The Impact of the Past and the Hope for the Future with Amy Spowart
What makes one an icon, an idol, an exemplar? What defines our heroes? What does honor and greatness teach us—and why does it matter?
Amy Spowart is the president and CEO of the National Aviation Hall of Fame (NAHF), where she has worked for over 20 years. Amy grew up in a rural town in Pennsylvania with dreams of traveling the world. At age 21, she took her first flight, but it was years later when she started working as the Special Projects Officer and Historian for the NAHF that she fell in love with aviation.
Amy believes that learning about historical figures encourages the leaders of tomorrow to pursue their passions today. Through the NAHF, Amy shares stories of astronauts and aviators to inspire children and adults alike.
While leading the NAHF, Amy has raised capital, created new programs, grown awareness, and more. Recently the NAHF partnered with PBS for “Discovering Flight,” a curriculum that teaches elementary-age students about aviation and aerospace through STEAM concepts. Amy is passionate about celebrating aerospace and aviation heritage and helping the next generation learn about opportunities in aerospace and aviation.
About Amy
Amy Spowart is the President and CEO of the National Aviation Hall of Fame (NAHF), where she currently directs the production of Discovering Flight: Learning with the National Aviation Hall of Fame in collaboration with PBS. Amy is a member of the Women in Aviation Advisory Board (WIAAB), she is a 2019 Collier Selection Committee member, and is on the board of directors for the Academic Decathlon of Ohio. Amy graduated Summa Cum Laude from Wright State University with a double major in History and Classical and Ancient Studies.
Topics Include
Stories about flight pioneers like Bessie Coleman, Eileen Collins, Joe Engles, Jacqueline Cochran, and more.
Amy’s role as CEO of NAHF
Why we all need heroes, children especially
Why history matters for today
How to develop future careers in aviation and aerospace
How to support women in aviation
The future of aviation
Challenges overcoming work/life balance
How sacrifice is necessary for the pursuit of greatness
Accomplishments of 2022 inductees Willa Brown, Margaret Hamilton, Geraldine Mark
And other topics…
Resources Mentioned
Books Mentioned
Final Flight, Final Fight* by Erin Miller
*No affiliate links. These are purely books mentioned or recommended in the conversation. No kickbacks received.
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Twitter: @NAHF
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