March 8, 2023
This is the second in a two-part series celebrating women chasing their dreams from sea to sky. The first installment features women making a splash in maritime careers. Read their story→
To celebrate Women’s History Month, the Port of Seattle caught up with six Pacific Northwest-based women taking off in the aviation industry and sharing it all on their social media channels. We are looking ahead at women with a bright future in the industry. With enviable photos documenting their worldwide adventures on the job, these women offer a glimpse of where a career in aviation can take you. Keep reading (and give them a follow) to learn about their journeys, what they love about their jobs and industries, and their advice to other women looking to make the jump.
Jenessa Hren, @jenessahren, Flight attendant
1. Tell us a little about yourself.
I am a Paine Field-based flight attendant for Alaska Airline’s regional operation, Horizon Air. I'd love to share with you what I enjoy most about my career in the aviation industry.
2. How long have you worked in the aviation industry and what inspired you to be a flight attendant?
I have worked as a flight attendant for three and a half years now. I flew/worked through the entire duration of the Covid-19 pandemic. It was quite a challenging and eye-opening experience. Previously, I lived and traveled to many parts of the world, so flying for me is second nature. What inspired me to become a flight attendant is my ability to adapt to new places easily and my appreciation for the customer service side of this career. I am an outgoing, kind, and caring individual who strives to brighten people’s day. Meeting new people, helping them get to their destinations, and hearing their stories is what makes my day.
3. What surprised you the most about the aviation industry?
Flight crews are trained and prepared to get passengers to their destinations safely. Some people lose sight of this and think flight attendants are merely sky waitresses. We are trained to be constantly aware and alert for any unforeseen and difficult situations, including handling medical emergencies. Our schedules can be challenging with long days of flying and limited rest. We learn how to literally “shove” food into our bodies in between boardings. Severe weather conditions and other delays make it very stressful, but we always stay positive and keep pressing on to provide the best services possible for our passengers.
4. What would you say to young women interested in getting started in aviation?
It is an amazing industry to be a part of if you have a passion for travel and you love being around people. You make lifelong friends and are able to travel to destinations you might have been dreaming about. I would highly recommend the flight attendant career to ambitious individuals who want to see the world and broaden their horizons.
Zainab Hasan, @aviation_lady, Airline operations
1. Tell us a little about yourself.
I am from Iraq, and aviation is not only my career but my passion and hobby.
2. How long have you worked in the aviation industry and what was your journey into your current role?
I started in aviation as a passenger service agent 2018 and worked my way up to manage airline operations for multiple international flights. I currently work for my dream airline — Turkish Airlines. I previously worked for Qatar Airways, Emirates Airlines, and Singapore Airlines. I have a bachelor’s degree in communications and am pursuing a degree in aeronautical science. I am also a new aviation content creator on social media and cover the aviation industry from my own lens.
3. What surprised you the most about the aviation industry?
It’s a hidden world full of opportunities and chances for all types of people, and your passion is what makes you grow in this field.
4. What would you say to young women interested in getting started in aviation?
Don't be afraid to start and never think it’s too late. Face all the challenges with a big smile and you will win at the end.
Maddy Knapp, @madisonmidori, Customer Service Agent instructor
1. Tell us a little about yourself.
My name is Madison but everyone calls me Maddy. I am a multi-racial female from the Seattle, Washington area.
2. How long have you worked in the aviation industry and what was your journey into your current role?
I am going into my seventh year with Alaska Airlines. I worked in the Reservations Call Center for five years, the Pilot Scheduling Department for one year, and I am currently an ICSA (Initial Customer Service Agent) instructor.
3. What surprised you the most about the aviation industry?
I was pleasantly surprised how respected the female opinion is within the aviation industry.
4. What would you say to young women interested in getting started in aviation?
Young women coming into the aviation industry should investigate all aspects of aviation including the depth of the operation beyond the flight crew.
Natalie Razor, @livinonthefly, Flight attendant
1. Tell us a little about yourself.
I am a mother of four, a grandmother of four, a flight attendant, a vegan, and I love dancing, cooking, volunteering, and caring for others.
