Scholarships

Aloha, my name is Paige and I was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii, where you’ll probably find me hiking or spending time with my friends! I am so incredibly grateful to have received this year’s Marguerite Gambo Wood Flight Training Scholarship, as flight training places a great financial burden on my family and this support will help ease that weight. I’m currently studying for my bachelor’s degree while completing my ratings, so I plan to use these funds for my commercial pilot license training. I love to fly, regardless of the challenges it throws at me, and this support from the Aloha Chapter will keep pushing me towards my dream of one day becoming an airline pilot. 

I am truly grateful and honored to have been selected as a recipient of the Marguerite Gambo Wood Scholarship for 2026. I was born and raised in Hawaii, and being able to start my journey here at home is meaningful to me. Aviation has changed my life in a very positive way. This support means so much to me as I continue working toward earning my private pilot license.This scholarship will directly help offset costs of training and also brings me one step closer to achieving that dream. Thank you for investing in my journey and believing in my future in aviation.

Michelle is honored to receive these funds to help her achieve her CFI Certificate. The support and community she has found in The Ninety-Nines has been her foundation on her journey. Michelle works full-time, has an almost 3-year-old daughter and 2 teenage stepsons, and currently serves as the chair of the Aloha Chapter Ninety-Nines. She is also the Executive Director of the Hawaii Aviation Expo. Flight training alongside a full life of responsibilities isn't easy, but having support like this inspires her to keep at it. She thanks the scholarship committee for this opportunity.

Aloha, my name is Kealia Kamalani. I am beyond grateful to be awarded the MGW 2026 scholarship. To me, this scholarship is more than just being monetarily assisted. It is women supporting women in an industry where there aren't many of us. It means so much to me to be apart of this community, and I know that one day I will put back in the support I am receiving. I intend to use this scholarship mainly for my instrument training which I hope to begin in the near future. Mahalo again and safe flying ☺️

Caitlin Thomas is first and foremost a wife and mama. She splits time between Honolulu and Seattle, works as her church's Kids Director and is passionate about aviation. She has proudly served on the Board of the Aloha Chapter Ninety-Nines as Treasurer since 2021 and is forever grateful for the friendships and community she has been a part of on her aviation journey thus far. Scholarships are what makes flight training possible for Caitlin, and without them, she would not be able to go after her dreams. She will utilize this scholarship to finish her CFI certificate and then will continue chipping away to ATP minimums.

Aloha, I’m Laura, and I’m a very proud recipient of the 2025 MGW scholarship. After nearly two decades in my current career as a self-employed photographer, I decided it was finally time to chase my dreams of becoming an airline pilot. I hope to encourage other women that might be older than the average student that it’s never too late to pivot and do something completely new! The Aloha 99s and the amazing community of women pilots in Hawaii have been invaluable in their camaraderie, support, and encouragement. In six months, I’ve completed all of the requirements for my private pilot certificate and am in the final push toward check ride prep. My savings have only carried me so far, so this scholarship is appreciated beyond words, and will help me immensely in completing my PPL, and continuing immediately on to instrument training. I am so humble and grateful to be selected as a MGW scholarship recipient.

Aloha! I am incredibly honored to be chosen as the recipient of the Marguerite Gambo Wood Flight Training Scholarship. As a full-time Flight Instructor at Barbers Point Flight School and a mother to a two-year-old, balancing the responsibilities of parenthood and pursuing my aviation dreams can be challenging. This scholarship has made the next step in my journey towards becoming an Airline Transport Pilot possible and has provided me with the opportunity to achieve my aviation goals. 

Aloha, my name is Anais Rodriguez and I am an aspiring airline pilot working on my Instrument Rating at Pacific Flight Academy and a proud recipient of the 2025 Marguerite Gambo Wood Flight Training Scholarship. Thanks to the Ninety-nines and the MGW scholarship, I am alleviated of a lot of mental and financial stress that comes with flight training, allowing me to focus more on flying and studying. I am eternally grateful for receiving this scholarship and the invaluable support I have received from the Aloha Chapter!

Hannah is a Commercial pilot from Kauai and a grateful recipient of the 2025 Marguerite Gambo Woods Scholarship. 

This scholarship will allow Hannah to get started on her CFI training and has granted her the ability to continue flying without financial constraint.​ ​

Aloha! I am 19 years old and have recently earned my Private Pilots License at Pacific Flight Academy in Honolulu. The funds from this scholarship will help me earn my instrument rating. I am super excited to embark on this new journey and am very grateful for the 99s for their help and support! I would not be where I am without their assistance, encouragement and love.

Receiving the MGW scholarship means I can make the final push towards my PPL!!! I’m a mother of a 17-yr-old daughter, a flight attendant at Hawaiian Airlines and also a licensed massage therapist since 2002. Outside of work, my passions include pre- and post-natal health, as a former birth doula, and being in nature. You’ll either find me swimming in the ocean or up in the mountains hiking or snowboarding. Facing an empty nest in the near future, I’ve been slowly working away at my first rating for about a year now, juggling 2 jobs, motherhood and life. Receiving the MGW scholarship is giving me a huge boost to make the final push through my solos, cross-countries and tests. My goal is to have my first rating by summer and then continue on towards my instrument rating a.s.a.p. A huge mahalo to the MGW Foundation for supporting me!!! 

Aloha, I am very grateful to have been awarded the Marguerite Gambo Wood Flight Training Scholarship. Thus far, I have used this scholarship for my flight training to work towards completing my private pilot’s license. This award has significantly impacted me and my family
as flight training can be quite costly. By receiving this scholarship, I have been able to get a head start on my dream of becoming a commercial airline pilot, as well as having to worry less about the financial side of my flight training. Through this scholarship I have been empowered to continue my passion of flying and working towards my goals for the future. The Marguerite Gambo Wood Flight Training Scholarship has enabled me to continue my flight training without being stunted by the expense of training.