Still in My "Flight Suit"

The day after I passed my commercial checkride, I walked into Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport—not as a passenger, not as a student, but as a panelist.

Still elated from earning my commercial certificate, I showed up in the same confidence I took to my checkride. That flight suit carried all the weight of my training, my setbacks, my prayers, and the long nights it took to get to that point.

I sat on a panel with women I’d looked up to since the beginning of my aviation journey—women who were captains, instructors, professionals, and trailblazers in their own right. And there I was, the “newly minted” commercial pilot, fresh off the checkride, still figuring it all out—but present, proud, and rooted in purpose.

We talked about career paths, representation, and what it really means to be a woman in aviation. And as I looked out at the audience—young girls, students, airport staff—I realized something:

That version of me who used to come to the airport just to watch planes take off? She’d be so proud.

I didn’t feel like I had to prove anything that day. I just spoke from the heart about my journey, my purpose, and the power of showing up as your full self—even when you feel like the smallest voice in the room.

That moment reminded me that aviation isn’t just about flying. It’s about giving back. And if I can be that reminder for someone else, like so many women have been for me—then I know I’m on the right path.

Want me to pair this with a photo caption or Instagram reel idea? This would be a fire post with a side-by-side: your checkride day vs. you on the panel.