July 13th 2023.
The Houston-based nonprofit Sisters of the Skies is inspiring young women to become aviators. Statistics report that less than one percent of pilots are women of color, and Sisters of the Skies seeks to solve the pilot shortage problem by diversifying the field.
Nia Gilliam-Wordlaw, the organization's co-founder and a veteran United Airlines pilot, spoke to KHOU 11 about the cause: “The industry has another resource they can tap into to have pilots for their flight decks, and that’s what we are here to do. Prior to the pandemic, we were already facing a pilot shortage. The pandemic just exacerbated the situation.”
Since its inception in 2017, the organization has been committed to its goal. It conducts outreach and mentoring and hosts informative events. Additionally, they reserve scholarships to support those who otherwise wouldn’t be financially able to attend flight school.
Gilliam-Wordlaw explained that the issue persists past the pandemic, and it’s not just an issue of money: “A lot of these young ladies don’t just have the challenge financially, but they don’t know that this career field exists. You don’t want to put just one group of stocks in investing, one group of people flying a plane, because you’re going to miss out on the big picture. Sisters of the Skies believes they can be a part of the pilot shortage solution in the long run.”
The impact of the organization is evident in the young girls who have participated in the Sisters of the Skies program. Both CBS and KHOU have showcased several participants who testified to the impactful experience firsthand.
Gilliam-Wordlaw expressed her satisfaction with the organization’s progress: “Being one of the founders, it’s so satisfying to see the young girls say how much they appreciate Sisters of the Skies. How much it’s changed their lives.”
Sisters of the Skies is dedicated to inspiring the next generation of female aviators and to providing the resources for them to get their wings. To support the cause, you can donate on their website.
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