May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in the United States. Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have a rich history of contributing to aviation; here we highlight a few of their stories.

What better time to reflect on women's contributions to aviation than Women's History Month? From the earliest days of aviation, women have played crucial roles in pushing the boundaries of what is possible. 

Mae Jemison made history, blasting off from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida aboard the space shuttle Endeavor to become the first African American woman to go to space. Jemison broke ground as a role model for the next generation of Black women seeking careers in aviation and science.  

Robert “Bob” Ashby was a trailblazer, overcoming racism and adversity to serve as a member of the legendary Tuskegee Airmen and become the only Tuskegee Airman to fly as an airline pilot. Through his career in both the military and as an airline pilot, Ashby, a retired Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l member, empowered the next generation of Black aviators to follow in his footsteps.

The airline industry is built on the legacies of those who were willing to make sacrifices just for an opportunity. When Marlon Green launched his six-year court battle to be able to fly for Continental Airlines, he opened the door for every Black airline pilot.