Congratulations to our SES AEMSF 2026 Scholarship Winners
We proudly recognize these outstanding aviatrixes as 2026 scholarship recipients of The Ninety-Nines Amelia Earhart Memorial Scholarship Foundation (AEMSF). Their dedication to aviation, leadership, and service exemplifies the true spirit of the award, and reflects the excellence found throughout the Southeast Section and organization. We congratulate them on this remarkable achievement and look forward to following their continued success in the skies and beyond.
Victoria, Florida Goldcoast Chapter
Florida born and raised commercial pilot, flight instructor, and aviation advocate passionate about advancing general aviation through leadership, mentorship, and safety. As a CFI/CFII/MEI, I have dedicated my career to helping develop the next generation of aviators while sharing the freedom and opportunity that aviation creates. I previously served as President of the Boca Raton Flying Club, where I helped grow student involvement, strengthen the club’s presence in the community, and promote accessibility within aviation.
I am also a proud life member of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association and a member of the FAASTeam, reflecting my strong commitment to aviation safety and industry involvement. In June, I will be attending the NBAA YoPro DC Fly-In in Washington, D.C., where I will advocate for business aviation and meet with members of Congress to discuss the importance of the industry and its future.
I am beyond grateful to be selected as a recipient of the Amelia Earhart Memorial Scholarship, an honor that will support my pursuit of a master’s degree in Aviation Management at Purdue University. Receiving this scholarship is both a personal milestone and an opportunity for me to continue contributing to the future of aviation through leadership, advocacy, and lifelong learning.
Valerie, Florida First Coast Chapter
I grew up on the small island of Yap in Micronesia, where the rare sight of airplanes made a career in aviation seem almost impossible.
As a young girl, I dreamed of flying but was often told that becoming a pilot was unrealistic. Despite hearing many “no’s,” I held onto the dream of flying.
Years later, after moving to Hawai‘i, I met my husband—the one person who told me “yes” when others had doubted my aspirations.
With renewed confidence and determination, I left my job to pursue aviation full-time and have earned six certificates and ratings.
Now at 38, I instruct full-time, guiding aspiring pilots as they build skills, confidence, and professionalism in their own aviation journeys. As a proud member of The Ninety-Nines, I am passionate about mentoring women, fostering greater representation in aviation, and encouraging others to believe that dreams once thought impossible can become reality.
With the Amelia Earhart Scholarship, I’ll earn my Multi-Engine Instructor (MEI) certificate to expand my instructional impact while continuing to work toward a future flying transport-category aircraft, hoping to inspire others along the way—just as others once inspired me.
Dreams grow stronger when they are shared. It is never too late to chase a dream that once felt impossible.
