Bessie Coleman

Bessie Coleman (1892–1926), a pilot, was the first to earn an international pilot license in 1921. She became renowned for her incredibly skillful and daring stunt flying in air shows.

Janet Harmon Waterford Bragg

Janet Harmon Waterford Bragg (1907–1993), a pilot, became the first to earn a Commercial Pilot License in spring 1934 and enjoyed a career as a registered nurse and flight instructor.

Norma Sklarek

Norma Sklarek (1928 – 2012), an architect, was the first to become a licensed architect in 1954, and was the first to establish and manage an all-female architectural firm.

Ruth Carol Taylor

Ruth Carol Taylor (1931-2023) was the first flight attendant in 1958. Her courageous act paved the way for greater diversity and inclusion within the aviation industry.

Shirley Ann Jackson

Shirley Ann Jackson (b. 1946) a physicist and the eighteenth president of the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, was the first to earn a doctorate at MIT in nuclear physics in 1973.

Jill E. Brown

Jill E. Brown (b. 1950), a Bowie State University graduate, became the first Black woman to fly for Texas International in 1978 and the U.S. Navy’s first Black female pilot candidate.

Wanda Joell

Wanda Joell (b. 1963), a Senior Master Sargent (retired), was the first flight attendant on Air Force One to work Presidents and First Ladies beginning with President Reagan.

Patrice Clarke Washington

Patrice Clarke Washington (b. 1961), a commercial pilot, became the first captain for United Parcel Service in 1988 and later mentored future aviators as a certified flight and ground instructor.

Dr. Mae Carol Jemison

Dr. Mae Carol Jemison (b. 1956), physician and NASA astronaut, was the first to travel in space aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour on September 12, 1992.

Kyla McMullen

Kyla McMullen, a computer scientist, was the first at the University of Michigan to earn a Ph.D. in Computer Science in 2012 and is now a respected professor and STEM role model.