I Hart Flying Foundation Launches More Flight Opportunities for Women

Scholarships, Outreach Lift a ‘Hart’ Nation as I Hart Flying Foundation Launches More Flight Opportunities for Women, Youth

July 19, 2023, Pasadena, Calif.: As resources continue to become limited surrounding flight training, I Hart Flying Foundation (IHFF) continues its mission to aid women of all ages in flight. Not only is the nonprofit focused on flight training scholarships for women, their new multi-year campaign, Hart Aviation Nation Delivers - H.A.N.D. In short - is already delivering on its promises. Less than three months into a three-year campaign, the organization gained national attention in a collaborative-themed scholarship opportunity called “All Hands on Deck,” which they created, led, and supported involving Girls Love to Fly. That opportunity produced four new Hart Scholars, with more than $19,000 of funding and pilot supplies allocated across the recipients. There’s no slowing down for an ambitious Hart Nation. While focused on the last collaboration, the IHFF team worked diligently behind the scenes with many veterans and even new partners planning the largest themed scholarship opportunity in the campaign yet!

“Hands Lift, Harts Propel, a Nation Delivers. There’s incredible meaning and impact in this newly themed scholarship launch. It takes extra hands to help lift more women and youth in STEM and aviation. Our hearts give us life, and the ability to propel, yet also to aid one another in time of need. Our Hart Nation is united and continually delivers,” expressed Rachelle Spector, founder of I Hart Flying Foundation, in announcing the theme. “With an unmatched approach to supporting the next generation of aviation professionals, we’re excited to launch this next opportunity around the largest airshow in the world July 24-30 at EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wis, with additional special events and outreach to follow.”

On Wednesday, July 26, the I Hart Flying team and two former Hart Scholars will lead and participate in two media events sharing the launch of Hands Lift, Harts Propel, a Nation Delivers. At 8:15 A.M. CT, IHFF will be on air with EAA Radio. At 10:00 A.M. CT, the team will hold a press conference at EAA Press Headquarters. All media and airshow spectators are welcome and encouraged to attend.

“I have been so humbled and grateful to be a part of the I Hart Flying organization as not only a scholarship recipient, but to now be involved at EAA AirVenture, and promote an event in August with FlyteCo Tower in Denver, Colorado,” shared Kristin Brooks, 2022 Hart Scholar and recent instrument rated pilot. “I love this opportunity to be able to promote women in aviation and share my story in hopes of motivating others to start flying!”

On August 19 in Denver, Col. - coinciding with National Aviation Day — is a fundraiser for I Hart Flying Foundation hosted by partner FlyteCo Tower. This is also in honor of one year of calling the former Stapleton International Airport Control Tower home to the aviation-themed FlyteCo Tower brewpub. Tickets are $100 and include dinner, drink tickets, door prizes, and access to on-site games, including golf simulators, axe throwing, bowling, mini golf, and arcade games. “Since FlyteCo’s inception in 2019, we’ve donated 10% of profits towards ‘the future of aviation’ with a focus on providing pilot scholarships to those who have been historically disadvantaged in the industry,” said FlyteCo Tower Founder Eric Serani. “We’re huge believers in and supporters of I Hart Flying Foundation, and we can’t think of a better way to celebrate the first anniversary than by raising funds to get more women into the skies.” Two out of the three owners are pilots. The original brewery features many airborne design elements, including a salvaged plane wing and a full-size replication of a Boeing 737 fuselage. In 2018, I Hart Flying partnered with Denver-based EAA Chapter 43, led by Serani and a group of local pilots, to launch a themed scholarship opportunity called “Eagles Soar, Harts Explore.” That themed opportunity provided support to five Hart Scholars and two EAA Chapter 43 scholars, giving over $50,000 in scholarship awards, pilot supplies, and training aids, the largest opportunity in that year.

This July, the themed scholarship opportunity is funded through the support of veteran partners Immaculate Flight, Sheltair, AEG Fuels, and new partner Ft. Lauderdale Executive Airport.

“Immaculate Flight is delighted to extend our ongoing support to I Hart Flying Foundation, with a focus on empowering women in the field of aviation,” expressed Ashley Morehouse, Sr. Director of Sales & Marketing for veteran partner Immaculate Flight. “Our team firmly believes that sponsoring flight training scholarships overcomes a barrier to entry in the industry, and we take great pride in collaborating with an organization that not only fosters career opportunities but also builds a robust industry network for aspiring female aviators.”

More than $22,000 is planned to fund multiple scholarship awards, pilot training supplies, and other flight equipment by a variety of I Hart Flying’s loyal in-kind partners. Some of these partners include King Schools, Bose Aviation, Aerox, Go Rentals, Boeing Business Jets, AOPA, True North Logbooks, Titan Aviation Fuels, Airbus Corporate Jets, Jet Support Services, Inc., Dassault Falcon Jet, and Veryon to name a few.

“We are excited to support I Hart Flying Foundation for the 3rd consecutive year,” shared Claudia Arnold, Sr. Director of Marketing for veteran partner AEG Fuels. “Their mission of assisting women of all ages in achieving their aviation career goals is a shared passion of ours. We enjoy being part of the scholarship process, from donating funds to finalist interviews, and watching their videos. We have had the pleasure of personally meeting some of the recipients and following their journey as they become leaders in the industry. It’s a very rewarding experience.”

Additionally rewarding, the plans for Denver involve local partner and flight school outreach, and even former Hart scholar appearances with IHFF founder Rachelle Spector. The Hart Nation has grown its footprint in the last six years to a level beyond expectations.

“As a family-owned company valuing community and supporting organizations aiming to elevate our industry, we are proud to continue our partnership with I Hart Flying Foundation,” shared Lisa Holland, president of veteran partner Sheltair. “Our shared passion is to empower women of all ages to fulfill their aviation dreams, and we're delighted with the role we play in this scholarship and how it has grown since its inception. It's heartwarming to know that by providing meaningful financial support to those pursuing a more significant commitment to aviation, we're reinvesting in the community we cherish and fueling the next generation to soar.”

To reserve tickets for the FlyteCo Tower event supporting I Hart Flying Foundation: https://rb.gy/kpkib

More information on I Hart Flying Foundation scholarship application, requirements, selection process and the scholarship committee can be found by visiting iHartFlying.org. Follow and engage with @ihartflying and partners on Instagram and Facebook.

Information provided by Lyndse Costabile | lyndse@fundavconsulting.com.

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