For today’s blog, I get to share some exciting news:
Two founding members of HERA will be sharing their industry expertise by hosting an educational session at the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition (BACE) at the Las Vegas Convention Center Oct. 12-14.
The session, entitled “Caregiver Inclusivity in Business Aviation”, will include a presentation and integrative exercise by HERA President and Founder Jessica Webster and HERA Chairwoman of the Board of Directors Alisha Feightner, who will showcase strategies to improve the hiring and retention of caregivers in the aviation industry. Attendees can also participate in a guided discussion facilitated by the team along with exceptional industry panelists. These panelists will help participants prepare to redefine business operations and strategy to include this often-uncounted cohort now and in the future.
The work that HERA members are doing in educating the industry about a wholly neglected part of the aviation workforce is important to me both personally and professionally. As someone who is at the beginning of my aviation career and who intends to have children, the prospect of balancing my aviation career with my future caregiving duties can seem daunting. This issue could also impact any one of us because we could find ourselves in an unexpected caregiving role through circumstances such as illness or disability in our family or the need to assist aging parents. I know the industry is going to be more responsive to the needs of caregivers of all kinds because of the work of HERA and its members are doing to educate the wider aviation community. To all the caregivers that have gone before me, thank you for paving the way and shedding light on ways to make the aviation industry more inclusive of caregivers; and how it benefits all of us to see a cultural shift in the aviation industry's awareness of the importance of diversifying their workforce. Seeing the work that our HERA colleagues are doing, and how, as industry experts, they are being incorporated into such an important event like BACE, makes me hopeful for the future.
I was raised in a household where both of my parents were in the airline industry. I saw strategies for how to make it work as well as unique challenges this industry presents. I love flying, and I think it will benefit my children to see me pursuing my passion. I hope to one day be able to share my passion with my children, and I believe that being a pilot can be beneficial to my children since it will allow me to separate my work from my home life- and be more attentive to my children when I am home. For other parents and caregivers who fly, I would like to hear how you navigate caregiving and your aviation career. Feel free to drop your answer down in the comments.
For more information on the session, you can visit https://nbaa.org/events/2021-nbaa-business-aviation-convention-exhibition-nbaa-bace/2021-nbaa-bace-program-schedule/2021-nbaa-bace-agenda/
Mattie is a CFII at Auburn University, where she recently graduated with a degree in Professional Flight. She enjoys drinking her morning coffee, traveling, and spending time with friends and family. Mattie is looking forward to a successful and fulfilling career as a professional pilot whether it be in the business aviation industry or the airline industry.