While there have been significant changes in governmental and industry policies, women in aviation remain under-represented. The Registry of Aruba wants to help change that. We believe concrete steps are needed to advance gender equality in STEM and aviation, which is why we have established The Registry of Aruba Scholarship. The initiative is open to girls who wish to pursue programs in aviation at Embry-Riddle’s Daytona Beach Campus. Under the program, TROA awards $6,000 to an incoming freshman every year throughout her program at The College of Aviation at Embry-Riddle.
The first recipient of The Registry of Aruba Scholarship is Masa Alkodsi. Masa, who recently obtained her private pilot’s license, is majoring in Aeronautical Science. We had the pleasure of speaking with her to discuss the onset of her career in aviation and what it means to her to be a young woman in a male-dominated field. Read our Q&A with Masa below.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
I grew up in the suburbs of Philly (and yes, I do take my cheesesteaks seriously), and have started my undergraduate at Embry Riddle pursuing Aeronautical science with plans to minor in Air Traffic Control and Airline Operations. It’s been challenging with so much changing at once starting education based around aviation with moving and being on my own, but I’ve come to manage it along with a great group of friends where we all push to help support each other from different backgrounds.
What sparked your interest in aviation?
Growing up I was that little girl that sits on the window seat and stare at the clouds as I pondered about how a plane gets up in the sky. From there it always stuck with me that I wanted to pursue something in the aviation industry, but it never struck me that women can be pilots because you don’t see that very often.
What led you to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical university?
All it took was a gut feeling to go for a career in the aviation industry, and Embry Riddle seemed like the perfect fitting school being known as one of the best aviation-based schools in the world.
You recently obtained your private pilot license- congratulations! Can you describe that journey?
It’s one of the best feelings knowing that this is just the first of many licenses. It gives me something to look at and push me to get my next license, which at this current time is my instrument rating.
What did it mean to you to have received The Registry of Aruba scholarship?
I am honored that I stuck out for the registry of Aruba scholarship. I have a dream bigger than myself, and any financial support helps to keep my dreams alive and take me to the next step of accomplishing my goals.
You graduate in 2027. What is your end goal as a woman in aviation?
My end goal as a woman in aviation is to inspire young girls to think about a career in not just aviation but the STEM field in general. You don’t often hear that a little girl wants to be a pilot or an engineer, and my goal is to change that.
Is there a future problem that you hope to solve through your education?
Since there is an increase demand for pilots due to covid and pilots retiring, it’s the perfect time for women to get into the industry and fill those spots. I hope that after that I am finishing my education, not only can I work in this career field but would love to be able to do philanthropic work or volunteer my time if my schedule would allow going to schools and speaking to young women about pursuing any dreams they have and giving advice for those interested in STEM careers, especially in the aviation industry.
What advice would you give other young women interested in pursuing a career in aviation but might be hesitant to do so?
To go for it and understand the misconception about the industry don’t exist anymore and that almost everyone in the industry is there to help you along the way.
What’s been the most amazing discovery you’ve made so far as a new college student? Everyone is going through the same struggles and that you are not alone.
I have a long road ahead of me to achieve my dreams as pilot; alongside inspiring young girls to get into the field. We often want to rush into getting things done, but I also want to take a few moments every once in a while, to sit back and enjoy the journey, and continue to grow as a woman in stem. I was told during my senior year in high school and from those I aspire to be like, that college can be the best 4 years of my life, and while I want to get everything done as quickly as possible, I also want to enjoy the journey for everything that it has to offer.
Statistics show that women are underrepresented in the aviation industry. Our mission with The Registry of Aruba scholarship is to inspire more women to pursue careers in aviation. Why do you think there are more men than women in aviation?
I believe from a young age girl are driven away from STEM through the use of conventionally gendered toys, where boys are generally given trucks and tools, girls are generally given dolls. One of my biggest goals through life, especially having been honored with the Registry of Aruba Scholarship, is to inspire more girls and young women to pursue their dreams in STEM related fields.
