Southwest Section Election

Anele Brooks (San Luis Obispo County Chapter)
For the past two years I have had the pleasure of serving as Southwest Section Secretary. Yes, I used the word “pleasure”! I have met many wonderful women, heard amazing stories and am proud to be a member of an organization whose purpose is to inspire and mentor women in all facets of aviation. Members of the current board have worked hard this year to update the section website, section committees and adjust to a post-Covid environment that entails adjustments to how we manage meetings, websites and communication in general. As the Section Governor I would like to continue moving forward with the next board to help implement those changes as well as grow our section membership and encourage more members to become active participants.

Mary Wich (Sutter Buttes Chapter)
I first met the Ninety Nines in 2002, and joined my local Sutter Buttes Chapter. Very green and very new to aviation, these beautiful women helped me navigate towards my goals. Joining International in 2006 and receiving two Amelia Earhart Scholarships along the way propelling me towards my ultimate goals of corporate pilot and flight instructor have been nothing short of tremendous! The Ninety Nines have given me so much, and I have the privilege and opportunity to give back now. My name is Mary Wich, I’m running for Vice Governor of the Southwest Section 2024. Thanks for your support, and I hope to meet you at one of our amazing events very soon!

Sofia Nosratabadi (Orange County Chapter)
The Ninety-Nines have been giving me boundless support since 2019. What started as a one-time discovery flight as a birthday gift unexpectedly turned into much more. Thanks to The Ninety-Nines’ mentorship, comradery, and scholarships, I am now an instrument-rated private pilot and a commercial student. In turn, it has been my privilege to serve as Chapter Secretary, Education Co-Chair, and Election Procedures Chair. My Secretary role included creating transparency and efficiency in our operations by digitizing our business records, making them instantly available to our members and providing insight into how the Board makes decisions on behalf of the Chapter. I also designed graphic organizational charts to educate our members on how our governing body works and to inspire them to volunteer for roles that best fit their skill set. I want to extend my experience as Chapter Secretary to the Southwest Section.

Leslie Ingham (Santa Clara Valley Chapter)
My aviation journey began when I received my private pilot license in 1963. Since then, I have earned my commercial, instrument and CFI ratings and worked part-time as a flight instructor. Before joining The Ninety-Nines, I was Commander of Squadron 80, Civil Air Patrol (1996-1998) where I also served as a check pilot. Professionally, I am a CPA and founded my own firm in 1981. As a Ninety-Nine, I have served as International Treasurer (2012-2016), member of the Finance Committee and of the 501(c)3 Committee (currently). I have also been Treasurer of Santa Clara Valley Chapter (2003-2011). I am proud to be a Life member of such a wonderful group of amazing women pilots and have received much value for the time I have committed.

Andrea Garcia (Long Beach Chapter)
Andrea Garcia is a Commercial Pilot in: Single Engine Land & Sea, and Multi-Engine, with an Instrument Rating in airplanes as well as a Private Helicopter Pilot. Andrea has over 25 years’ experience in developing scholarships for women in: Music, Talent, and Academia & Aviation. She’s a CSULB graduate in Opera Performance and a mother of one. As the Fullerton Ninety-Nines Chapter Scholarship Chairman, Andrea implemented two scholarships: the Sylvia Paoli Advanced Rating Scholarship and Maverick Scholarship with IAC. As the Long Beach 99s Chairman she will be creating the Iris Cummings WASP Scholarship. She hopes to continue creating and promoting scholarships to help future aviators and her sisters of the Ninety-Nines. Currently a SWS Nominating Committee Member with knowledge of the operations and procedures of the SWS. She’s happy to serve and preserve the 99s for future generations in any capacity she can.

Laura Del Favero (Santa Clara Valley Chapter)
The 99s has been an important part of my life for 16 years. I have held most board positions in the Santa Clara Valley Chapter and have been committee chair for several chapter committees. I have attended all but three section meetings since I joined in 2007. Currently, I serve as SWS Director and SWS newsletter editor. In my time as Director, I have worked with SWS committee chairs to organize and update committee SOPs. As newsletter editor, I have the opportunity to read about all the inspiring things our section is doing to promote aviation and the 99s. I have enjoyed learning what it takes to govern the largest section of the 99s and I would like to continue to support the SWS by running for a second term as Director.

