Hassanah Al-Saba is a 21-year-old final year Computer Science student at the University of the West Indies, Mona, who is simultaneously pursuing her dreams of becoming a pilot at the Aeronautical School of the West Indies.  

Through her appreciation of art and design, she is also a UI/UX Design Intern at Innovate 10X. 

Hassanah served as an Outstanding Publications Chair for the Faculty of Science and Technology’s Guild Committee at the UWI, Mona and has also earned Distinguished District Governor from Key Club International while at St. Andrew High School for Girls.  

Her goal for the future is to soar the skies as an Airline Pilot 

What industry are you a part of and would you say it is women inclusive?  

I am a part of the aviation industry and I would say it is women inclusive.  

What inspired you to become a Pilot?   

From a young age, I have always been fascinated by airplanes. From travelling to simply looking up at the sky in amazement that a body of metal can soar through the sky. Through travelling, I was way more excited to be on an airplane than the trip itself. The thrill of flight brings me a sense of comfort and joy that I aim to feel often through pursuing it as my career path.  

What action is needed to level the playing field in your industry?  

Women have been involved in aviation since the Wright Brothers’ first flight in 1903 and have played a significant role in its advancement to this day. The industry welcomes new female aviators but with it being male-dominated, not many women see aviation, outside of being a flight attendant, as a viable career path. This can change through better visibility of women who are making strides in aviation. 

How do you #BreaktheBias?  

Sometimes when people are shocked that I’ve chosen a career path that brings about stereotypes attached to people of my faith. I show them that being trapped behind these barriers will only bring unhappiness, which I certainly do not want for myself, and at the end of the day, your journey can only be forged by you.