Students and community members gathered at Southern Illinois University Carbondale Thursday evening to hear from Theresa Claiborne, a trailblazing aviator who made history as the first African American woman to serve as a pilot in the U.S. Air Force.

During a conversation hosted by the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute, Claiborne shared her journey through the military and aviation industry, reflecting on the challenges she faced, the barriers she broke and the importance of expanding opportunities for future generations. Her message centered on leadership, perseverance and the impact of representation in fields where diversity has historically been limited.

Before aviation, Claiborne said she originally planned to pursue a career in broadcasting, studying communications with a minor in journalism before discovering her passion for flying.

She said she had previously considered careers such as teaching and nursing before shifting towards broadcasting. 

“I was thinking that’s what I was going to do,” Claiborne said of her early interest in broadcasting. “But I got up in that airplane, and I was like, this is it. I don’t care if I ever talk to anybody, or write anything, I want to be a pilot.” 

She said her turning point came after getting the opportunity to fly a small aircraft.

“I got an opportunity to fly on a small airplane, and I knew right then and there that was what I wanted to do,” she said.

Claiborne said she first felt the weight of breaking barriers when she learned she would become the first African American woman pilot after she enlisted in the military as she prepared to graduate.

Her journey was not without obstacles. At the time, opportunities for women in aviation were limited, and Claiborne said she often had to prove she belonged.

“You just have to go with the flow,” she said. “Whenever I showed up, I was always doing the best that I could do.” 

She said her mindset was shaped early on by advice from her mother.

“Do the work and get an A,” Claiborne said her mother told her. 

That mentality helped her push through doubt.

“There isn’t anyone in this world who hasn’t thought they couldn’t do something at one time or another,” she said. “But don’t let yourself fail. You have to keep trying to do your best.”

Claiborne emphasized that representation continues to play a critical role in aviation and the military.

“We need to be represented in every field,” Claiborne said. “I don’t only want to see people who have enlisted, I want to see captains, pilots and officers too. You need to see the whole crew.”

She added that while progress has been made, challenges remain.

“I’ve seen progress, but I’ve also seen one step forward and two steps back,” she said. “Some of the same things are still happening.”

“There will always be obstacles, and people saying you’re not qualified,” Claiborne continued. “But you have to remember that you are.”

John Shaw, director of the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute, said Claiborne’s visit gave students a chance to hear directly from someone who has helped shape the aviation industry.

“We want to talk about her amazing, iconic career, the various ceilings that she shattered, and her broader perspectives on leadership and diversity,” Shaw said. 

Claiborne said leadership is about more than technical skill — it also involves how individuals work with others.

“I just have to be me and do my job the way it is meant to be done,” she said. “If I have to be a little tough, that’s what I will do.”

She also encouraged students to stay committed to their goals.

“You have to keep your eyes on the prize,” Claiborne said. “People get scared they aren’t going to succeed, and they give up too easily. You just have to stick with it.”

For students who may not see themselves represented in their field, Claiborne offered encouragement.

“I didn’t see anyone like me,” she said. “You can always be the first. Don’t discount yourself; be the one.”

Claiborne said speaking at SIU was an opportunity to connect with students and share her experiences.

“It’s an opportunity not only for myself, but also for the students, because I pride myself on being able to help guide them,” she said.

As the event concluded, Claiborne said she hopes students leave with confidence in their abilities.

“I want people to leave knowing that I am more than qualified, and that people who look like me are qualified and good at what they do,” she said.

Staff reporter Tay Acree can be reached at [email protected].

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