At just 27 years old, Zoey Williams, hailing from Ontario, Canada, has etched her name in the annals of aviation history as Air Canada’s pioneering Black female pilot to command a Boeing 777.
Her remarkable achievement not only shatters glass ceilings but also serves as an inspiration to aspiring pilots worldwide.
Williams, a prodigious talent with four college degrees under her belt, including an MBA in Aviation from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, has been recognized for her exceptional contributions to the aviation industry.
Recently named among the Top 20 Under 40 by Wings Magazine, she continues to blaze trails and redefine what it means to excel in a male-dominated field.
Born into a family of aviators, with her father serving as a pilot, Williams was exposed to the wonders of flight from a young age.
Despite her initial reservations about pursuing a career in piloting due to the demanding schedules, she found her calling after overcoming her fear of flying during a transformative experience aboard a Cessna aircraft.
Determined to conquer her apprehensions, Williams embarked on a journey of flight training and obtained her certification as a flight instructor by the remarkable age of 19.
Her relentless pursuit of excellence led her through various roles in the aviation industry, including navigating challenging conditions aboard the Beechcraft 1900 and serving as a First Officer for Sky Regional Airlines and Air Transat.
Undeterred by the challenges posed by the global pandemic, Williams remained steadfast in her pursuit of excellence, simultaneously pursuing an MBA while engaging in entrepreneurial ventures and piloting Boeing 737 aircraft for Flair Airlines.
Her unwavering dedication and resilience culminated in her historic appointment as Air Canada’s first Black female pilot to command the iconic Boeing 777.
Williams’ achievements have garnered widespread recognition, with Air Canada and Elevate Aviation 2023 Women of Inspire featuring her in promotional videos celebrating her accomplishments.
Beyond her stellar career in aviation, Williams is a multi-talented individual, showcasing her musical talents on various platforms and embarking on a journey as an author with her upcoming book, “Go Where You Belong,” aimed at inspiring the next generation of trailblazers.
Reflecting on her journey, Williams offers sage advice to aspiring individuals:
“If you have a burning desire to do something, don’t bury it. Keep your focus, build your networks, share your goals, and show your passion in everything you do. That’s how you can end up doing things you love day in and day out.”
As Zoey Williams continues to soar to new heights, her story serves as a testament to the power of determination, perseverance, and unwavering passion in achieving one’s dreams.
