Lewis Alumna Feature: Jill Wetmore '16
Women have had a long history in aviation, yet still remain underrepresented in many areas.
According to AeroGuard Flight Training Center, Blanche Scott not only became the first woman to drive across the United States, but also the first female pilot to fly in America. Bessie Coleman became the first black female pilot and the first Native American woman pilot in 1922. Captain Lynn Rippelmeyer became the first female to captain a 747 on a transatlantic flight in 1984. Even with all of these incredible stories, women in aviation are still struggling to make a breakthrough in the industry to this day.
Lewis alumna Jill Wetmore ’16 had always been a lover of travel, and after attending Women in Aviation Day presented by Lewis University during her senior year of high school, she enrolled at Lewis and became a Flyer.
Jill knew this was the right decision. What she did not know is that this was a life-changing decision – one that would provide her with both the skills and strength to break barriers as a future woman in aviation.
At Lewis, Jill was a part of the tennis team and also the Women in Aviation Club before graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Air Traffic Control Management and Transportation Administration. Shortly after, Jill landed a job as a Ramp Tower Controller at Washington Dulles International Airport where she has worked for the last three and a half years.
Working as a woman in a heavily male dominated industry can be a struggle, especially in Jill’s role where she was initially the only woman controller. Jill confirms it can be challenging at times, because there is a small group of people who believe you do not belong there.
“I have faced this adversity and know of other women who have as well; however, the mass majority of people do not feel this way and see women as just another coworker. When you are good at your job, any sort of gender role does not apply and you are simply seen as a good controller, pilot, etc. I am excited to say that now five other women work with me, so I now have someone not only to talk to about the Chicago Bears, but also the latest Bachelor episode!”
Of course, the gender gap has not been the only struggle for Jill as we continue to live in the midst of a pandemic. She, along with many other essential workers, felt an uneasiness about having to continue to go to work; but Jill plays a very critical role in order to provide a safe travel experience. She showed great strength during this unprecedented time in history and continued to serve the public, despite the many obstacles she faced.
Even though, like many of us, she has had to adapt to new procedures, she says “everyone in the aviation industry continues to work together to serve those using air transportation and maintain the title of the safest mode of transportation.”
Jill went from being a little girl who simply loved traveling to being a strong woman in aviation who serves as a role model for today’s Flyers. Her one piece of advice to current students is to stay open minded and remember that hard work will always pay off one way or another!
According to AeroGuard Flight Training Center, Blanche Scott not only became the first woman to drive across the United States, but also the first female pilot to fly in America. Bessie Coleman became the first black female pilot and the first Native American woman pilot in 1922. Captain Lynn Rippelmeyer became the first female to captain a 747 on a transatlantic flight in 1984. Even with all of these incredible stories, women in aviation are still struggling to make a breakthrough in the industry to this day.
Jill knew this was the right decision. What she did not know is that this was a life-changing decision – one that would provide her with both the skills and strength to break barriers as a future woman in aviation.
At Lewis, Jill was a part of the tennis team and also the Women in Aviation Club before graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Air Traffic Control Management and Transportation Administration. Shortly after, Jill landed a job as a Ramp Tower Controller at Washington Dulles International Airport where she has worked for the last three and a half years.
Working as a woman in a heavily male dominated industry can be a struggle, especially in Jill’s role where she was initially the only woman controller. Jill confirms it can be challenging at times, because there is a small group of people who believe you do not belong there.
Of course, the gender gap has not been the only struggle for Jill as we continue to live in the midst of a pandemic. She, along with many other essential workers, felt an uneasiness about having to continue to go to work; but Jill plays a very critical role in order to provide a safe travel experience. She showed great strength during this unprecedented time in history and continued to serve the public, despite the many obstacles she faced.
Even though, like many of us, she has had to adapt to new procedures, she says “everyone in the aviation industry continues to work together to serve those using air transportation and maintain the title of the safest mode of transportation.”
Jill went from being a little girl who simply loved traveling to being a strong woman in aviation who serves as a role model for today’s Flyers. Her one piece of advice to current students is to stay open minded and remember that hard work will always pay off one way or another!
