Carole Hopson spent two decades building a career as a journalist and corporate executive before pursuing a longtime dream: becoming a pilot.
Now a Boeing 737 captain for United Airlines, Hopson will bring the story of that career change and the persistence behind it to Purdue University on Nov. 19.
The Purdue chapter of the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals will host Hopson from 6-7 p.m. in Fowler Hall at Stewart Center. The free event is open to the public and is part of the Purdue Polytechnic Aviation Lecture Series.
Kamanda Mosongo, president of Purdue's OBAP chapter and a master's student in aviation and aerospace management, believes that Hopson's path offers an important lesson for students.
“The message I hope students take away from this talk is the importance of pursuing their passions and dreams, regardless of when they choose to pursue them,” Mosongo said. “I hope her story inspires students to pursue their own goals and share their passion for aviation with others.”
Hopson earned her pilot's license in 2001 after a 20-year career in journalism and executive leadership. She went on to become a flight instructor and commercial airline pilot before becoming a United Airlines captain.
She is also the author of “A Pair of Wings,” an award-winning historical novel inspired by pioneering aviator Bessie Coleman. Hopson will sign copies of the book following her Purdue presentation.
“Captain Hopson's story reminds us that we don't have to see someone who looks like us in a profession to know that we belong there,” Castro said. “With determination and hard work, students can pursue opportunities they may not have imagined possible. At Purdue Polytechnic, we help students prepare for those opportunities through connections with industry, supportive faculty and staff, state-of-the-art laboratories and applied learning experiences.”
For Purdue OBAP, Hopson's visit aligns closely with the organization's focus on expanding exposure and access to aerospace careers while providing mentorship and professional development opportunities.
“Her story is powerful,” Mosongo said. “Bringing her to Purdue gives our students an opportunity to hear from someone who took a different path into aviation and continued pursuing something she was passionate about.”
The national Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals works to increase participation in aerospace through exposure, training, mentoring, scholarships and advocacy. Purdue's student chapter carries that mission to campus by connecting students with opportunities, professionals and perspectives from across the industry.
Hopson's appearance also supports the broader purpose of the School of Aviation and Transportation Technology's Aviation Lecture Series.
The series brings speakers to Purdue whose experiences, ideas and perspectives can challenge students, faculty and staff to think differently about aviation and aerospace and inspire new possibilities within the field.
Event details
What: Aviation Lecture Series featuring United Airlines Capt. Carole Hopson
When: 6-7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 19
Where: Fowler Hall, Stewart Center, Purdue University
Cost: Free and open to the public
A book signing for Hopson's novel, “A Pair of Wings,” will follow the presentation.