We lift others as we climb; to believe, achieve, succeed, and lead in aviation and aerospace.
Photo: Sian Proctor, Ph.D. | Astronaut, Artist, Geoscience Professor
Our Mission
The Grand Dames inspire women to believe, achieve, and succeed in aviation and aerospace. Whether you’re an experienced aviator, in training, or passionate about supporting flight.
We believe that cultivating the innovation, talent and leadership of women is critical for the successful future of aviation and aerospace. We celebrate extraordinary achievements. We educate through scholarships. We inspire through mentorship and networking.
It is more important than ever to support talented women thriving and advancing in this amazing industry. We are joining forces and collaborating with others to make that happen and give back to the industry we love.
Featured Grand Dame
Anna Hern
Part 121 FedEx Pilot, Grand Dame, Endurance Athlete
Anna Hern is an international FedEx Express pilot flying the Boeing 777 and a B777 LCA line check airman. She is part of the small percentage of women airline captains worldwide — fewer than 1.5% of FAA Part 121 captains. Her flights involve multiple countries over 10–14 day trips, giving her a unique perspective on global aviation.
Outside the cockpit, Anna is an endurance athlete, competing in marathons, ultramarathons, Ironman races, and mountaineering, including summiting Cayambe (18,996’), Cotopaxi (19,347’), and Chimborazo (20,549’) in Ecuador. She and her husband, a Lt. Colonel and A-10 pilot in the USAF Reserves and Boeing 757 First Officer, have a seven-year-old son.
2026 SCHOLARSHIP OPEN
The 2026 Grand Dames of Aviation Scholarship Program is open!
Whether you’re pursuing a career in the cockpit, advancing aviation through STEM, or following your passion for flight, we encourage you to apply.
ProAvi Pilot Scholarship — $2,000
For women pursuing professional pilot careers.
ProAvi STEM Scholarship — $2,000
For women pursuing STEM careers in aviation.
Wings of Change Junior Scholarship — $1,500
For aviation enthusiasts with a passion for helping others through volunteer service, ages 14–22.
Wings of Change Senior Scholarship — $1,500
For aviation enthusiasts with a passion for serving their communities through charity service and leadership, ages 23 and up.
Applications Open: June 30, 2026
Applications Close: August 31, 2026
At the Grand Dames of Aviation, our mission is to celebrate, educate, and inspire women to believe, achieve, succeed, and lead in aviation.
Your journey starts with a dream. Let us help you take the next step.
Featured Dames Gallery
“My ambition is to have this wonderful gift produce practical results for the future of commercial flying and for the women who may want to fly tomorrow’s planes.”
— Amelia Earhart