The first U.S. Air Force female fighter pilot, Maj. Gen. Jeannie Leavitt, is set as the day-two keynote speaker on October 23 at NBAA-BACE. Commanding the Air Force Recruiting Service at San Antonio-Randolph, Texas, Leavitt has responsibility for more than 3,445 airmen and civilians, and thousands of recruiting offices globally, NBAA said. She joined the Air Force in 1992 after receiving a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering from the University of Texas and a master’s degree in aeronautics and astronautics from Stanford University.

Making history in 1993, when she became a fighter pilot, Leavitt has accrued 3,000 hours and has been involved in operations such as Southern Watch, Northern Watch, Iraqi Freedom, and Enduring Freedom. She has received numerous awards, including Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit with oak leaf cluster, Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters, Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters, and Air Medal with four oak leaf clusters.

“We are honored that Maj. Gen. Leavitt, a groundbreaking leader, will join us at NBAA-BACE to share with attendees her experiences,” said Ed Bolen, NBAA president and CEO. “She is an inspiration, especially to those in aviation who have worked to break down barriers of all types. She exemplifies the dedication to duty, and love of country and aviation, that our industry personifies.”

NBAA credited Leavitt with pushing to create a more balanced and diverse military, pointing to her quotes in a 2018 TED Women Spotlight “I truly see diversity as a competitive advantage…What we really want to get at is that diversity of thought.“ She had said different opinions will drive a better solution.