NANCY CLOUTIER: CREATING MEANINGFUL CONNECTIONS

Women are playing an ever-growing role across every part of the aviation industry. Kirsten Devono, Customer Support Specialist at MHIRJ, has built her career across planning, sales, and maintenance operations, giving her a well-rounded view of how it all comes together. She shares why aviation offers more opportunities than many realize, and how women are helping shape its future through leadership, innovation, and expertise.

MHIRJ: What inspired you to pursue a career in aviation?

Kirsten: I was introduced to this field in the planning department as a subcontractor and quickly became engaged in the aviation segment. I was so inspired to continue in this industry that I jumped at the chance to join the team as a full-time employee. I gained a deep appreciation for the complexity involved in maintaining commercial aircraft. 

My career quickly progressed and I soon found my niche in the sales department at MHIRJ. My cross-department experience has significantly expanded my understanding of all aspects of maintenance operations. Being part of an industry that is constantly evolving, innovating and expanding is both motivating and rewarding. I take pride in contributing to a field that plays such an essential role in global connectivity and economic growth.

MHIRJ: What advice would you give to women considering a career in the aviation industry?

Kirsten: I have discovered in my almost 15 years at MHIRJ, that women are capable of excelling in every area of this industry. Whether someone is interested in hands-on maintenance or prefers roles in sales, marketing, data management, finance or maintenance event planning. This industry offers a wide range of opportunities that many women may not realize exist. While pilots, flight attendants and technicians are often the most visible positions, this industry supports a vast network of supporting roles vital to the industry. 

Aviation is a field that isn’t going anywhere…. and here in WV it’s a booming segment. My advice to anyone considering a career in aviation, would be to focus on your strengths - what motivates and challenges you and then expand your career search to include the aviation industry. Aviation is a dynamic and constantly evolving field that values adaptability, problem-solving, and cutting-edge innovation. This industry is highly rewarding and offers significant professional growth opportunities. 

Our goal is to empower women to recognize their potential and see how they can contribute meaningfully to this sector. Our involvement in Girls in Aviation Day reflects our commitment to encouraging more women to explore and pursue careers in Aviation. By sharing our experiences and opening doors to hands-on learning, we hope to set the path for a generation of women that will seek out the aviation industry knowing they can make a lasting impact. 

MHIRJ: How do you see the role of women in aviation evolving, and what excites you most about the future?

Kirsten: Women have been part of the aviation industry from its earliest days, and our impact continues to evolve. We are not simply participating – we are airline executives, structural engineers, commercial pilots and maintenance technicians - shaping the industry through leadership, technical expertise, and strategic contributions. Women bring a perspective that strengthens the aviation culture by driving innovation and enhancing operational effectiveness.  

It’s exciting to see that women are influencing every aspect of this industry, contributing to aviation’s continued growth and global advancement in areas like digital connectivity, comfort, AI and automation. Women are on the forefront of discoveries igniting a passion for aviation in our younger generations.

MHIRJ: How do you think the representation and visibility of women impact the future of the aviation industry?

Kirsten: Women actively cultivate collaboration, mentorship, and workplace wellbeing initiatives that support strong, successful teams and valuable relationships. As our representation continues to rise in leadership and innovative roles, women are now influencing long-term strategies and technical advancements – all key factors in forward-thinking aviation operations. 

Women are clearly making a long-term positive impact in the aviation industry, and we are strengthening the talent pipeline through targeted networking, professional organizations and career development initiatives. 

Women are continuing to seek challenging and influential roles and as aviation continues to respond to technological advancements and workforce demands, women’s contributions are guiding this industry to a more resilient and efficient future.

From childhood visits to the airport to a 26-year career in aviation, Polyxeni Zoumpoulakis has built a path defined by passion, resilience, and leadership. Now Manager of Customer Service at MHIRJ, she reflects on the journey that shaped her career, the importance of confidence and teamwork, and how women in aviation are helping shape the industry’s future.

MHIRJ: What inspired you to pursue a career in aviation?

Polyxeni: I began my career in aviation 26 years ago but my love for the industry started long before that. As a young girl, I was fascinated by airplanes. My dad used to take me to the airport every week for hot chocolate and to watch the planes take off and land. Those moments sparked a lifelong passion for this incredible industry.

MHIRJ: Can you share an experience or achievement at MHIRJ that demonstrates how women are making a difference in aviation?

Polyxeni: Fifteen years ago,I joined the company as a Customer Account Manager, and today I am proud to serve as Manager of Customer Service at MHIRJ. The path to advancement was not always easy as a woman in aviation, but the challenges taught me to believe in myself, work hard, and consistently go beyond expectations.

