Maria
Maria

Pilot and Founder, Kids in Flight

Hi, my name is Maria, and I am 24 years old, not married and
have no children. I am the founder and president of a
non-profit organization in the Cleveland area called Kids in
Flight.

We use aviation related activities and airplane rides to give
seriously ill children an opportunity to escape by soaring above
the crises, complications and struggles of their illnesses.
Through a variety of exciting, fun-filled programs and the thrill
of flight, children and their families share unique, bonding
experiences that will be remembered forever. For more info,
visit
www.kidsinflight.org!

I am also a full-time graduate student at Cleveland State
University pursuing a Master's in Business Administration and
a Graduate Certificate in Non-Profit Management.

I didn't have anyone growing up who was involved in flying,
but I was always fascinated with airplanes - my eyes were
always on the sky! I started asking for flying lessons when I
was about 15, but didn't have the opportunity until I was 19
and a freshman in college at Ohio University.

Flying was just something I've always wanted to do, so even
though being a woman in the industry has presented
challenges at times, I never let anyone stand in my way.

I learned to fly at Ohio University in a Cessna 152. I don't own
an airplane, but I've had many opportunities over the years to
fly with friends in some really amazing war birds and jet
trainers like the PT-17 Stearman, SNJ Texan, Iskra and Fuga.
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I love Kids in Flight because it gives me a chance to share the joy of
flight with children who are battling serious illnesses - it makes such
a difference to the families and is therefore very rewarding.

I have many funny stories about the silly things I've done while
flying. I suppose the best (and perhaps most relevant) was on my
very first flight, I was literally so excited that my legs starting shaking
uncontrollably. As you can imagine, this made for a very interesting
first experience taxiing with rudders!

Q WHAT ACTIVITIES DO YOU SUGGEST FOR YOUNG CHILDREN OR
YOUNG ADULTS TO PREPARE THEM FOR A CAREER LIKE YOURS?

Learn as much as you possibly can - education is priceless!

Additional Information =
www.kidsinflight.org
TM
Using aviation to entertain and educate
girls about their limitless opportunities...
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