ABOUT US
The Avion Institute
The AeroStar journey began in 2008 with the vision and leadership of founder Tammera L. Holmes, who launched AeroStar Consulting Corporation as a pioneering force to deliver aviation consulting services and programming to underrepresented communities. From the outset, Tammera’s goal was clear: to enhance, promote, and support the academic awareness of aviation and aeronautical career paths for students, particularly female, minority, underprivileged, and at-risk youth.
AeroStar’s impact was rooted in the development of aviation academic curricula, immersive programs, engaging activities, and comprehensive support services for students in grades K–12 with interests in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). Through Tammera’s vision and relentless drive, AeroStar paved the way for a more inclusive and sustainable future in aviation.
Recognizing the growing need for a long-term talent pipeline and scalable impact, Dr. Holmes alongside Kristy Farrakhan and Kim McCommon, formalized their shared commitment by founding The AeroStar Avion Institute. Together, this core team developed the organization’s business model, foundational strategies, and mission to institutionalize and expand the work that had begun under AeroStar Consulting.
Today, under the leadership of Co-Founder and CEO Kristy Farrakhan, The Avion Institute continues to build on the foundation laid by Dr. Tammera L. Holmes. Along with fellow Co-Founder and Board member, Kim McCommon, Kristy remains steadfast in advancing the Institute’s mission to inspire the next generation of aviation professionals and STEM leaders through strategic partnerships, innovative programming, and inclusive outreach.
As we look toward the future, we honor our origins while embracing new opportunities to expose, elevate, educate, and empower youth through the transformative power of aviation.
OUR
MISSION
Through primary, secondary and post secondary education centers, we enhance, promote and support
the academic awareness of aviation and aeronautical career path opportunities for all students, especially
female, African American, Latino, underprivileged, under-served and at-risk youth.
Through primary, secondary and post secondary education centers, we enhance, promote and support the academic awareness of aviation and aeronautical career path opportunities for all students, especially female, African American, Latino, underprivileged, under-served and at-risk youth.
Expose
Corporate visits, airport tours, introductory
airplane rides and career exploration.
Educate
History, personal impact, global perspective,
and future of aerospace industry.
Educate
History, personal impact, global perspective, and future of
aerospace industry.
Empower
Flight simulators, model planes, RC aircraft
and helicopters, drone flight.
Employ
Mentoring, advocacy, pipeline placement,
college application, scholarship assistance.
OUR
OBJECTIVES
1
Increase public understanding
of the importance of aviation and support aerospace education initiatives at the local, state, national and global levels, especially among students from diverse backgrounds.
2
Maximize academic achievement
among young men and women by providing strong, innovative academic tools that enhance their aptitude for learning both inside and outside of the classroom.
3
Provide a support system
for any student interested in pursuing careers in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and particularly aerospace.
OUR
OBJECTIVES
1
Increase public understanding
of the importance of aviation and support aerospace education initiatives at the local, state, national and global levels, especially among students from diverse backgrounds.
2
Maximize academic achievement
among young men and women by providing strong, innovative academic tools that enhance their aptitude for learning both inside and outside of the classroom.
3
Provide a support system
for any student interested in pursuing careers in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and particularly aerospace.
TEAM
AEROSTAR
KRISTY J. FARRAKHAN
Executive Director
Selena Berry
Program Manager
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
SHERELLE WITHERS
Vice-President of the Board
KIMMY L. BUTLER
Treasurer
THOMAS KEYS IV
Chief Technology Officer
KIMBERLY M. MCCOMMON
JetBlue Airways Pilot
Trista Bonds
VP Engineering & Manufacturing Operations
Kristina Wynne
Board Member
Denise McKinney
Board Member
Tondalaya Lloyd
Board Member
“We dreamed of being pilots as boys but were told it was not possible.
Through faith and determination we overcame enormous obstacles.
This is a lesson that all young people need to hear.”
– Brig. Gen. Charles E. McGee –
“We dreamed of being pilots as boys but were told it was not possible. Through faith and determination we overcame enormous obstacles.
This is a lesson that all young
people need to hear.”
– Brig. Gen. Charles E. McGee –
Mail: aai@avioninstitute.org
Phone: (312) 883-6383
122 South Michigan Avenue
Suite 1390
Chicago, IL 60603
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