Theresa Claiborne

Theresa Claiborne stands as a towering figure in aviation history, having blazed a trail for future generations with her groundbreaking achievements. Best known as the first African American female pilot in the United States Air Force, she began her historic journey in 1981 as a second lieutenant. From that moment, Claiborne not only soared through the skies but also through the societal barriers of gender and race that had long limited the aviation industry. With an extraordinary total of over 23,000 flight hours—3,000 of which were military—she is a living testament to the power of perseverance and belief in one’s potential.

Her career took another remarkable turn in 1990 when she joined United Airlines as a Flight Officer, despite being told she didn’t meet the airline’s physical standards. Claiborne defied every expectation, going on to serve as First Officer on multiple aircraft including the Boeing 737, 747, 757, and 767. Later, she became Captain for both the Boeing 757 and 767, cementing her place among the most respected pilots in commercial aviation. She officially retired in 2024 after an awe-inspiring 43-year career, but her influence continues to inspire people around the world.

Deeply committed to championing diversity in aviation, Claiborne is the President and Co-Founder of Sisters of the Skies, an organisation that uplifts and supports Black female pilots, a demographic that represents just 0.5% of the industry. Her leadership extends to being a Board Member of the National WASP WWII Museum and the Great Dames of Aviation, where she works to preserve and celebrate the legacy of pioneering women aviators. In 2017, she was inducted into the Organisation of Black Aerospace Professionals Hall of Fame, and in 2024, she was honoured with the Brigadier General Charles E. McGee Aviation Inspiration Award.

Theresa Claiborne is a sought-after keynote speaker, regularly invited to share her compelling story through appearances on platforms like Airline Weekly, Bloomberg, CNBC, and ABC News. Her talks, filled with humour, honesty, and heartfelt motivation, focus on themes of female empowerment, breaking barriers, and the enduring power of resilience. A true aviation icon, Claiborne continues to lift others as she soars beyond limits.