Why She Stays: What Keeps a Woman in the Sky

What draws a woman into aviation?

Sometimes, it’s the spark of childhood wonder—a paper airplane tossed across a classroom. A commercial jet seen up close on a family vacation. A school project on Amelia Earhart that somehow turned into a lifelong obsession. Or maybe it’s subtler: a parent who worked in the industry, a teacher who planted the seed, a fascination with how things work. For others, it’s pure, unshakable determination—the kind that says, “This is where I’m meant to be,” even when nothing around them reflects that back.

The real question, though—the one we don’t ask often enough—is what makes her stay?

Because let’s be honest: it’s not easy. Not even close. Aviation is still one of the most male-dominated industries out there, and while progress is being made, the climb remains steep. Women enter full of potential, but far too many leave quietly, their stories unfinished, their talents unrecognized, their potential untapped. They leave because they’re overlooked for promotions. Because their contributions are minimized or dismissed. Because they’re tired of being the only woman in the room. Because they were retaliated against after speaking up. Because the cost of staying started to outweigh the pride they once felt.

So when a woman not only enters this industry but chooses to build an entire career in it, we should pay attention. Her presence isn’t accidental. It’s deliberate. Intentional. And it’s worth understanding—not just to celebrate it, but to sustain it.

She stays, first and foremost, because of purpose. There is something undeniably powerful about knowing that your work matters. In aviation and aerospace, that sense of purpose isn’t theoretical—it’s built into the job itself. Aircraft that arrive safely because of the systems you designed. Crews that trust the equipment you tested. Missions that launch because of your attention to detail. You’re not just working for a paycheck. You’re working for something bigger than yourself—something that touches lives across the world, every single day. That kind of purpose gets in your blood. It becomes part of your identity.

She also stays because of possibility. This industry is constantly evolving—whether it’s commercial spaceflight, unmanned systems, predictive maintenance, or sustainable aviation fuel, aviation remains on the frontier of innovation. There’s always a new problem to solve, a new system to integrate, a new boundary to test. For women who are curious, driven, and wired to innovate, aviation offers a rare and exhilarating playground. It’s not just about solving today’s problems—it’s about imagining tomorrow’s breakthroughs. And for those of us who see what’s possible before it’s obvious, that’s more than exciting. It’s addictive.

But the truth is, she doesn’t just stay because of the job. She stays because of the impact. She remembers what it felt like to be the only one. The only girl in her engineering classes. The only woman on the line. The only female name on the patent. She remembers the awkward silences, the patronizing comments, the disbelief when she succeeded. And she stays because she knows that every time she walks into the room, she’s changing the story for whoever comes next. She stays because someone has to go first. Someone has to lead. Someone has to be the example that makes the next one possible. She stays so that the next woman—and the next generation—doesn’t feel quite so alone.

And yes, she stays because of pride. There is pride in building something from scratch. Pride in certifications passed, flights completed, problems solved. In an industry where the margin for error is razor-thin, pride isn’t a luxury—it’s a requirement. She takes pride in her work because lives depend on it. And that pride doesn’t fade when she clocks out. It lingers. It shows up in how she carries herself. It shows up in how she mentors the interns, how she speaks at conferences, how she tells her story even when it’s hard. There is pride in simply being here—and in doing the work with excellence.

And let’s not forget the people. Yes, there are toxic environments. There are bad bosses and sexist comments and moments that make her question whether it’s worth it. But there are also moments of deep connection. The engineer who took her under their wing. The team that stayed late to help her troubleshoot a problem. The friend who texted her after a rough meeting just to say, “I see you.” These connections are rare, and when you find them in aviation, they’re deep. They’re forged under pressure, in hangars and labs and conference calls and flight decks. And they’re one of the biggest reasons she stays. Because even in an industry that doesn’t always make room for her, she’s built a crew.

So no, she doesn’t stay because it’s easy. She stays because it’s meaningful. Because it’s where she can make a difference. Because aviation is more than a career—it’s a calling. One that keeps pulling her forward, even when the headwinds rise.

And maybe, just maybe, she stays because she still remembers that feeling—that spark from so long ago. The wonder. The awe. The sense of belonging to something bigger. And she’s determined not to lose it. Not for herself. Not for the women coming behind her.

In next week’s newsletter, I want to share your stories. If you’re a woman in aviation, I’d love to know:
What brought you here—and what made you stay?
You can reply directly, share anonymously, or tag me in your story online. Your voice matters. And your story could be the exact one someone else needs to hear right now.

And if you're reading this and wondering whether to stay in aviation—or whether it still feels like home—I want you to know you're not alone. I've had those moments, too. We all have. And sometimes the answer isn’t clear. But sometimes, the very act of staying becomes the most powerful decision of all. If you’re at a crossroads in your career, let’s have a real conversation. Schedule a free 20-minute call with me here. You don’t have to navigate this alone.

Because you don’t just belong in this industry.
You’re helping shape what it becomes.

The Elevate Initiative
If you're committed to building workplaces where women thrive—and not just survive—check out The Elevate Initiative. Through leadership coaching, executive education, and community-building, we help aviation and aerospace organizations retain top female talent and create cultures where everyone can soar.