Last month, the fifth installment of the inspiring book series “Latinas in Aviation, Vol. V” was officially launched at the College Park Aviation Museum in College Park, MD, during the 5th Annual Latinas in Aviation Global Festival. The book series is compiled by Jacqueline Ruiz of Fig Factor Media, an internationally recognized entrepreneur, publishing magnate and pilot, and showcases the personal stories of numerous Latinas who have made their mark in the aviation industry. Proceeds from the book are used to fund scholarships to encourage more Latin girls and women to enter the aviation industry.
Together We Rise
Jacqueline, the visionary behind this initiative, started the book series to highlight the opportunities available in aviation for Latin women while also addressing the unique challenges they face.
“Taking off is optional; landing on your dreams is mandatory. That’s the mantra I live by, and elevating women is why I do what I do,” Ruiz states, emphasizing her commitment to uplifting women in aviation.
The launch event kicked off with a special fly-in, where Jacqueline and two contributing authors from Vol. V arrived in their individual planes at the College Park Airport, the world’s oldest continuously operated airport which is adjacent to College Park Aviation Museum.
Attendees enjoyed a vibrant atmosphere filled with live Latin music, delicious food and engaging activities for children. The highlight was the book launch, featuring 20 of the 28 contributing authors who traveled in from various locations, including the United States, Mexico, Central America, and South America. These contributing authors work in the industry as engineers, pilots, flight attendants, and air traffic controllers, among other roles.
Envoy’s Latinas Step into the Spotlight
Among the contributors were two of Envoy’s very own, Aixa Torres-Maysonet (left) and Vanessa Jimenez (right), both of whom shared their journeys in the aviation field.
Aixa, who is the Continuous Analysis Surveillance Systems (CASS) Program Manager for the Maintenance department, is also pursuing her Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) license. In Latinas in Aviation, Vol. V, she states, “I have completed about a third of the program toward my A&P, and I am a firm believer that slow and steady wins the race. I hope to encourage those who are undecided, those who are discouraged, or those who may feel they are not enough.”
Vanessa, the Senior Digital Design and Media Production Specialist for the Communications department, emphasized the importance of visibility in the aviation industry in Latinas in Aviation, Vol. V: “I get to make art for a living by being a visual storyteller. Writing my story for this book has allowed me to share a different type of position within the aviation industry. For anyone looking to work in the Communications department of an airline, always keep learning and adapting.”
Celebrating Empowerment
Through her dedication and hard work, Jacqueline has not only established a partnership with the College Park Aviation Museum but is also partnering with the Kansas Aviation Museum in Wichita, KS, to showcase unique permanent exhibits devoted to Latinas in aviation — the only two exhibits of their kind in the United States. This initiative not only celebrates the achievements of Latinas in aviation, but also serves as an inspiration for future generations.
The launch of Latinas in Aviation, Vol. V marks a significant milestone in promoting diversity and representation within this vital industry, encouraging more women to pursue their dreams in aviation.
To support this initiative, purchase a book from the “Latinas in Aviation” series here. Proceeds from the book series are directed toward scholarships for young Latin girls and women aspiring to pursue careers in aviation. If you’re looking for the Spanish language version of Vol. V, it will be available by December 2025.
