Melissa “M’Lis” Ward is a trailblazing American pilot, renowned as the first African American female captain in commercial passenger aviation.
Early Life and Education:
- Hometown: South Side of Chicago
- High School: Whitney Young High School
- College: University of Southern California (USC)
- Degree: Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)
- Activities: Reserve forward for the USC women’s basketball team, contributing to national championships in 1983 and 1984
Military Career:
- Branch: United States Air Force
- Roles:
- Instructor-pilot on the T-37 aircraft
- First Pilot on the C-141 Starlifter
Commercial Aviation Milestones:
- United Airlines:
- Joined: November 1992 as a Second Officer on DC-10s
- Promotions:
- First Officer on Boeing 737-200s
- First Officer on Boeing 727s
- In 1998, became the first Black woman to achieve the rank of Captain at United Airlines, piloting the Boeing 737-300
- Later captained the Airbus 319 and 320
Current Endeavors:
- Resides in Denver, Colorado
- Serves as a flight instructor, mentoring the next generation of aviators
- Collaborates with United Airlines to enhance accessibility to aviation careers for marginalized communities
Legacy:
M’Lis Ward’s pioneering achievements have paved the way for increased diversity in aviation, inspiring countless individuals to pursue careers in the skies.
