One day while pursuing my college degree I received an email informing me that I was short listed for a scholarship that I had applied for. Three candidates had been shortlisted and we were going to be interviewed during the annual conference that was held in Nashville, Tennessee, to determine the recipient of the scholarship.
The organisation was going to pay for my accommodation and meals but I had to find my way to the conference. The good news was that the university I attended had a chapter and they were willing to give me a ride to the conference. I was really excited to hear about the news. Attending the conference for Women in Aviation, International increased my love for Aviation and started my journey as a WIA member. I won the Airbus leadership award/scholarship and the following year AOPA scholarship.
I received my undergraduate degree in B.Sc. in Aeronautics-Aviation Management together with my FAA CPL Multi with an Instrument Rating; from St. Louis University. I managed to convert my licence to a Kenyan Licence.
I flew a LET 410 for a company called Aero Kenya at Wilson Airport. At Kenya Airways I joined as a second officer on the Boeing 737 and graduated to a first officer once I finished my training. I flew the Boeing 767 and 777 as a first officer. I became a Captain and flew a Boeing 737. I flew for the airline for thirteen years and I loved the time I was there and I cherish the experience I received with the Pride of Africa.
I graduated with a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) a few years later from University of Leicester.
Fiona and Una approached me while I was a first officer on the B77, with an idea to start a WIAI, Kenyan chapter. This was the beginning of my journey with the Kenyan Chapter. I love to mentor young girls who want to pursue a career in aviation.
One of my highlights as a WAI, Kenyan chapter member was during our first Girls in Aviation Day. We had taken the girls to the Jomo Kenyatta ATC Tower and after a detailed tour one of the girls approached me and asked, “What can I do to become one of those people?” and she pointed out to an Air Traffic Controller. At that moment I felt my work has been done. We have managed to motivate one girl. Yes!!!!!!!!
I took a nine month course called Female Future in conjunction with Norwegian and Kenyan government. This course challenged us to maximise on our potential and this caused me to venture out into running our charter company at Wilson Airport. I am loving this space and looking forward to see what else the future holds