In an inspiring display of determination and passion, Ariel Messam, an 18-year-old African American from Jamaica, New York, has made history as the youngest black female certified private pilot in the state of New York. Her remarkable journey is a testament to her perseverance and the supportive community that helped her reach new heights.

Academic and Extracurricular Excellence

Ariel’s journey in aviation began at Aviation Career & Technical Education High School in Queens, New York. From 2018 to 2022, she balanced rigorous academics with extracurricular activities, earning her high school diploma and certification as an Aircraft Powerplant Technician. Ariel’s time in high school was marked by her participation in varsity basketball, showcasing her ability to excel in multiple domains.

Taking Flight with Purpose

In 2022, Ariel began working as a Flight Simulation Instructor at Level Up and Take Off, a New York City-based non-profit organization founded by her brother, Anthony Messam. The organization promotes diversity, inclusion, and equity in aviation, real estate, and financial management, providing inner-city youth with hands-on experience and opportunities within these industries.

Ariel primarily flies out of Republic Airport in Farmingdale, New York. Recently, she took to social media to announce her achievement of becoming the youngest black woman to be a certified private pilot in New York. In a heartfelt Facebook post, she expressed her gratitude, saying, “Finally got my Private Pilot’s license. Youngest black female in New York to do it too! I’m so grateful for those who made it possible. God is so good. I took my first flight at 14 years old, and a couple of years and financial breaks later, I made it official.”

A Role Model and Innovator

Ariel’s journey is not just about her personal achievements; it’s also about the impact she is making on the community. As an ambassador for Girls Love to Fly, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering women in aviation, Ariel is committed to inspiring and supporting the next generation of female aviators. The organization offers scholarships and discovery flights, helping women pursue their dreams in aviation.

In addition to her role at Level Up and Take Off, Ariel is an avid basketball and badminton player, and she enjoys writing and photography. Her diverse interests and talents reflect her multifaceted personality and drive.

Inspiring Future Generations

Ariel Messam’s accomplishments in aviation are a beacon of inspiration for aspiring aviators and young women everywhere. Her determination to succeed in a traditionally male-dominated field serves as a powerful reminder that with passion, perseverance, and a supportive community, the sky is not the limit – it’s just the beginning.

Ariel’s journey is a story of breaking barriers and pursuing dreams against all odds. Her legacy will undoubtedly inspire future generations to reach for the stars and achieve their own extraordinary goals.

About Ariel Messam

Ariel Messam is a certified private pilot and flight simulation instructor from Jamaica, New York. She made history as the youngest black female to achieve this certification in New York. Ariel is dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion in aviation and is an ambassador for Girls Love to Fly, a non-profit organization empowering women in aviation. Follow her aviation adventures on Instagram at @FlyingWithAriel.

In a remarkable display of determination and excellence, Paulina Mefia Denteh, a young African woman from Ghana, has made history at Russia’s Yaroslav-the-Wise Novgorod State University. Paulina has become the first African to earn a degree in General Medicine at the university, and she achieved this with the highest honors, receiving the prestigious Red Diploma.

Paulina’s academic journey is a testament to her perseverance and commitment to excellence. She began her education at Methodist Senior High School in Ghana, where she showcased exceptional academic prowess despite the school’s limited science facilities. Paulina played a pivotal role in pioneering the school’s first robotics team and was an integral member of the school’s inaugural National Science and Maths Quiz team.

After graduating from high school, Paulina pursued her dream of studying medicine at Yaroslav-the-Wise Novgorod State University in Russia. Her journey was marked by rigorous academic challenges, which she not only met but exceeded. Throughout her medical studies, Paulina excelled academically and also served as a teaching assistant from her fourth year until graduation. Her dedication and hard work earned her numerous recognitions and citations from the university community.