Throughout history, women have defied gender norms and societal expectations by taking to the skies and pursuing careers in aviation. From Jerrie Mock’s first solo flight around the world to modern-day female pilots breaking barriers, women aviators have made significant contributions to the world of aviation. In this three-part series, we’ll dive deeper into several Ohio female aviators who have made their mark in history. So, fasten your seatbelts and

Part III: Kathryn Sullivan Kathryn Sullivan is an American oceanographer, astronaut, and explorer who made history in 1984 when she became the first American woman to walk in space. Born in Paterson, New Jersey in 1951, Sullivan developed a love of science and exploration at a young age and pursued her passion throughout her career. Sullivan joined NASA in 1978 as part of the first group of female astronauts and

Part II: Jerrie Mockby Jackie Atta-Safoh  Geraldine “Jerrie” Mock was born in Newark, Ohio, in 1925. Growing up was hard in the mid-1920s due to the Great Depression. Jerrie had made up her mind that she didn’t want to be a housewife. The expectation was high, especially when women’s rights were not taken seriously and it was hard for women to find jobs. One day, her father took her on

The Tuskegee Airmen were trailblazers in American aviation history—African American pilots who shattered racial barriers and served with exceptional skill and bravery during World War II. Despite facing segregation and discrimination, they became one of the most celebrated groups of aviators, proving their excellence in the skies and paving the way for the integration of the U.S. Armed Forces. While much of their story is tied to the Tuskegee Army