Claudia Maciel (Monterey Bay Chapter)
After a personal break from aviation, I came back as a flight instructor in 2011 and the very first thing I did was join my local chapter of the 99s. I knew that the only way to stay active would be to have the support of other pilots and boy was I right. Not only did they support me while flying, but they helped me as a single mom and again when I lost my husband. The 99s have given me so much, that I had to give back. I served as chapter chair from 2012 – 2016. I have helped the Southwest Section as technology chair for many years. Professionally I work as a software engineer and I have hopes and plans to have the Southwest Section use technology in the best way possible to help current members and help retain and grow membership.

Debra Balsley (San Diego Chapter)
I am running for Southwest Section Nominating Committee to hopefully influence and mentor more professional women pilots to run for office. I have been involved with various aviation/ mentoring organizations for over 20 years. I have flown jets in the military, corporate, regional airlines and currently fly the B777 internationally for United Airlines. I am also involved with my local chapter of the United States Naval Academy Alumni Association serving as the Vice-President. One of my more important full time jobs is being the mother of a 17 year old student athlete high school senior girl. Once she graduates I look forward to being more involved with my mentoring activities. Thank you for your consideration!

Donna L. Harman (Mt. Shasta Chapter)
I would like to be considered as a candidate for the Nominating Committee. The Ninety-Nines organization has been a significant part of my flying life for 45 years, during which I earned a Private Pilot Certificate, Instrument Rating, and Commercial Certificate. I started with the San Fernando Valley Chapter, and past member of Apple Valley, Modesto, and Palmdale chapters. Currently a member of Mount Shasta Chapter, serving two times each as Chapter Chairperson, and Vice Chairperson. I flew in the Palms to Pines Air Race, and I am the chairperson for the Red Bluff overnight stop. Our chapter earned money for scholarships by selling merchandise and serving Father’s Day breakfast. I would like to contribute to the spirit of advancing women in aviation, providing friendship, encouragement, education, and leadership, to all women pilots through the Ninety-Nines.

Susan Conner-Steeb (San Luis Obispo County Chapter)
I began flight lessons January of 2012 and got my PPL that July. That August I went to the Camarillo Airshow and stumbled upon the 99s booth. The Ventura County chapter signed me up that very day. Boy I wished I had found them early in my training! I immediately got involved with meetings, education, airshows, and section activities. San Luis Obispo had a small chapter, but that did not stop us from hosting a SW Section meeting in the fall of 2019. I served as chair for 2 years. In that time the chapter grew from 10 active members to over 35, from college students to mature adventurers like me. I own a Bonanza and love to fly to Oshkosh every summer. I now formation fly in the Bonanza Mass arrival. I love to inspire aviation in young and old and would be honored to serve a second term.

Annelie Hubinette (San Fernando Valley Chapter)
It is my privilege to volunteer for a second term with the SWS Nominating Committee. I feel that the Ninety-Nines have so much to offer to the next generation of pilots and that to grow as an International organization change is inevitable, and the invitation of new candidates is a vital part of strategizing for the future. Hoping we can locate those individuals who will bring change and devote their time is a challenge and a great opportunity. My local chapter supported my endeavor as a beginning pilot in 2017 to finally reach my dream of flying for a living. Without the 99s I would not be where I am today. Looking forward to paying it forward!

Samarra Dalrymple (Fullerton Chapter)
My passion for aviation began as a childhood dream that soared to great heights, fueling a lifelong commitment to exploring the skies. I am a proud alumna of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University while earning my Commercial Multi-Engine from part 141 and 61 programs. My enthusiasm for flying goes beyond being in the cockpit; I am deeply committed to inspiring and mentoring the next generation of female aviators, actively working to bolster their representation in the aviation industry. My community involvement is extensive, as I devote my time and skills to organizations such as the Ninety-Nines and the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals, where I help promote diversity and opportunity in aerospace. In my tenure with the Ninety-Nines, I have served as Chairman, twice as Vice Chairman, and as a membership chair, reflecting my leadership and commitment to the aviation community. I strive to inspire those who dream of taking to the skies.