In a world where professionalism is equated to years of experience, it is very hard for young talents to express themselves. The story of Ariel Messam is an example of human determination and passion for the cause you love. At the age of 18, the girl became the youngest woman of color in New York’s history to earn the title of a certified private pilot. She stood up to her male colleagues with many years of experience and became a source of inspiration for young aviators. Learn more at queenska.com.
Ability plus perseverance equals the result
Ariel was born in Queens, Jamaica. Her journey to conquering the heights began with a relentless pursuit of perfection. Messam attended the Aviation Career & Technical Education High School in Queens. The institution specializes in training licensed pilots and power plant technicians. At the school, Messam complemented her studies with extracurricular activities, such as basketball. Ariel got both a high school diploma and a qualification as an aircraft powerplant technician. Even then, the girl demonstrated determination and the ability to succeed. Messam made her first flight at the age of fourteen.
In 2022, Ariel joined the non-profit organization Level Up and Take Off. It was founded by her brother, Anthony Messam. After graduating from high school, Anthony, who was homeless at the time, began working at Delta. His first flight was to The Bahamas. He founded this organization to help develop the aviation industry and provide opportunities for aspiring minority aviators to improve their flying skills. Whether it’s your first flight, acquiring your license or any other aviation experience, Level Up and Take Off is a platform that allows you to conquer the skies.
In Level Up and Take Off, Ariel instructs flight simulator training. Her mission is to provide young people with practical experience and opportunities that can influence their future. Level Up and Take Off promotes diversity, inclusivity and equity in the aviation, real estate and financial management sectors. It not only trains pilots but also provides them with guidance on financial management and independence. For its students, the organization conducts seminars, master classes, private courses and classes in traditional schools.
In August 2023, Ariel Messam realized her long-held dream of becoming a certified private pilot. She became the youngest black woman in New York State to accomplish this.
Inspiration for successors
Ariel Messam is an example of how to pursue your goals despite financial difficulties, gender stereotypes, ageism, racial prejudice and other challenges. Her determination to succeed in a typically male-dominated industry inspires young women. Ariel’s achievements represent the unlimited potential that resides in young people.
Messam is an ambassador of Girls Love to Fly. It is a non-profit organization that aims to empower women from all walks of life. It provides scholarships and training at a flight school for girls. The institution is located in Sacramento, California, and its instructors are skilled and certified. Scholarships are awarded to citizens and residents of the United States and Canada over the age of sixteen. Scholarships must be used within two months after the date of grant. There are no restrictions on the total amount of the applicant’s scholarship.
Ariel Messam has proved that the sky is not her limit. Her story teaches us that nothing is impossible. With her firmness of character, courage and innovative spirit, Ariel not only became a pilot, but she has influenced aviation history. In addition, the pilot’s hobbies include basketball, badminton, writing and photography.