083 The Impact of the Past and the Hope for the Future with Amy Spowart

When Women Fly

What makes one an icon, an idol, an exemplar? What defines our heroes? What does honor and greatness teach us—and why does it matter?
Amy Spowart is the president and CEO of the National Aviation Hall of Fame (NAHF), where she has worked for over 20 years. Amy grew up in a rural town in Pennsylvania with dreams of traveling the world. At age 21, she took her first flight, but it was years later when she started working as the Special Projects Officer and Historian for the NAHF that she fell in love with aviation.
Amy believes that learning about historical figures encourages the leaders of tomorrow to pursue their passions today. Through the NAHF, Amy shares stories of astronauts and aviators to inspire children and adults alike.
While leading the NAHF, Amy has raised capital, created new programs, grown awareness, and more. Recently the NAHF partnered with PBS for “Discovering Flight,” a curriculum that teaches elementary-age students about aviation and aerospace through STEAM concepts. Amy is passionate about celebrating aerospace and aviation heritage and helping the next generation learn about opportunities in aerospace and aviation.
In this episode, Sylvia and Amy talk about Amy’s path to becoming the President and CEO of NAHF, the NAHF’s collaboration with PBS and the curriculum rollout, and the 2022 NAHF’s inductees.
Topics Include:
- Stories about pioneers of flight like Bessie Coleman, Eileen Collins, Joe Engles, Jacqueline Cochran, and more.
- Amy’s role as CEO of NAHF
- Why we all need heroes, children especially
- Why history matters for today
- How to develop future careers in aviation and aerospace
- How to support women in aviation
- The future of aviation
- Challenges overcoming work/life balance
- How sacrifice is necessary for the pursuit of greatness
- Accomplishments of 2022 inductees Willa Brown, Margaret Hamilton, Geraldine Mark
- And other topics…
Amy Spowart is the President and CEO of the National Aviation Hall of Fame (NAHF), where she currently directs the production of Discovering Flight: Learning with the National Aviation Hall of Fame in collaboration with PBS. Amy is a member of the Women in Aviation Advisory Board (WIAAB), she is a 2019 Collier Selection Committee member, and is on the board of directors for the Academic Decathlon of Ohio. Amy graduated Summa Cum Laude from Wright State University with a double major in History and Classical and Ancient Studies.
Resources Mentioned:
National Aviation Hall of Fame: https://www.nationalaviation.org/
NAHF 2022 Inductees: https://www.nationalaviation.org/the-national-aviation-hall-of-fame-reveals-theclass-of-2022/
How to Nominate for NAHF: https://www.nationalaviation.org/nominations/
Women in Aviation International: https://www.wai.org/
Final Flight, Final Fight by Erin Miller: https://www.amazon.com/Final-Flight-Fight-Grandmother-Arlington/dp/1733560602
National Aviation Hall of Fame:
https://www.facebook.com/National.Aviation.Hall.of.Fame
https://twitter.com/NAHF
https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-aviation-hall-of-fame
https://www.instagram.com/nationalaviation/