simply being together in one place was inspiring and connecting through their shared experiences was encouraging , according to Hughes . “ There ’ s a perception that minorities aren ’ t as qualified , that they are diversity hires , which is not true ,” said Hughes . “ My mentors in SOS still inspire me ; I still feel like a fan girl !”
Word spread quickly , and in less than a year , Sisters of the Skies grew to more than 100 members , representing over 65 % of Black women aviators in the U . S . In 2017 , the members of SOS established the group as a nonprofit organization and created a mission to increase the number of Black female pilots in the U . S . through mentorship and scholarships . Hughes serves as First Officer and Chair of the Board . SOS hosts an annual gala that helps raise money for scholarships to support the next generation of aviators . To date , the organization has awarded more than $ 100,000 in scholarships .
“ Seeing the challenges that these women go through , it just goes to show how their struggles were the same that I ’ ve had , which my mentors had ,” Hughes said . “ With each girl we ’ re making a difference toward diversifying the industry .”
Hughes also personally invests her time to mentor young women who dream of becoming pilots . She ’ s taken on a dozen or more mentees simultaneously – “ all my babies ,” as she calls them .
“ Without mentorship you have nothing ; I wouldn ’ t be here without mentorship ,” said Hughes , who still keeps in touch with her mentors at Jacksonville University . “ Every member and mentee we have , I make it my mission to know each and every one of them , because I feel they ’ re representing me .”
After 11 years serving in the U . S . Coast Guard , Hughes transitioned out of active
FOUNDED SISTERS OF THE SKIES
CLASS OF ' 08
EAST ORANGE , NEW JERSEY
duty in 2020 and began flying the Boeing 757 / 767 for UPS . She continues to serve in the Coast Guard Reserves . When asked about the future of the aviation industry , Hughes said the pandemic has changed everything . The pilot shortage is impacting the industry in significant ways , she said , with airlines working to remove barriers and create more pathways for future pilots to join their ranks . More than anything , she hopes to see more Black women like her in the pilot ’ s seat .