Each year, the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals (OBAP) implements vital programs to create awareness, inspire, and propel careers in aerospace nationwide. OBAP maintains a strong presence in the Northeast, and New York is no exception. The key programs and offerings that New Yorkers and Northeast students can tap into include:
ACE (Aerospace Career Education) Academy – NYC: The 2025 NYC ACE Academy took place from July 7 to 11, 2025, in Jamaica, New York. Designed for students aged 13–18, it offers hands-on exposure to aviation fundamentals, flight simulators, field trips, classroom lessons in aerodynamics, and opportunities to meet aerospace professionals. Though registration for 2025 is closed, interested students should monitor OBAP’s site for announcements of future NYC ACE sessions.
APIS (Aerospace Professionals in Schools): This program brings aerospace professionals into local classrooms, either virtually or in person, to share career stories, discuss aviation topics, and engage with students.
For the 2025–26 school year, APIS Weeks are scheduled monthly. Schools, youth groups, and educators in New York can request an APIS speaker (in person or virtually) via OBAP’s website: https://obap.org/
Other OBAP Programs & Opportunities
Ascension (Collegiate Chapters): Many colleges in the Northeast host OBAP Ascension chapters, providing mentoring, events, and career support to aerospace-minded students.
Scholarships & Professional Development (APDP): OBAP offers scholarships and career development programs for members across the country, which New York residents are eligible for.
Volunteer & Speaking Roles: If you’re an aviation professional in New York, you can register to participate as an APIS speaker or mentor.
From My Seat at OBAP 2025
When I stepped into the Greater Tacoma Convention Center in Washington on the morning of August 6, it hit me that it wasn’t just another professional conference. It was a gathering of family, mentors, friends, and dreamers, all united by one thing: their love of aviation. The chatter in the lobby was warm and familiar, even among strangers. Laughter mingled with the sound of rolling suitcases and the occasional greeting shouted across the room.
A Grand Opening That Set the Tone
The Opening Ceremony, presented by Alaska, Hawaiian, and Horizon Air, felt like a takeoff roll – it was full of anticipation and energy. As leaders took the stage, they spoke not just about industry trends, but also about people: the mentors who had shaped them, the challenges they had faced, and the responsibility we all share in making aerospace a place where everyone belongs. I found myself nodding along more than once, thinking, yes, this is why I’m here.
The first panel I attended, titled ‘Altitude Adjustment,’ brought together executives who spoke candidly about building a diverse workforce in an evolving industry. It was refreshing to hear genuine discussions about opportunities and challenges, rather than polished public relations lines.
Sessions That Spoke to the Heart
In ‘Sickle Cell in Aviation: Mission IMPOSSIBLE’, I listened as speakers shared deeply personal stories of bravery wrapped in vulnerability. A few people wiped away quiet tears.
‘Breaking Barriers: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome’ could have been written for me. Hearing strategies to own my space in the cockpit and in the boardroom was empowering. And ‘Unapologetic Excellence? ‘ Let’s just say I left that one walking a little taller.
Evenings Filled with Connection
By midweek, the convention had already given me more than I had expected; however, the networking events made it truly unforgettable. At the Hall of Fame Luncheon, we honored aerospace trailblazers who had carved the very paths we now walk. That night’s Western Welcome Reception, sponsored by United Airlines, swapped business attire for boots and cowboy hats. I danced, laughed, and met people with whom I know I will stay in touch for years.
The next evening, I found myself at Harlem Nights at The Queen, held on the eve of the final night. Walking into the Emerald Queen Casino felt like stepping back in time with feathered headbands, flapper dresses, fedoras, and the soft glow of 1920s-style décor. The password at the door, “OBAP,” made me smile. It wasn’t just an entry into the party; it was a reminder that we were part of something exclusive and deeply connected.
Youth Day and the Future in the Making
That Thursday, the energy shifted to something both hopeful and grounding: Youth Day, sponsored by United Airlines. Local students filled the room with wide-eyed excitement. I watched them try flight simulators, ask pilots thoughtful questions, and scribble notes during career talks. The Lifted by Legacy session tied it all together, as OBAP founders shared wisdom with the next generation of aviators.
Between sessions, the exhibit hall was alive with possibility. I wandered from booth to booth, talking to recruiters from United, Southwest, Delta, and PSA Airlines. At the United & Aviate booth, I met a pilot who offered to review my résumé right there on the spot. That kind of generosity was everywhere.
A Closing Night to Remember
The Friday Awards Gala was the perfect finale. It was elegant, emotional, and inspiring. As honorees took the stage, their stories reminded us that success is sweeter when it’s shared, and that our achievements are most meaningful when they pave the way for others.
Leaving Tacoma, I felt full, in the best way. Full of knowledge, yes, but also of gratitude. This wasn’t just about learning and networking; it was about community, and it was about walking into a room of people who understand your journey because, in some way, they’ve lived it too. OBAP 2025 didn’t just celebrate where we have been; it gave us the wind beneath our wings for where we are going.
