Lawrence “Deuce” Jordan II (he/him)

Who am I and what are my college and career ambitions?

I graduated high school from Pace Academy in Hampton, Georgia and will be attending Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida in the Fall 2022 to obtain an Aeronautical Science degree while completing U.S. Army ROTC. I plan to become one of the best pilots in the U.S. Army and eventually branch out to fly for a commercial airline.

Why am I passionate about aviation?

Aviation impacted me in a few ways, but the biggest impact aviation has had on me is mental. I get the opportunity to be able to recharge and clear my mind. I also love flying because of the huge risk I take as a pilot. I am responsible for my life and others around me. I love taking on that type of responsibility and challenging myself to do things that many people are not capable of doing.

As an aspiring pilot, what are some tips I’ve learned that I’d like to share?

Come prepared and expect the unexpected. You should also always have confidence in yourself and your equipment. Have fun!

Why should companies should hire more women and people of color?

I believe companies should hire more women and people of color because it is simply the right thing to do. People should not be rejected or denied because of race or gender. Diversifying a working area will only benefit a company because the company will be able to receive multiple ideas and feedback that comes from different perspectives and life experiences.

Afifah Kashif (she/hers)

Who am I and what are my college and career ambitions?

Afifah Kashif is a rising freshman at the University of Washington's Paul G Allen School. During high school, she grew a passion for mock trial, a completely different path from her previous interests in math, physics and robotics. For a while, she viewed her passions as contradictory, expecting to pursue a singular path for higher education. However, Afifah soon realized the powerful intersection between STEM and advocacy within both the legal and engineering fields. She's inspired by aviation's power to offer immense opportunity and bring together diverse communities in a common goal of a brighter future.

Why am I passionate about aviation?

Afifah has always had a strong fascination for all things flying and hopes to engineer AI within aviation. In college, she plans to take her exploration of intersectional fields (such as ethical space exploration) to the next step by studying computer science and public policy. Moreover, Afifah is focused on inspiring and giving back to her own community through fostering youth-centered STEM outreach and education programs for marginalized genders in Pakistan. She's excited to see what the future brings!

Why should companies should hire more women and people of color?

I believe that true innovation is not possible without a reflection of the greater population in the workplace. There's so many problems in this world that lack awareness simply because there's no representation within decision-makers. If employees aren't from diverse backgrounds, how will they be able to represent humankind as a whole?

Nasim Jabber (he/him)

Who am I and what are my college and career ambitions?

Nasim is planning to start his pilot training at Central Oregon Community College. Being a pilot fits well with Nasim's personality. He likes to be active and is always eager to play a game of basketball. Nasim is adventurous and loves trying new things. He isn't the type to sit in the same office every day, so a new cockpit office, a new crew, and a new location all sound very appealing to him. Nasim is also very social and enjoys meeting new people. Sharing the excitement of someone traveling on vacation or calming the nerves of a nervous flyer fit well with his personality.

Why am I passionate about aviation?

Since the age of three, Nasim has been interested in aviation and his dream is to become a commercial airline pilot and travel the world. His first experience on an airplane happened when his family flew from his birth country, Iraq, to America. Since that time, he has been enthralled with all things aviation such as taking drone classes in high school, watching YouTube videos, and reading blogs by pilots. Nasim sees the airline industry as a method for learning about different cultures and the opportunity for individuals from different cultures to interact.

As an aspiring pilot, what are some tips I’ve learned that I’d like to share?

Have a plan, even if the plan is to be spontaneous. Thinking ahead about what you plan to do or what you may encounter will help the trip be more enjoyable. Wherever you are and whatever you are doing, take the time to enjoy and appreciate it.

Why should companies should hire more women and people of color?

I think companies should hire the best person for a position and that should include all races and genders. The world is full of a variety of people and individuals of color and gender should be represented in all positions and careers. We all bring different perspectives and backgrounds with us and by including all races and genders, there will be a better representation and better working solutions to issues.