Source: Hawaiian Airlines
Growing up, did you ever dream of becoming a pilot, a flight attendant or an engineer? Over the weekend, Hawaiian Airlines hosted a group of rising eighth-grade girls from schools across Oʻahu to give them a behind-the-scenes look at unique and exciting career paths right in their hometown.
In partnership with the Hawaiʻi Department of Education, 40 local students excelling in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) studies were invited to our Honolulu headquarters to participate in the day’s events. Employee career ambassadors — including pilots, material planners and engineers — shared their stories, answered questions and led the youth through hands-on STEM activities, such as a tour of our maintenance hangar, a wire-splicing exercise with engineering and a trial flight in the Boeing 717 and 787 simulators.
“Our goal for this event was to spark curiosity and build confidence by creating hands-on experiences and connecting them with women role models across our airline,” said Jadyne Yomono, talent acquisition outreach program manager at Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines, who also helped organize the day’s events. “The future of aviation should reflect the diversity of our communities, and it’s important to give girls the chance to see themselves in careers they may not have considered.”
Hawaiian Airlines works collaboratively with the Hawaiʻi Department of Education to welcome inquisitive youth into the heart of our operations. Together, we believe in the power of connecting with students earlier — when their interests are taking shape and confidence is growing — to encourage them to pursue careers in aviation within the state of Hawaiʻi.
“Going in the flight simulator has made my goal to be a pilot more apparent,” said Kaia B., an ʻEwa Makai Middle School student. “I also found the engineering aspect interesting, but I’m leaning more toward pilot.”
To add to the fun and engagement, the program featured creative elements inspired by Disney’s “Lilo & Stitch” — including special signage, surprise Stitch appearances and exclusive themed swag — to further connect with the students. Our goal was to show them that with STEM skills, out-of-the-box thinking and a supportive community, the sky is the limit.
As Hawaiʻi’s flagship carrier, we see initiatives like these are more than educational opportunities — they reflect our kuleana (responsibility) and commitment to stewarding the next generation through education, mentorship and meaningful experiences that take learning to new heights.
“For these girls, just seeing all the different opportunities out there is what’s most important,” said Christiana Bisquera, a project engineer. “Seeing what people do in fields they’re interested in really opens up a world of possibilities.”
“It’s really rewarding to be a mentor. Growing up, I didn’t know I wanted to be a pilot. I didn’t see a lot of female pilots, especially of Asian background,” said Crystal Wang, an Airbus A330 first officer. “It feels good to work with these girls, knowing I was once in their shoes, and encourage them to be whoever they want to be when they grow up.”
