Southeast Section Leadership

Born in Michigan, Marilyn’s father was a carrier pilot, inspiring her to become a pilot. Life takes its turns and earning her pilot’s certificate didn’t happen until age 50. She is not current as she has decided that her funds would go to traveling the world and to her love of aviation through the 99s and NIFA (National Collegiate Flying Association).

Marilyn joined the Florida Suncoast Chapter at the Christmas dinner in 2004 and became the Vice Chair in January 2005! This led to a Chairman position for two terms, where she moved the meetings around the area to accommodate and grow the membership. This continues today. Serving as Section Secretary, Director, and Vice Governor and attending Section meetings and International Conferences have given Marilyn sisters and friends the world over.

Becoming a judge for NIFA was a dream! Having the camaraderie of fellow pilots and judges and getting a flying boost from the excitement of the collegiate competitors got her hooked. Starting with NIFA Region 9, she attended Regionals and increased her judging experience. Having one-on-one time with the women competitors at Region 9 allows her to introduce them to The 99s and all they have to offer in camaraderie, scholarships, PPLI mentoring, and more! Marilyn wants to continue to spread the word about NIFA to The 99s by asking for more judging volunteers, especially at Regionals because we all fly “for the fun of it.” 

Terri always wanted to fly, but as a child, she was led to believe girls could not be pilots, so she pursued a career in a different direction. At age 49, Terri took an introductory flight and was hooked. Ten months later, she not only owned her own aircraft but had also acquired her private pilot certificate. She has discovered the US from above by flying from coast to coast. She had the privilege of landing and departing at high-altitude airports and is currently pursuing an instrument rating. Her passion is to educate girls and women about the aviation industry and the amazing opportunities that exist. Terri has introduced many young women to flying, and some have pursued their dreams of flight.

She aims to support the goals of the International Ninety-Nines in advancing aviation through education, scholarships, and mutual support. Her background as a business owner and professional has honed her skills in leadership, communication, strategic planning, delegation, budget allocation, and problem-solving. These are the skills she brings to the Southeast Section. Terri looks forward to supporting the elected Section Governor, Marilyn Shafer, by completing delegated responsibilities, overseeing the scholarship committee, initiating scholarship fundraising, and being available to each section chapter.

Mary’s uncle arranged her first flight before she could reach the rudder pedals. Once Mary was out of school, he found a female instructor for her. After soloing, Mary flew only sporadically. She was busy using her newly earned MBA and CPA working in finance for Fortune 200 companies evaluating investments, acquisitions/divestitures, and managing corporate budget and strategic planning departments. Later, she worked as a management consultant for a leading international consulting firm. 

Once Mary started flying regularly again, she decided life was too short not to enjoy work. She quickly earned her private, instrument, commercial, CFII, and MEI. She later added an ATP and Citation type rating and commenced a decades-long career in aviation with two major aircraft manufacturers and, subsequently, her own companies.

While earning her ratings, Mary discovered the 99s. She was delighted to find knowledgeable pilots, women who supported her efforts, aviation adventures, and good friends. She received wonderful support and encouragement from fellow 99s and learned much from their experiences. The enthusiasm and comradery of the 99s has been a contributing factor to her success in aviation and enjoyment of flying. 

As secretary, Mary will work to achieve our goals of mentoring, promoting, and supporting the new generation of women pilots. She will assist in positioning our organization to capitalize on the current unprecedented opportunities in aviation while acknowledging the contributions of those whose shoulders we stand on. Most importantly, we should enjoy each other’s company and have fun.

Meagan is currently employed at Tri-Cities Airport, working in Administration and sharing workloads between the Finance and Operations Departments. One of her leading roles is assisting in securing grants for project work that takes place on airport property. She fulfills her passion for aviation by flying as a private pilot and volunteering at local events. She plans to further her endorsements and ratings as a pilot. She is currently working on her instrument and ground instructor rating.

Being a private pilot, Meagan has shared the love of flight with her friends and family, who may not have had a chance to enjoy it otherwise. To her, the true joy of learning to fly is not just being able to say she’s a pilot. The joy comes from the excitement of others who want to learn to fly themselves and being able to help them on their journey of becoming an aviator.

In 2017, Maria arrived in the U.S. with a dream of becoming a pilot. She joined the Ninety-Nines as a student pilot, seeking camaraderie and support. Through the Ninety-Nines, Maria discovered a flying sisterhood that became the bedrock of her aviation journey.

Now, as a Captain in a prestigious corporate jet, Maria has shattered gender barriers, inspiring aspiring female aviators worldwide. Beyond the cockpit, she’s a dedicated simulator instructor, nurturing the talents of future pilots.

She actively participates in numerous public and local events, Maria’s passion for aviation extends to her role as an online admin for PPLI (Professional Pilot Leadership Initiative), under the Ninety-Nines’ career committee.

With a strong background in aviation, managing international airlines’ airport operations and serving on prestigious Head of State flights, Maria is a trusted and respected professional.

Her journey exemplifies the power of determination, support, and collaboration among women pilots. Let’s soar together towards new heights in aviation. Together, as a united community of women pilots, we’ll continue to break barriers and inspire generations to come.

Vikki was raised in a house of pilots. Her dad flew for the Air Force, and her mother was a Ninety-Nine. Vikki cannot remember when they did not have a plane to go to the beach or other places. She soloed in 1977 while in college but did not get her certificate. In the Air Force, she was a flight test engineer on the F-16, but three kids, a master’s degree, and a divorce got in the way of flying. After she married her current husband, who had an RV-4, Vikki earned her pilot certificate in 2008. It was the fulfillment of a lifelong dream.

Now, her kids are grown, and she has three grandkids that she adores. They usually visit once a year because they are scattered across the country. Her current passion is quilting and traveling.

Janice’s childhood memories include Ninety-Nine meetings around her mom’s kitchen table. At first, she opted out of aviation as a career because the medical waiver she needed with her uncorrected 20/400 vision severely limited her employment options. Janice earned a BA in Journalism from the University of Minnesota and established herself as a journalist. She founded her own international business communications firm, Smith-Orr and Associates. She started flying for fun in 1976 and rapidly added aviation to her career goals despite the waiver requirements.

Janice holds ATP and Gold Seal Flight Instructor Certificates. Her aviation experience includes 141 flight school chief instructor, 135 fixed-wing air ambulance, corporate, Designated Pilot Examiner, 142 Training Center Program Manager at Northwest Airlines (NATCO), and Mississippi FSDO Manager. Her work at NATCO included flying all seven NWA types. She is typed in the DC-9 and BE-300 and worked as an FAA resource, giving check rides throughout the country.

She is retired and flies her BE36 for fun. She volunteers with Pilots and Paws and participates in therapy dog work. Janice is a licensed therapy dog tester/observer and Reading Education Assistance Dog Instructor.