ALOHA CHAPTER NINETY-NINES
About Us
As an International Organization of Women Pilots, The Ninety-Nines®, and our local chapter, The Aloha Chapter 99s, promote advancement of aviation through education, scholarships and mutual support while honoring our unique history and sharing our passion for flight.
Chair
Michelle JoAnn
Michelle has been serving on the Aloha Chapter board since 2019 and is thrilled for the opportunity to lead such an incredible group of female aviators for another term! She is an instrument-rated Commercial Pilot currently pursuing her Multi-Engine Rating, with career goals in a Hawaii-based Part 135 operation.
Professionally, Michelle previously worked as a freelancer in film, events, and PR before becoming a mother in 2023. She now works as an Analyst for a public utility, bringing logistical, communications, and operational strengths to the board. Through the 99s, she works to foster a vibrant, supportive, and professional community for pilots at all levels, with a focus on mentorship, visibility, and expanding access to aviation in Hawaii.
Michelle also serves as the Executive Director of the Hawaii Aviation Expo — a growing, homegrown aviation event that connects students, pilots, and industry. She is the recipient of the Amelia Earhart Scholarship from The Ninety-Nines (2025), the Frank Der Yuen Scholarship from the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum (2025), and the Tweet Coleman Aviation Scholarship from the American Association of University Women (2022). She is passionate about creating long-term pathways for women and girls in aviation and is invested in strengthening Hawaii’s aviation community for years to come.
Vice-Chair
Anais Rodriguez
Anais is a current Private Pilot working on her Instrument Rating out of Pacific Flight Academy. Anais first joined The Ninety-nines in 2023 as a student pilot, seeking friendship and support within the local aviation community. Since then, she has become an active and involved member of the Aloha Chapter, and is passionate about uplifting and encouraging those just beginning their aviation journeys — just as she was supported when she first started. Now serving as Vice Chair, Anais is excited to give back to the chapter by fostering a strong, supportive community and furthering the chapter's mission. Beyond the skies, Anais enjoys the outdoors, and frequently spends her free time hiking, exploring nature, and enjoying her home’s beautiful beaches.
Treasurer
Caitlin Thomas
Caitlin is a proud Aloha Chapter Ninety-Nine, has been an active member since 2020, and has served as Board Treasurer since 2021. She is forever indebted to the Aloha Chapter Ninety-Nines for the community and lifelong friends she has made in the aviation industry. This community keeps her going. Caitlin is a wife and mom of two young boys, is working on her CFI, and is a part of the Horizon Airlines Pilot Development Program. She lives in both Honolulu, HI and Seattle, WA, and is passionate about making flight training accessible and affordable to local women. She loves meeting and talking to other aviators, so if you ever have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out! Blue skies!
Secretary
Rachel Huff-Wagenborg
Rachel Huff joins the board of the Aloha Chapter 99s, bringing her passion for aviation and extensive experience in nonprofit management to help expand the chapter’s impact. She currently holds a PPL and is working towards an Instrument Rating. Living in Hawaiʻi across geographically dispersed islands presents unique opportunities to blend her love of aviation and affinity for mission driven work. With her wings she aims to transport people, animals, and supplies in service of philanthropic efforts. She is dedicated to empowering female aviators and contributing to the growth and success of the Ninety-Nines community.
Webmaster
Hannah Whelan
Hannah joined the Aloha Chapter 99s shortly after earning her Private Pilot’s Certificate in 2022. In 2023, she took on the role of chapter secretary. She then designed and built the chapter's website in preparation for the inaugural Hawaii Aviation Expo, eventually transitioning into the position of chapter webmaster in 2025. Throughout her time with the chapter, Hannah has earned her Instrument Rating and Commercial Single and Multi-Engine Certifications, with invaluable support and guidance from fellow members. She is now serving as an SIC in Pacific Air Charter’s SIC PDP program.
Scholarship Chair
Tanya Terrell
Aloha my name is Tanya Terrell. I joined the Aloha Chapter in 2017 as a student pilot. At the time, I was a Hawaiian Airlines Flight Attendant with the dream of becoming a Hawaiian Airlines Pilot. Over the next six years, I worked around the clock to make that dream come true. I couldn't have done it without the moral support of the Aloha Chapter Ninety-nines as well as the financial support from the Ninety-nines, Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum and FAST - Female Aviators Sticking Together. I personally know how impactful receiving scholarships can be for individuals going through this journey, and I am passionate to help others become scholarship recipients as well. Not only through our local chapter scholarships but also through our international organization who has a rigorous scholarship application process. I love to lend an ear for those going through training and always happy to offer advice when requested!
Media Officer
Laura Ivanova
Laura joined the Aloha Chapter of The Ninety-Nines in 2024 before she had even officially begun flying. While waitlisted at local flight schools on Oʻahu, she found invaluable support, mentorship, and encouragement through this exceptional community of women pilots. She is now an instrument-rated private pilot pursuing her commercial certificate at Pacific Flight Academy, with plans to become a flight instructor and ultimately an airline pilot. In addition to her aviation training, Laura owns and operates her own photography business and is proud to serve the Aloha 99s as the chapter’s first-ever Media Officer.
Swag Master
Denise Smith
Denise joined the Aloha Chapter 99s in 2023 after moving back to Oahu. She began her flight training in Las Vegas and is currently working on her commercial rating at Barbers Point Flight School. She is excited to be part of a women’s aviation group that supports female aviators and celebrates their success while also contributing to the local community. In addition to flying, Denise loves running and animals. Although her cats and dog don’t make good running partners, she and her husband enjoy taking their senior Golden Retriever on outings.