Michelle McConnell

I've built a career around one central theme, service. Creating opportunities for other people.

Looking back, my career has followed an unconventional path. I've spent more than two decades developing people, building relationships, and creating opportunities.

I also recognize that none of us achieves success alone. I have been incredibly blessed with a support system that has encouraged, challenged, and believed in me every step of the way.

My husband is my safe place, my sounding board, and my rock. We are grounded in our faith, and one of the greatest gifts he gives me is knowing when to walk beside me and when to give me the space I need to navigate challenges on my own, he is always just a step behind, ready to catch me if I fall.

Our parents and our children have been some of my biggest cheerleaders, encouraging me to keep growing and reminding me of what matters most. My sister, who is also my best friend, has the incredible ability to make me feel heard and understood. Even with the miles between us, she's always there to celebrate the victories and help carry the disappointments, she constantly reminds me to keep moving forward. I'm also grateful for a handful of wonderful friends who have shared every high and low along the journey.

Professionally, I have been equally fortunate. I work in an industry filled with people who genuinely want to see one another succeed. I've had the privilege of learning from mentors, collaborating with incredible colleagues, and building relationships with industry partners who understand that when we invest in each other everyone benefits. That spirit of collaboration inspires me every day.

Beyond the people who have supported me, I attribute my success to curiosity, resilience, and a desire to serve others. My focus has always been building relationships and creating opportunities that help others succeed. When we show up consistently, and invest in people, success becomes something we build together, not something you achieve alone.

I've been fortunate to receive a lot of great advice. The ones that stick out are:

Leave every person, every project, and every organization better than you found it. That guides nearly every career decision I've made and reminds me to focus on making a meaningful impact.

Another lesson is to always lead with the solution, not just the problem. Challenges are inevitable.  People look to clarity, and a path forward. It ok to say… I don’t know, even if you don't have every answer, coming to the table with thoughtful ideas demonstrates ownership and a commitment to moving everyone forward together.

I've also learned the importance of staying curious. Some days it’s a challenge to not react emotionally. Before making decisions I try to take a step back and ask, "Why is this happening? How will this affect the organization? How will it affect the people involved?" Taking the time to understand the bigger picture leads to better decisions, and more meaningful outcomes.

Finally, one piece of advice that has stayed with me throughout my career is never ask someone to do something you're not willing to do yourself. Guidance isn't about directing from the sidelines, it's about serving alongside your team, earning trust through your actions, and leading by example.

Don't limit yourself by what you think aviation is.

At its core, aviation is a business, and it takes talented people from every background to keep it moving. Of course, we need pilots and aircraft mechanics, but we also need human resources, marketing, finance, sales, philanthropy, education, workforce development, training, operations, technology, and countless other fields. There is a place for almost every passion and skill set within this industry.

I also believe many young women aren't exposed to the opportunities aviation offers. If you can't see someone who looks like you in a career, it's hard to imagine yourself there. That's why representation, mentorship, and visibility matter so much. One of the things I love most about aviation is that it's an industry built on people investing in people. Mentorships, sponsorships, internships, scholarships, apprenticeships, and professional networks all play a tremendous role in helping individuals grow. I encourage every young woman entering the industry to ask questions, seek mentors, build relationships, and never be afraid to raise her hand for an opportunity.

The aviation industry is approaching a large workforce transitions like many other trade industrys. That creates an incredible opportunity for the next generation. If women entered aviation in numbers equal to men, the impact would be transformational. It would help address workforce needs but also bringing diverse perspectives and fresh ideas.

My hope is that more young women see aviation as an industry where they not only belong, but where they can lead and can make a lasting difference.

One of the biggest challenges, and one of our greatest opportunities, is reaching young people before they begin planning their education and career paths.

Too many students aren't aware of the opportunities available to them. If you've never been introduced to aviation, it's hard to picture yourself in the industry. Many students grow up believing there are only a handful of career options, when in reality aviation offers hundreds of rewarding careers across maintenance, manufacturing, technology, business, leadership, education, and operations.

What gives me hope is seeing so many organizations working together to change that. Programs like Choose Aerospace introduce high school students to aviation maintenance through hands-on curriculum and industry partnerships. Women in Aviation International inspires young women through initiatives like Girls in Aviation Day, while the Embraer Foundation invests in education, workforce development, and community outreach. Organizations like Breaking Down Barriers help students discover careers they may never have imagined by connecting them with employers and educational opportunities that broaden their view of what's possible.

At US Aviation Academy, we're committed to doing our part as well. We visit local schools, welcome students to our campuses, host aviation summer camps, and provide tours that give young people the opportunity to experience aviation firsthand. Sometimes all it takes is walking through a hangar or climbing into a simulator for a student to realize, "I could do this."

My hope is that one day aviation won't be viewed as a nontraditional career path. Instead, it will be one of the many exciting possibilities every student knows is within reach. The earlier we introduce students to these opportunities, the more lives we can change and the stronger our industry will become.

Integrity is at the center of everything I do. I believe people should be able to trust your word, your intentions, and your actions. I also value accountability, and service. Success means very little if you don't bring others along with you. Whether I'm working with employers, students, colleagues, or spending time with my family, I want people to know they are valued and supported. At the end of the day, relationships are what matter most, and I try to live in a way that reflects that.