Fact Sheet:
Chief Warrant Officer 2 Latifa Gaisi, U.S. Army, 11-year veteran, UH-60 Blackhawk Pilot
Operation Iraqi Freedom 2010-2011
Power of Being Female: This UH-60 Blackhawk and American Airlines pilot shares, “Taking care of my mental, emotional and physical health is what makes me feel beautiful and mascara. Being a female can be so tough, especially in male dominated industries. You can only be yourself, try your very best and ignore the superfluous opinions.”
Most rewarding, memorable time in service: Getting accepted into US Army Flight School
About: I am a UH-60 Blackhawk Pilot in the National Guard and a Captain for Envoy Airlines, a wholly owned subsidiary of American Airlines (American Eagle). The biggest milestone in both of my careers was getting signed off as a pilot in command. When you first get your wings and pass initial training you think “that’s it, I’ve made it” because you’re officially a pilot and all your hard work has paid off but that’s just the beginning of your journey as a pilot. The first time you come in for a flight as a pilot in command and everyone is looking to you for answers because you’re in charge is a huge milestone as an aviator.
- I am inspired by people’s stories of struggle and perseverance. Hearing of people who have faced adversity and made the best of their situations. I listen to a lot of TED talks.
- Taking care of my mental, emotional and physical health is what makes me feel beautiful. And mascara.
- Being a female can be so tough, especially in male dominated industries. You can try to appease everyone at the expense of your own happiness or you can just be yourself, try your very best and ignore the superfluous opinions.
- Joining the Army has shaped me for sure. The biggest takeaway for me is learning how to relate to anyone from any background. You have common ground with everyone you meet, you just have to find it.
