New Flight Plan: Chicago Female Founder Passes Torch, Announces Successor

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Full Video Here https://vimeo.com/941016632?share=copy

04/30/2024

Chicago, IL – April marked a significant milestone in the journey of The AeroStar Avion Institute as Dr. Tammera L. Holmes announced her resignation as CEO of the pioneering organization dedicated to aviation education and advocacy. Dr. Holmes, who has been at the helm of the brand’s day-to-day operations for over a decade, has played a crucial role in guiding thousands of African American and Latino youth and young adults towards careers in aviation, focusing on underrepresented communities and creating a robust national network for advocacy in the field.

Under her leadership, the AeroStar Avion Institute has soared to new heights, establishing numerous programs that bridge the gap between school and aviation careers, and fostering partnerships that have amplified the institute's impact both locally and internationally.

Dr. Holmes shared her decision in a heartfelt speech, stating, “As I stand before you today at the threshold of a new trajectory, my heart is filled with meandering emotions — gratitude for our shared journey, pride in our collective achievements, and hope on the horizon ahead. For the past 15 years, I have had the honor of being the captain of an extraordinary mission: to chart a course through the vast skies of aviation for thousands of young explorers. Together, we've navigated through turbulent skies and celebrated in the sunlight above the clouds, forging new pathways for underrepresented aviators and building a beacon of advocacy that shines brightly across the global skyscape.”

She went on to announce the appointment of her successor, Co-Founder Kristy J. Farrakhan, who has been an integral part of AeroStar since 2011. “It is with a heart full of trust and skies full of promise that I introduce to you the new captain of our journey, Kristy Farrakhan,” Dr. Holmes expressed. Farrakhan’s dedication and vision have been instrumental in the institute’s success, and her leadership is expected to propel the organization to new altitudes.

Dr. Holmes will not be departing from the AeroStar brand completely but will instead continue to champion the cause through the original corporation, aiming to expand the organization's mission and impact in the US and abroad. She calls upon the AeroStar community to continue their support under the new leadership of Farrakhan, emphasizing the bright future ahead for The Institute.

“To our dedicated crew, esteemed partners, and the ground support that has fueled our journey: your contributions have been the jet stream beneath our wings, propelling us forward and elevating our mission,” Dr. Holmes remarked, highlighting the collaborative efforts that have marked her tenure.

The AeroStar Avion Institute has received dozens of awards and has been featured major media outlets such as Forbes, Blavity, Rolling Out, NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt and The Steve Harvey Show. The organization was recently awarded a Congressional Direct Spending request of $350,000 from Senator Tammy Duckworth’s office to build apprenticeships in Cook County, Illinois for aspiring pilots and aircraft mechanics while still in high school. AAI looks forward to this new chapter under the guidance of Co-Founder Kristy Farrakhan, with the continued support of its partners, staff, and the community. Together, they remain committed to inspiring and preparing the next generation of aviators to soar beyond the horizon.