ALOHA CHAPTER NINETY-NINES
About Us
As an International Organization of Women Pilots, The Ninety-Nines®, and our local chapter, The Aloha Chapter 99s, promote advancement of aviation through education, scholarships and mutual support while honoring our unique history and sharing our passion for flight.
Chair
Michelle JoAnn
After serving this chapter's board since 2019, Michelle is thrilled for the opportunity to lead such an incredible group of female aviators for another term! She is an instrument-rated Private Pilot, working on her Commercial License at Barbers Point Flight School. She works as a freelancer in film, events, and PR. She brings her logistical aptitude to the board and works constantly to create a vibrant, supportive, professional community of aviators through the 99s! In 2023, she became a mother to a baby girl who may be a future 99! In 2024, she created the Hawaii Aviation Expo alongside Tanya Terrell, and is invested in maintaining this entirely homegrown event for years to come.
Vice-Chair
Anais Rodriguez
Anais is a current Private Pilot working on her Instrument Rating out of Pacific Flight Academy. Anais first joined The Ninety-nines in 2023 as a student pilot, seeking friendship and support within the local aviation community. Since then, she has become an active and involved member of the Aloha Chapter, and is passionate about uplifting and encouraging those just beginning their aviation journeys — just as she was supported when she first started. Now serving as Vice Chair, Anais is excited to give back to the chapter by fostering a strong, supportive community and furthering the chapter's mission. Beyond the skies, Anais enjoys the outdoors, and frequently spends her free time hiking, exploring nature, and enjoying her home’s beautiful beaches.
Treasurer
Caitlin Thomas
Caitlin is a proud Aloha Chapter Ninety-Nine, has been an active member since 2020, and has served as Board Treasurer since 2021. She is forever indebted to the Aloha Chapter Ninety-Nines for the community and lifelong friends she has made in the aviation industry. This community keeps her going. Caitlin is a wife and mom of two young boys, is working on her CFI, and is a part of the Horizon Airlines Pilot Development Program. She lives in both Honolulu, HI and Seattle, WA, and is passionate about making flight training accessible and affordable to local women. She loves meeting and talking to other aviators, so if you ever have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out! Blue skies!
Secretary
Rachel Huff-Wagenborg
Rachel Huff joins the board of the Aloha Chapter 99s, bringing her passion for aviation and extensive experience in nonprofit management to help expand the chapter’s impact. As she pursues her dream of flying and a second career in aviation, she is dedicated to empowering female aviators and contributing to the growth and success of the Ninety-Nines community.
Webmaster
Hannah Whelan
Hannah joined the Aloha Chapter 99s shortly after earning her Private Pilot’s Certificate in 2022. In 2023, she took on the role of chapter secretary. She then designed and built the chapter's website in preparation for the inaugural Hawaii Aviation Expo, eventually transitioning into the position of chapter webmaster in 2025. Throughout her time with the chapter, Hannah has earned her Instrument Rating and Commercial Single and Multi-Engine Certifications, with invaluable support and guidance from fellow members. She is now serving as an SIC in Pacific Air Charter’s SIC PDP program.
Scholarship Chair
Tanya Rames
Aloha my name is Tanya Terrell. I joined the Aloha Chapter in 2017 as a student pilot. At the time, I was a Hawaiian Airlines Flight Attendant with the dream of becoming a Hawaiian Airlines Pilot. Over the next six years, I worked around the clock to make that dream come true. I couldn't have done it without the moral support of the Aloha Chapter Ninety-nines as well as the financial support from the Ninety-nines, Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum and FAST - Female Aviators Sticking Together. I personally know how impactful receiving scholarships can be for individuals going through this journey, and I am passionate to help others become scholarship recipients as well. Not only through our local chapter scholarships but also through our international organization who has a rigorous scholarship application process. I love to lend an ear for those going through training and always happy to offer advice when requested!
Media Officer
Laura Ivanova
Laura joined the 99s Aloha Chapter in 2024 before she even officially began flying! While waitlisted at all the local flight schools on Oahu, she found invaluable support and mentorship to begin her aviation journey from this wonderful community of female pilots. She started flight training in Sept 2024, and since then, she has completed all of the requirements for her PPL at Pacific Flight Academy and is hoping to obtain her certificate very soon. She’ll continue on to instrument and commercial, with the goal of becoming an airline pilot. Laura currently works as a professional photographer and can’t wait to serve the Aloha 99s as the very first Media Officer.
Membership Chair
Meredith Grimmer
Meredith Grimmer is working on her PPL and is so grateful to have found the 99's Aloha Chapter and assist with PR for this fabulous, talented group of female aviators. As a passenger, she always requests the window seat, as a flight attendant at Hawaiian Air, she loves to give scenic announcements to inspire others to look outside, and as a pilot, she relishes the best views! Whether watching whales at play or huge surf breaking on the North Shore, a birds' eye view of Earth is her inspiration to keep taking to the skies.
Swag Master
Erin Mason
Erin has been a proud member of the 99s since July 2022, when she first embarked on her aviation journey. Born and raised in Hawaii, she earned her pilot certificates—from Private Pilot (PPL) through Certified Flight Instructor-Instrument (CFII) and Multi-Engine—while training across the United States. Now, she has come full circle, returning home to Hawaii, where she first experienced the thrill of flight during her discovery flight. Currently, she is advancing her career in the SIC PDP program at Pacific Air Charters.
Member at Large
Denise Smith
Denise joined the Aloha Chapter 99s in 2023 after moving back to Oahu. She began her flight training in Las Vegas and is currently working on her commercial rating at Barbers Point Flight School. She is excited to be part of a women’s aviation group that supports female aviators and celebrates their success while also contributing to the local community. In addition to flying, Denise loves running and animals. Although her cats and dog don’t make good running partners, she and her husband enjoy taking their senior Golden Retriever on outings.
Member at Large
Shealin Johnson
Shealin currently flies at Asia Pacific Airlines. She loves the 757 and flying into Samoa, Guam, and pacific islands. Prior she was a CFI at Pacific Flight Academy, and hopes to continue her general aviation involvement as a DPE one day. She has been on the board of directors for the 99s for 3 years and has specialized in organizing social events and using her creative side for designing airplane earrings as a fundraiser. Her passion is mentorship and guiding others on their path to aviation.