Beth White: Education Possibilitarian, Artist, Writer, Doula, Mentor, Aviatrix, Breast Cancer Survivor, Pilot-in-Command at Habitat for Aviation

In the Spring of 2022, Beth White emerged from a 10-month battle with breast cancer with an idea: to create an apprenticeship program at Franklin County State Airport where youth work alongside adult mentors servicing conventional and electric aircraft.

A pilot and airplane mechanic apprentice herself, and with family roots in the trades, Beth's creation, Habitat for Aviation, provides an onramp for real world learning opportunities.  The participants who love to work with their hands are enabled by this organization to enter the FAA's apprenticeship certification track. Each day Beth puts systems in place that make real John Dewey's philosophy that we "learn best what we live" – a deep throughline tenure in education spaces.  She has served most recently as Regional Director for Big Picture Learning and Habitat for Aviation, where each learning experience is grounded in relationships, relevance, and practice.

In October, 2023, Habitat for Aviation launched its WOMEN BUILD PLANES program, where an all-female team of Modern Day Rosies is building an airplane at Franklin County Airport, in northwestern Vermont, to show folks everywhere that despite the fact that only 2.6% of airplane mechanics are female, women BUILD, FLY, and FIX airplanes.

Peggy Doyle was the daughter of pilot Harrison Doyle, but initially planned on a career as a grade school teacher.  After her mother was diagnosed with cancer, however, she left college to care for her, and then decided to become a nurse.  After earning advanced degrees she practiced at several Washington D.C. area hospitals, helping people as a psychiatric nurse, and later in private practice.  Peggy was honored by George Mason University in 2015 for her work throughout her career.

She learned to fly, joined The Ninety Nines in August of 1985, and continued learning, reaching CFI status and helping people as both a nurse and a flight instructor.  Her interest in providing humanitarian support through both of those professions expanded over the years to include many outreach activities.

Early in her career, Peggy flew all over the country promoting a new technology for patients with ALS.  She volunteered for Compassion Airlift, beginning in 2008, providing free transportation to those who needed specialized medical care. She flew more than 216 hours transporting ill or injured people for their medical care.  That was the equivalent of 1½ times around the world doing this great work.

As a member of The Ninety Nines, Peggy served in many capacities, but most notably as an Amelia Earhart Memorial Scholarship Trustee for many years, aiding and assisting those who were coming up in aviation after her.  As an extremely valuable and committed volunteer Trustee, Peggy was chosen as a Permanent Trustee to provide continuity, historical knowledge and educational assistance to newly elected members of the Trust.  For 30 years Peggy was focused on those who won the AE Scholarships and to her mentees on the Trust.

Loving outreach; compassionate giving; personal caring; generosity with time and talents;  wife; mother; grandmother; pilot; nurse; counselor; humanitarian and Ninety-Nine. 

Richard A. Blevins's 46 years in the aviation industry includes military service, private sector leadership, and aviation education. As the Director of Aviation at Northeast State Community College, he developed the only Community College FAA Part 147 Aviation Maintenance Technology (AMT) training program in Tennessee.

Richard's contributions have shaped the future of aviation education in Tennessee and beyond. In building FAA-certified programs in a high-tech education center, he has ensured the program's success and sustainability. His community outreach efforts have directly influenced the lives of hundreds of young women, many of whom have pursued aviation careers.

Richard built Northeast State Community College's AMT program from the ground up. He overcame societal barriers in a traditionally male-dominated field, advocating for equal opportunities for women in aviation. His graduates currently work for companies such as PSA Airlines, Fly Exclusive, Standard Aero, and Gulfstream Aerospace. 

Richard was inducted into the Tennessee Aviation Hall of Fame in 2022. United States Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger spoke in Congress to recognize his extensive contributions to aviation. He has engaged over 300 young women through the Girls Technology Camps he developed. Participants learn how to rivet, preflight aircraft, start an aircraft, and fly in one of the college's Redbird MCX Flight Simulators. He has collaborated to create the largest Girl Scout badge program in the Tri-State area. Eighty-four Girl Scouts have earned Aviation Merit Patches to date. One former participant is now enrolled in his program.

In 2023 he briefed 1,200 high school students on aviation careers. In 2024 he sponsored aviation education summer camps for 60 students and conducted an aviation camp for 20 teachers/educators. He builds community and familiarity with aviation by sponsoring local events. His free Santa in a Helicopter photo session included 300 participants in 2024. They were able to get family portraits and learn more about his program and aviation career opportunities. His collaborative efforts with organizations like The Ninety-Nines ensure that women of all ages have the resources, role models, and opportunities they need to succeed.

