Mrs. Alaska U.S. All World Beauties 2012 takes flight with ‘GirlsFlyToo’ platform
My name is Ariel Talen-Keller and I am the reigning Mrs. Alaska U.S. All World Beauties pageant winner. My platform is called ‘GirlsFlyToo’ – a project to encourage and educate women to be a part of aviation. I grew up on an airfield and my parents are pilots. My father is one of the few people in the nation that restores antique airplanes for a living. His passion and love for aviation inspired me to share that same passion. I attended flight school after college and as a pilot myself, I understand the importance of teaching and encouraging our youth to get involved in aviation.
My involvement with the Girl Scouts of Alaska has given me the opportunity to share my message at their Women of Science and Technology presentations throughout the state of Alaska. These presentations are geared to the troops statewide who visit a variety of interesting science, math, aviation, and technology presentations from industry professionals around the state. I had a great experience with the troops I presented to. They were full of great questions and wanted lots of pictures with me! I have another Women of Science presentation in March. I am very excited to have the opportunity to represent Alaska at the national pageant in June 2012.
March 1st, 2012 at 7:52 pm
Congratulations! And great picture of the Cub!
March 9th, 2012 at 3:35 pm
Hi
My name is Karen Anderson, I am a Captain for Alaska Airlines and have lived and flown in Alaska for the last 20 years. Let me know if I can help with your project. I think young women need to know that they can fly for a living if they want to.
Thanks
Karen
March 9th, 2012 at 5:31 pm
Hello,
I love this ! I am originally from Trinidad but reside in new Jersey. An although i have never been to Alaska. I share you passion for flight. I have wanted to be a private pilot since i was a girl, but unlike yourself did not grow up around pilot or the like. I also recently learned my sister also desires to be a commercial pilot. I came across an article in the New York Times and would like to wish you all the best in this journey. I would also like to offer to do my part whatever that may be to get this platform off to a flying start!!!!!
All the best .. CINDY
March 9th, 2012 at 8:17 pm
Thank you, Ariel! And to the rest of the girls that are following this thread, you should explore Girls With Wings, operated by Lynda Meeks, as well as all sorts of opportunities through EAA! Ariel, I have flown in Alaska many times, and envy you! We have found dozens of ways for the girls to get involved. I work with several - One started flying helicopters when she was 12, another started in helicopters when she was "almost" 12. Another started in airplanes when she was 15, and now works at a heliport. We're very proud of all of them.
March 11th, 2012 at 12:22 am
You Go Girl. I soloed in a Cub and want to visit and fly Alaska someday!
March 18th, 2012 at 9:42 pm
Thank you all for the support! This is a great platform for Alaska but a stronger platform for the nation. Thanks so much!
March 18th, 2012 at 9:51 pm
Hi Karen ~
Thank you so much ~ I really appreciate the support from Alaska Airlines! I'm flying with you guys down to Orlando for the national pageant in June! Should be a great trip! I was just in Dallas, Texas for the Women in Aviation conference - where I got to meet lots of the Alaska Airlines crew. Where you there by chance? I have some pictures I would like to submit to Alaska Airlines -- do you know how I can do that?
My email address is mrsalaskausbeauties@hotmail.com
Thank you ~
March 28th, 2012 at 10:51 pm
Hey Ariel,
It was a pleasure getting to meet you at the WAI conference, and hope we can meet again one day. Hope everything is going well for you. Keep up the excellent work, and Blue Skies and Tail Winds in your endeavors.
June 12th, 2012 at 11:34 pm
Best of luck at the U.S. All World Beauties pageant we are rooting for you back here in Anchorage.
rob
August 25th, 2012 at 10:04 pm
Congrats Ariel! I saw you at State Fair Parade today and thought I'd let you know I live in Anchorage! Text me at 541-554-6334 and meet up! Hope you're doing well.