Nov 29, 2022
Episode 41: Don't be Underestimated
Courtney's journey is about owning her story and not letting it
own her.
As Courtney will tell you, a violent childhood in Atlanta, followed
by a decision to drop out of high school, led her down a path of
poor decision-making that continued for years. But, since earning
her GED in 1992, Courtney has overcome insurmountable obstacles in
both her professional and personal life.
Setting the bar high, she overcame her fear of flying and became a
pilot in 2002. Two years later she was certified to teach aspiring
pilots how to fly and follow their passion. In 2008, Courtney began
her professional airline pilot career, in an industry where fewer
than 4% of pilots are women.
Within six years she earned a Bachelor of Science and a Master of
Aeronautical Science with specializations in space operations and
aerospace safety systems from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University.
A 2012 Women Future Leaders Scholarship award fueled her
determination. In 2014, Courtney moved to Nicaragua and started a
nonprofit, Runucate
(run+educate), to provide educational scholarships and teach
English in the local community while she continued to work as a
pilot. She unexpectedly relocated full time to the United States in
May 2018 after political unrest erupted in Central America. She
shifted her non profit focus and continues to run marathons
globally to raise awareness and funds for organizations that fight
illiteracy and provide education. In 2020 Courtney published a tell
all memoir, This Is
Your Captain Speaking - Reaching for the Sky Despite a Lifetime of
Depression, Abuse and Fear.
Through it all Courtney remains true to her mission of inspiration,
mentorship and is a fierce advocate of the underdog.
Podcast sponsor: William and Lauren
If you want to see if it's a good fit to work with Jen V. and JRT on speaking courageously as a leader, check us out at https://www.voicefirstworld.com