This week we're joined by two aviation trailblazers whose careers helped redefine what was possible for women in the cockpit: Karen Ruth and Jill Newby. They take us from their early days as roommates at UND to remarkably accomplished careers in the airline industry.

Karen Ruth, a Delta Air Lines captain, has logged over 23,000 flight hours, flew the first delivery of Delta’s A330 from France to the United States, and has received both Delta’s prestigious Chairman’s Club Award and the Northwest Airlines President’s Club honor. A lifelong mentor and leader, Karen has shaped aviation from the flight deck to the classroom.

Jill Newby, was one of the first 30 women pilots hired by United Airlines, and after 40 years she retired as number 1 on the seniority list for 757/767 pilots. Along with mentoring, Ji ...