*** The Aviation Youth Empowerment Foundation is proud to announce our inaugural 2021 Bessie Coleman Aerospace Legacy Scholars! ***
Out of a highly competitive pool of applicants, the AYEF Board selected these science, technology, engineering, and mathematics scholars to further their collegiate achievements and diversify the industries they enter.
All applicants share a passion for aviation—one even aspiring to become a commercial pilot!
We hope you enjoy their profiles and join us in celebrating their passion, smarts, and determination.
This is just the beginning of their careers—and—just the beginning of AYEF’s nationwide promotion of STEM.
Hanna Pasichnyk (she/hers)
Who am I and what are my college and career ambitions?
As a child, I would look at the sky and feel something special. I love the sky and heights have always attracted me. I wanted to become a pilot. Since May 2018, I have been living in the United States and I have a clear plan to achieve my goals. First, I completed English courses at Portland Community College and after a year of hard work, I finished English as a Second Language in Fall 2020. Then, I applied for Aviation Science courses and successfully completed my introductory courses. In winter 2021 I took AVS 120 Private Pilot Ground School, AVS 167 - Powerplant, and Meteorology GS 109. I’m planning to achieve my Private Pilot Certificate by the end of September 2021. The Aviation Youth Empowerment Foundation motivates me to keep moving toward my goal. Especially for people like me who don’t have any relatives, it is important to know that I have people who support me on my path.
Why am I passionate about aviation?
My first flight was in Light Aircraft Dardo in 2016. I was filled with joy just waiting to depart. When we started to pick up speed, I was fully captured in the moment: I looked down and saw an amazing view of trees and a little river. I couldn’t believe what I saw, it seems like a fairy tale. That day, it was so hot and we flew under a cloud for shade from the sun. The pilot asked me if I wanted to take the yoke and fly a plane. That was my first experience with flying, and it was marvelous!
As an aspiring pilot, what are some tips I’ve learned that I’d like to share?
Every pilot should be safe in the air. For that reason, we think about cruise altitude because it is important to know how much fuel we burn and at what speed altitude our plane performs better. When using an air vent, remember to close it, to avoid parasitic drag. Also, we have to avoid flying at any limit speed, so if decelerate, we should do so only well within the specified limit speeds.
Why should companies should hire more women and people of color?
Companies should hire more women and people of color because it helps to protect our rights. Also, women frequently possess the skill to unite people and draw together opinions and proposals. So many women can multi-task and multi-focus. By hiring people of color and women the companies will understand how to eradicate discrimination from the workplace.
Janeah Rodrigo (she/hers)
Who am I and what are my college and career ambitions?
I am a first-generation college student. I was lucky enough to have supportive parents who pushed me to great lengths to let myself shine educationally. I have learned to not let my skin color hold me back as I fight through the barriers of racial inequality for Asian Americans. Now that I have graduated high school, I will be attending the University of Washington to follow my dream of being a Pediatric Psychiatrist. Three leadership qualities that I feel are important are perseverance, bravery, and the ability to work with others.
STEM has had a big impact on my life ever since I was a little girl. I have always been drawn to math and science, even when the other kids would complain about it being hard. I continuously excel in STEM classes and programs because of my interest in the topics. I am inspired by all women who work in male-dominated fields, including aviation. It is not easy to be in an environment where you are belittled for your identity. Women, especially in the aviation field, amaze me because of their perseverance and strength in a field that is male-dominated.
Why am I passionate about aviation?
Flying in an airplane is one of the best feelings. It means that you are off on a new journey that provides optimism and excitement for what is to come. When I am flying, I can relax and think about the future in a positive sense. Then, when I finally reach my destination, a sense of relief rushes over me as the journey was worth it. This almost acts as a metaphor for real life. We should always be optimistic for the future so that hope motivates us through the finish line.
Why should companies should hire more women and people of color?
Companies should more women and people of color, not only for the fact of equality, but because we bring diversity and inclusivity to the workplace. We contribute life experience and perspective that is unique. Diversity brings unity and there is a representation of each individual in the field. People of color and women make the workplace a place of love and unity.