Theresa Claiborne, the first Black woman to serve as a pilot in the United States Air Force, will share insights from her groundbreaking military and commercial aviation career during a public discussion at Southern Illinois University on March 26. The event, hosted by the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute, will take place at 6 p.m. in SIU Student Center Ballroom B.
The event aims to highlight Claiborne’s achievements and inspire students and community members interested in aviation and public service. A reception is scheduled for 5 p.m. in the John W. Corker Lounge of the Student Center. While pre-registration is encouraged, it is not required for attendance.
John Shaw, director of the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute, said, “Theresa Claiborne is an inspiring, trailblazing pilot and leader who set lofty goals for herself and then exceeded them with hard work and great skill.” Shaw added that Claiborne looks forward to visiting SIU’s aviation program and meeting with students and instructors. He also noted her excitement about reconnecting with Bill and Molly Norwood, whose lecture series supports her visit.
Claiborne will discuss her journey to becoming a pilot as well as lessons learned about leadership, perseverance, and breaking barriers in public service. Her conversation will also address expanding opportunities within aviation and the armed forces. Media representatives are invited to cover the event or arrange interviews through Will Becque, communications coordinator for the institute.
Claiborne was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1981 before becoming the Air Force’s first Black woman command pilot on the Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker in 1982. She served until retiring from military service in 1993 with more than 3,000 flight hours. In commercial aviation, she joined United Airlines in 1990 as its second Black woman pilot and retired after logging over 23,000 flight hours across several aircraft types.
Beyond flying, Claiborne holds leadership roles including president emeritus of Sisters of the Skies—a nonprofit supporting Black women in aviation—and board positions with other organizations dedicated to advancing women pilots.
Attendees can submit questions for Claiborne via email or through the registration form. Additional information about upcoming events at the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute is available online.
