Stephanie Johnson Becomes Delta Airlines’ First Female Captain
It seems as if Stephanie Johnson doesn’t know how to not make history. 20 years ago, she became the first Black female pilot for Northwest Airlines. In 2016, she became the first Black female captain for Delta Airlines.“For as long as I can remember, I have been fascinated with airplanes and would think, ‘What a great thing it would be to know how to fly,’’’ Johnson told Delta News Hub.
Stephanie Johnson made history as Delta’s first black female captain. We’re honored to celebrate her this #BlackHistoryMonth & every month. pic.twitter.com/d0luQDTF1v
— Delta (@Delta) February 19, 2017
Johnson lander her first job as a commercial pilot for Mesa Airlines after graduating from Kent State University with a bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Technology, according to NBC.
While Johnson has surely accomplished plenty in her long career in aviation, she’s most proud of being a trailblazer and making a path for others like her to follow.
“I feel a great sense of responsibility to be a positive role model,” she said. “There are so few women in this profession and too many women who still don’t think of it as a career option. When I was hired by Northwest Airlines, there were 12 African-American women airline pilots in the country at the major airlines, and I knew all of their names. This is a great career – it’s worth the hard work.”