Carole Hopson flies as a first officer for United and is part of the team supporting the airline’s Aviate program. [Photo: Karston Tannis]
Key Takeaways:
Pilot and author Carole Hopson released "A Pair of Wings," a novel inspired by pioneer aviator Bessie Coleman, with the overarching goal of funding 100 Black women through flight school by 2035.
To achieve this $7 million objective, Hopson established the Jet Black Foundation (a 501(c)(3)) and partnered with the Luke Weathers Academy, aiming to fund scholarships through her book, a planned movie, and donations.
Inspired by Bessie Coleman and her own journey into aviation, Hopson's initiative seeks to significantly increase diversity in the pilot profession, building on the academy's proven success in graduating Black female flight instructors.
For Carole Hopson, the goal has always been beyond herself. The story of Bessie Coleman took hold in the heart of this pilot and former executive more than 12 years ago—and Hopson set her sights on bringing it to fruition in a way that had never been shared before.