2. How long have you worked in the aviation industry and what inspired you to be a flight attendant?
I have been in the aviation industry for three and a half years. It was a dream since I was in my 20’s, but decided to pursue it once my children were all adults. What inspired me was my love of travel and people – visiting different cities and getting to know people from all over and learning about different cultures and foods. My favorite part of the job is meeting different passengers on every flight and learning about why they are traveling and what they do. I meet a lot of very interesting people and become friends with some of them.
3. What surprised you the most about the aviation industry?
On each trip we are with different crew members. You never or rarely work with the same person twice which means you make hundreds of new friends a year. Also, as flight attendants, our main responsibility is to ensure the safety and comfort of our passengers. We receive intensive training on safety and medical situations that may arise. I didn’t realize the impact that we would have on people’s lives in aviation specifically as a flight attendant.
4. What would you say to young women interested in getting started in aviation?
Make sure you are up for the challenge. It is a fast-paced and forever-changing industry. Do your homework and research the position that you are interested in. Be ready to give your all to one of the most rewarding and exciting careers that exist, and most importantly be ready for the adventure every day!
Elise Dempster, @ifollowtheclouds, Pilot in training
1. Tell us a little about yourself.
I am 19 years old and training to be a pilot in the beautiful, vast state of Alaska.
2. Tell me about your journey toward becoming a pilot and what has inspired you in your career goals?
So far, the journey has been both unique and exciting, stretching my limits and propelling me to new places. I have also met a plethora of interesting people along the way. My training began in Bellingham, Washington with a Cessna 172. I fell in love with flying while soaring over the San Juan Islands and around Mt. Baker. Motivated to surround myself with aviation and skilled pilots, I moved to Anchorage, Alaska. There is no better place to learn extreme weather conditions while flying than in one of the most challenging states in the union.
I am currently devoting myself to my private pilot’s license and look forward to navigating through the instrumental and commercial licenses afterwards. In line with Alaskan tradition, I would like to do some bush and float flying to build my hours. I would also like to participate in aerobatic events and flying competitions. My overall goal though is to become a legacy and pilot for Southwest Airlines.
3. What has surprised you the most about the aviation industry?
While I’m building hours in piloting, I’m also working on the mechanical side of aviation, and have been surprised by how everyone knows each other in the aviation industry. It is one giant, close-knit community and everyone is connected.
4. What would you say to young women interested in getting started in aviation?
My advice to any woman wanting to get into aviation is to take the leap and begin now. Such as with anything new, it can be intimidating especially in a male-dominated industry. Despite this, I have yet to meet an unfriendly face who isn’t willing to help someone learn. There are few things as rewarding and magnificent as taking to the air, so if you would like to, fly!
Katie Zera, @calla_darling, Avgeek and private pilot
1. Tell us a little about yourself.
Genetic Avgeek found with camera in hand most frequently sniffing wonderful jet fuel exhaust next to a runway or flying things that run on 100LL.
2. How long have you worked in the aviation industry and what was your journey into your current role?
I have worked in the aviation industry about five years. It all started with my Instagram account for plane spotting at Paine Field (KPAE). AirlineGeeks approached me to work with them and I hopped on board. It’s been a marvelous ride leading to some amazing trips and other freelance work. It also pushed me to achieve my lifelong dream of getting my private pilot’s cert and working on my instrument rating.
3. What surprised you the most about the aviation industry?
The biggest surprise in the aviation industry I have found … is how often people building planes — have zero interest in aviation or airplanes. It is simply a job. It doesn’t seem to have much meaning to them beyond a paycheck. I assumed all airplane manufacturing employees were pretty much airplane addicts to some degree.
4. What would you say to young women interested in getting started in aviation?
To the young woman wanting to get into aviation — never hide your passion. Loving planes as a young female may be off-putting to other kids — no matter what — wear your AvGeekness proudly! Have your family take you to the airport, airplane museums, talk to pilots or flight crew of the airline you are flying on, take a discovery flight from your local flight school. I promise you will eventually find “your people”, the ones that share your addiction and speak fluent airplane — absolute bliss.
