Aya Gertrude Konan’s journey from flight attendant to breaking barriers as the first female commercial pilot in Ivory Coast exemplifies resilience, determination, and the pursuit of dreams against all odds.
Hailing from Ivory Coast, Aya embarked on her career in the aviation industry in April 2013 as a flight attendant. However, her aspirations soared beyond the cabin as she harbored a 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥hood dream of becoming a pilot, nurtured by a passion for aviation since an early age.
Despite facing financial constraints, with pilot training costs amounting to 60 million, Aya remained undeterred. Instead, she seized an opportunity that arose in the latter part of 2014 when Air Côte D’Ivoire announced a competition aimed at recruiting and training young Ivorians for careers in aeronautics, including pilots and aircraft mechanics.
Out of approximately 1500 candidates, Aya emerged as one of the 15 individuals selected through a rigorous recruitment process comprising file analysis, psycho-technical tests, and assessments in various subjects including mathematics, physics, and English. Remarkably, she was the sole woman among the chosen candidates.
Embarking on an arduous training journey, Aya’s determination and perseverance propelled her forward. Undergoing theoretical training at the National Polytechnic Institute Houphouët Boigny (INPHB) in Cote d’Ivoire followed by practical training in France, she dedicated herself wholeheartedly to mastering the s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁s required to navigate the skies.
After two years and four months of intensive training, Aya achieved a monumental milestone, emerging as the first female civilian airline pilot trained by the State of Côte d’Ivoire. Furthermore, she earned qualification as a Bombardier Dash Q400, solidifying her place in history as a pioneer in her field.
Reflecting on her remarkable journey, Aya emphasizes the profound sense of freedom and marvel she experiences while piloting an aircraft. Her passion for aviation and unwavering dedication have not only shattered gender barriers but also inspired countless individuals to pursue their dreams relentlessly.
Aya Gertrude Konan’s remarkable trajectory serves as a testament to the transformative power of perseverance and the limitless potential inherent in chasing one’s aspirations. Her story resonates as a beacon of hope and empowerment, inspiring others to reach for the skies, quite literally, in pursuit of their dreams.
LeAnna Roberts achieves academic excellence, graduating summa cum laude with a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from the University of Alabama at the age of 16.
LeAnna Roberts, a remarkable teenager hailing from Tuscaloosa, Alabama, is preparing to achieve a monumental milestone as she graduates summa cum laude from the University of Alabama with a bachelor’s degree in Biology. What sets her apart is not only her exceptional academic prowess but also her incredible journey of achievement at such a young age.
LeAnna’s academic journey began with extraordinary speed. At the tender age of 14, she had already completed both high school and community college. Eager to embark on her pre-medical path, she enrolled at the University of Alabama, becoming one of the institution’s youngest students.
In addition to her academic excellence, LeAnna actively participates in her community, embodying a true spirit of service. She serves on the executive board of the Society of Women in Medicine and acts as a mentor and Vision Days ambassador. Moreover, she conducts research focused on health disparities within Black communities, striving to make a positive impact on public health.
