From Uncertainty to Purpose: My Journey to Hera Aviation Group

As far back as I can remember, I’d been concerned about how my dreams of a flying career would intersect with my desire for a family. The two seemed to always be in conflict in my mind. I knew others had done it successfully, but there was hardly a clear path forward. I had no idea what it would actually look like.

I had started flying for my current operator, and was beginning to consider starting a family. I scoured the available HR manuals, and found that the current policy was not written in a manner to apply to flying roles. I knew I had a couple options; I could look into an airline job, and have certainty of what they would grant me, or I could stay and negotiate something completely new. I was nervous to pursue the latter, but I knew I didn’t want to abandon my dreams of a career in business aviation, despite these challenges.

I started collecting data from anyone who would share - fellow pilots, HR professionals, and other friends in the industry. I gathered written maternity leave policies from all sorts of operations to get as much data as possible. I was nervous to put in writing what I believed would be a good leave for my family.

Once I was pregnant and continuing this mission, a few friends and mentors in business aviation asked if I had been connected with Jess Webster & Hera Aviation Group. I’d been aware of Jess and Hera, but wasn’t connected at that time. I got an intro, and scheduled to speak with Jess about my situation and see if she had any ideas. I was greeted by the warmest and most supportive person I’ve encountered in my journey as an aviation professional. We had never met, but she was immediately committed to helping me navigate this time and these challenges. Her generosity with her time and knowledge was so moving to me, and I was eager to learn more about Hera as well. Those conversations and meetings with Jess to formulate my leave policy had such a profound impact on my professional journey and my life. She empowered me to ask for exactly what I wanted in negotiating my leave. I was nervous to come off as demanding by asking for more than what was standard, but Jess reminded me that they wouldn’t give me more than I asked for, so I had to ask for what I wanted.

Ultimately, I was granted the exact leave I’d asked for, which made me feel so supported in that life transition.

After returning to flying, I knew I wanted to become more involved with Hera. The ethos of this organization felt so aligned with the values I hold most dear, and I have always wanted to leave this industry better than I found it. There are a lot of ways to measure the value of an organization - its growth, its reach, its recognition. But for me, the true measure of Hera Aviation Group has always been far more personal; it’s the way it shows up for people in the moments that matter most. That is why I give my time to Hera. Because I believe in building an industry where women don’t have to navigate these challenges alone. Where policies aren’t afterthoughts, but intentional structures designed to support real lives. Where mentorship goes beyond career advice and becomes a source of genuine connection and care.

I love many things about being so involved with Hera Aviation Group. At the top of that list is definitely the people; the wonderful community that I now call home. I couldn’t imagine my life without the incredible people I’ve met through Hera. It’s a group of endlessly supportive, encouraging, positive, and authentic individuals. It’s a community that sees you, supports you, and stands beside you as you navigate both your career and your life. It's also doing the real work within the industry to create change. In work with individual organizations and speaking engagements that target the industry at large, Hera is out there truly making a difference. Volunteering with Hera is my way of paying forward what was given to me. It’s a commitment to showing up for others the way Jess and this community showed up for me.

It’s about contributing to something bigger than myself—something that is actively shaping a more inclusive, supportive, and forward-thinking aviation industry. 

People are drawn to Hera because they want to be a part of that type of movement - one with real life force behind it. I have so enjoyed my time working here so far, and truly cannot wait to see what we accomplish in the years to come. Hera Aviation Group isn’t just changing conversations. It’s changing experiences. And I’m proud to be part of that work.