For 24 years, Lori Plourd has been an enthusiastic 99 and an active member of the Katahdin Wing Chapter, and the New England Section.  She has attended International meetings, competed in air races and materializes at events across the country to support the advancement of women in aviation.  As you review her Ninety-Nines activities many of her officer positions overlap, all while working, flying and living an adventurous life.  She has served since 2017 as International Publications Committee Chair.  She has served as Governor, Vice Governor, Newsletter Editor, Secretary, Webmaster and Airmarking Chair for the Section. For her Chapter Lori has been Chair for a total of five terms, and served in many other positions.

But Lori has not been nominated for this award because of the impressive number of offices she has held in The Ninety-Nines, or her tremendous time commitment to the organization over the last three decades.  She has been nominated because of her passion for bettering and promoting the members of The Ninety-Nines and for the positive spirit in which she has made the contributions she has made. Lori has a genuine desire to see others succeed, and a positivity that has made her the heart of the Katahdin Wings Chapter.  She has a desire for the team, the project or the objective to be successful.  She is not looking for recognition or credit.

Lori also has an incredible talent as a graphic designer, with a degree from the Maine College of Art and Design in 1986 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts.  She is a graphic designer for the Bridgeton News and has used her knowledge and experience to produce The Ninety-Nines magazine since 2017.  

Lori has faced personal challenges with her health and that of loved ones and has continued to help this organization grow. Through her personal challenges she has never faltered in her commitments to The 99s  She will say there was still something for her to contribute. 

Sunita (Suni) Williams exemplifies courage, resilience, and the pioneering spirit of aviation and space exploration. Selected as a NASA astronaut in 1998, she has flown three space missions—Expeditions 14/15, 32/33, and 71/72—and logged an extraordinary 608 days in space, among the highest for any astronaut.

In 2024, Williams and NASA astronaut Butch Wilmore launched aboard Boeing's Starliner on its first crewed flight. After the agency returned the Starliner uncrewed, Williams became Expedition 71/72 Commander, and they returned aboard a SpaceX Dragon capsule in March 2025.

Williams holds the record for the most spacewalking time by a female astronaut—62 hours and 6 minutes—ranking fourth on NASA's all-time list. Over her career, she has demonstrated technical excellence and trailblazing leadership in one of the most demanding environments known to humanity.

Born in Ohio and raised in Massachusetts, Williams holds degrees from the U.S. Naval Academy and Florida Institute of Technology. As a Navy pilot and test pilot, she logged over 3,000 flight hours in more than 30 aircraft.

Her awards include two Defense Superior Service Medals, the Legion of Merit, and several other military commendations. She is a member of the Society of Experimental Test Pilots and the American Helicopter Society.

The Ninety-Nines is proud to recognize Captain Sunita L. Williams with the 2025 Award of Inspiration for her extraordinary achievements and her continued dedication to inspiring the next generation of aviators and explorers.

Each year, the President's Award is given at the discretion of the International President to recognize a member whose extraordinary dedication and service have made a lasting impact on The Ninety-Nines.

This is not an award that is automatically given — it is reserved for those whose contributions truly stand out. The recipient is someone who works tirelessly, often behind the scenes, to elevate our organization, support our members, and uphold the mission we all share.

The President's Award honors vision, leadership, and a deep commitment to the values of The Ninety-Nines. It is my privilege to recognize a member whose efforts have gone above and beyond, and whose impact will be felt for years to come.

This year, we honor Lori Plourd, whose unwavering commitment as Chair of the Publishing Committee has profoundly impacted our organization. Under her stewardship, The Ninety-NInes magazine has flourished, consistently delivering content that informs, inspires, and unites our global community of women pilots.

Lori's editorial vision and meticulous attention to detail have elevated the publication, ensuring it reflects the excellence and spirit of The Ninety-Nines.

Lori's work happens behind the scenes, but the results are seen and appreciated by thousands. Her commitment to excellence and her belief in the power of storytelling exemplify the very best of who we are as Ninety-Nines.

A devoted member of the Katahdin Wings Chapter in Maine, Lori Plourd has been an integral part of The Ninety-Nines for many years. Her passion for aviation and storytelling converges in her role as Chair of the Publishing Committee, where she leads a dedicated team to produce The Ninety-Nines magazine. Beyond her editorial contributions, Lori is known for her mentorship and active involvement in aviation events throughout New England. Her background in graphic design, combined with her love for flying, has made her an invaluable asset to our organization.

We are proud to honor Lori Plourd with the 2025 President's Award in recognition of her outstanding service.