Several years ago, retired Lt. Col. Shawna Rochelle Kimbrell made headlines when she made her childhood dream a reality and became the first-ever Black female fighter pilot of the U.S. Air Force.
Kimbrell joined the Civil Air Patrol, worked at air shows, earned a private pilot’s license, and finally earned a spot in the Air Force Academy despite naysayers discouraging her from her “unrealistic” dreams. Then, in 1988, Kimbrell graduated from the Air Force Academy and earned her pilot wings the following year. She is now a decorated Air Force veteran, having earned an Air Medal, an Aerial Achievement Medal, and an Army Commendation Medal, to name a few.
Today, she dedicates her days to helping future officers at the Air Force Academy. She teaches physical education and is the academy’s Director of Culture, Climate, and Diversity.
