Meet Our Members

Tanya Chen

Flying has always been my greatest passion and blessing in life. I have been very fortunate to experience two careers, in aviation and accounting. After obtaining my bachelor’s degree in Physics and Math, and master’s degree in Accounting, I worked at United as a multilingual flight attendant and Deloitte, PwC, and Fidelity Investments as a Tax Accountant. My flight attendant experience opened my eyes to the world of aviation and it became clear to me that flying is truly my calling – I am happiest in the sky, with an invigorating sense of freedom. Initially, I wasn’t sure whether my dream to transition to the flight deck would be possible.

I joined PAPA because I wanted to connect with others within the AAPI community striving to be the best professional pilots and lead a purpose driven life with strong values. I found that through PAPA, and so much more. I have met and am continually inspired by so many PAPA members and pilots who are leaders and trailblazers. I am incredibly thankful to PAPA for providing mentorship, community and the scholarship that will make my aviation journey possible. It is a great honor and privilege to be a part of PAPA. As I have been supported by PAPA and inspired and encouraged by those before me, I hope one day I can pay it forward, to support and uplift anyone who feels the call to fly.

Kenny Han

To me, PAPA represents a community that has embraced me from day one of my journey into aviation. As I get started with my training, PAPA’s belief in me motivates and inspires me to be even more focused in reaching my goals. I feel a great sense of pride due to my inclusion into this great group of pilots, and I do my best every day to make my community proud.

PAPA’s generous scholarship has allowed me to focus on my future as a pilot with confidence and clarity. It is with the utmost gratitude that I will continue down this path, and I couldn’t ask for a better group of colleagues to share this path with.

Heidi Nam

My name is Heidi Nam. I am a first generation Korean American. Becoming a PAPA member has helped me further my career from being a CFI to helping me get a regional airline pilot conditional job offer for GoJet in July as a first officer!

Stacy Uebelhor

Seventeen-year Alaska Airlines Flight Attendant Stacy Uebelhor did not realize she wanted to be a pilot until Valentine’s Day 2020, when she met another flight attendant pursuing the career change. Two days later, Stacy took a discovery flight and is currently working on CFI at Pavco Flight Center in Tacoma, Washington.

As a first generation pilot, wife, mom, flight attendant, and local Seattle Ninety-Nines Chapter Chair, Stacy understands the busy schedule and the financial aspect of flight training that all pilots go through. She took any advice from any pilot that would give it, all the while enjoying the camaraderie and taking an active part in the organizations promoting the advancement of historically marginalized people into the aviation industry.

Learning about PAPA and wanting to boost the power of minority females in the industry, Stacy was excited to feel at home when she went to a local PAPA social. Through scholarships (including one from PAPA during Commercial ASEL training) and sacrificing family vacations and activities, Stacy avoided taking out loans thus far. Advice that she once was given keeps her going and she shares the same with others on the journey: “Don’t give up and stay the course. It can sometimes seem like a daunting journey from Student Pilot to ATP, but just know the hard work will all be worth it.” continued on next page

Chloe Murillo

I was inspired to become a pilot when I watched a TV drama that revolved around the life of the commercial aviation industry. One thing that stood out to me was that I didn’t see many Asian pilots depicted in real life. Even the Asian airlines ironically had very few Asian aviators. As a result, I decided to pursue a goal that would challenge that stereotype and set out to become a commercial pilot.

I happened to get a job with a legacy airline as a flight attendant. The more I got to interact with real pilots, the more I wanted to become a pilot. So I started doing research and went for a discovery flight with a flight school in New Jersey. I LOVE IT! And that was how I started my flight training journey.

As a mom of two little children and with a full time job this undertaking was not easy. Luckily my family was very supportive. I was able to go for my flight training while I had days off from my regular flight attendant job. I joined aviation organizations like PAPA where I met amazing mentors who showed me the strategy to go from zero flight experience to becoming a commercial airline pilot. My transition from being a flight attendant and a mother to becoming a pilot was not easy, but it was definitely worth it. I am very proud to be a good role model for my children and representing in the aviation community as an Asian pilot. Go for your dream! I wish many more of you to join us!

MEL KLUTHE, “CLYDESDALE 00”

As a proud Filipino American Pilot, I am inspired and proud of my Asian heritage. The values ingrained in Filipino culture, such as strong family values, hospitality, and resilience, have played a significant role in shaping me into the person I am today. Growing up, I was taught the importance of hard work and perseverance, qualities that are essential for a successful military career.

I am also honored to be a part of the long-standing tradition of Asian Americans serving in the US military. From the Japanese American soldiers who fought in World War II to the thousands of Asian American soldiers who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan, we have a history of military service and sacrifice. As a Pilot and instrument examiner, I am proud to be part of this elite group of individuals who have the skills and expertise to fly and maintain some of the most advanced aircraft in the world. My role in the military allows me to make a significant contribution to my country, and my accomplishments are a source of pride for both me and my family.

Overall, my cultural background, participation in the long-standing tradition of military service, and my role as a Pilot and instrument examiner in the US Army make me proud to be Asian and proud to serve my country. I am honored to have the opportunity to contribute to the rich tapestry of diversity and inclusivity in the aviation industry, and I look forward to a bright future in my upcoming career transition to the airlines. Q

90,000 STORIES.

ONE LOVE FOR AVIATION.

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