I am grateful to the people who believed in my leadership, loyalty, strength, and customer service experience. Over the years, I built and strengthened our customer service team by creating processes, accountability, and a culture rooted in respect, teamwork, and exceptional service.

MHIRJ: In what ways would you hope to inspire future generations of women at MHIRJ and beyond?

Polyxeni: I hope to inspire future generations of women by demonstrating that hard work, passion, resilience, and most importantly self‑confidence truly make a difference. I aim to lead with integrity, vision, and respect so others feel empowered to pursue their ambitions without hesitation. Teamwork is also at the heart of what I believe. When we support one another, we all rise. My goal is to help create an environment where women feel valued, encouraged, and fully capable of achieving anything they set their minds to.

Leadership to me is defined by more than just a title. It is character, consistency, and the way we treat others. By modeling strong work ethic, compassion, and accountability, I hope to set an example that women can lead with both strength and empathy.

I also strive to be visible and approachable, someone women can come to for guidance, support, and mentorship. Sharing knowledge, opening doors, and encourage each other, we create opportunities that extend far beyond our individual roles.

Most importantly, I want women to understand that their voices matter and that they have a seat at the table. Their ideas, skills, and perspectives bring immense value to aviation. By fostering confidence, creating inclusive spaces, and celebrating achievements, I hope to encourage future generations to pursue leadership with pride, determination, and a belief in their limitless potential.

MHIRJ: What advice would you give to women considering a career in the aviation industry?

Polyxeni: My advice is simple: believe in yourself and never give up on your dreams. Aviation is a dynamic and diverse industry full of opportunity, and women play a vital role in shaping its future. Do your best, go beyond expectations, and don’t allow obstacles to define your limits. With dedication, passion, and perseverance, anything is possible.

Progress in aviation has always been powered by those willing to challenge limits and expand what’s possible. This Black History Month, we’re recognizing four pioneers whose courage, skill, and perseverance helped break boundaries in the industry.

Throughout aviation history, individuals have stepped forward not only to achieve personal milestones, but to open doors for others, including these four remarkable figures whose impact remains.

William J. Powell

An engineer, entrepreneur, and outspoken advocate for inclusion, William J. Powell worked tirelessly to create opportunities for black Americans in aviation at a time when access was heavily restricted.

This led to him founding the Bessie Coleman Aero Club in 1929, named in tribute to the pioneering pilot who had died in an airplane accident in 1926. It provided flight training and encouragement to aspiring black pilots and mechanics.

Powell also authored Black Wings, a book dedicated to promoting aviation within the black community and challenging systemic exclusion. Through education, advocacy, and action, he helped inspire a generation to see aviation not as an impossibility, but as a future absolutely within reach.

Mildred Hemmons Carter

One of the first women to earn a pilot’s license through the Civilian Pilot Training Program and the first Black female pilot in Alabama, Mildred Hemmons Carter’s determination carried her forward despite barriers that limited both women and people of colour in aviation.

Aviation also shaped her personal story. At Tuskegee, she met Herbert Carter, who would go on to serve as a Tuskegee Airman. While training, the two would fly separate aircraft and signal to one another in the sky, a shared passion that marked the beginning of a lifelong partnership.

Married in 1942 at the Tuskegee Army Airfield chapel, the Carters built a life grounded in love, service, and flight, becoming known as the Tuskegee Airmen Organization’s “First Family.” Mildred’s legacy lives on not only in her achievements, but in the inspiration she continues to provide.

Marlon Green

Marlon Green’s legacy is defined by his perseverance. A highly qualified pilot and former U.S. Air Force officer, Green was repeatedly denied employment by commercial airlines despite his credentials. Refusing to accept discriminatory hiring practices, he decided to challenge the system.

His landmark case reached the U.S. Supreme Court in 1963, resulting in a decision that helped dismantle racial barriers in commercial aviation hiring. Green would go on to become a captain at Continental Airlines, but his broader impact extended far beyond his own career.

His courage created meaningful change, helping pave the way for greater inclusion across the airline industry.

Charles B. Hall

One of the early members of the Tuskegee Airmen, Charles B. Hall was a trailblazer in military aviation. During World War II, he became the first African American pilot to achieve an air combat victory, marking a historic milestone at a pivotal moment in the global conflict.

Hall’s success demonstrated both the skill and readiness of black aviators at a time when prejudice questioned their capabilities. His achievements not only strengthened the reputation of the Tuskegee Airmen, but also contributed to expanding opportunity within the U.S. military for generations that followed.

These are just some of the incredible individuals who challenged the barriers they faced, and who helped shape aviation into the industry it is today.