026 2 minute read

Dr. Mae Jemison’s contributions to science, medicine, humanitarian, and education initiatives are inspiring. She fought against stereotypes and racism to become the first female…

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