Women's History Month is a time to raise awareness of the many social and cultural achievements of women and acknowledge women who continue to advocate for gender equality and women with disabilities.
According to UN Women, which promotes gender equality and the empowerment of women around the world, about one in five women will experience some disability in her lifetime.
One woman who flies to the top of the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion list of women who advocate for gender rights and the rights of people with disabilities is Jessica Cox, who is best known for becoming the first armless pilot in aviation history.
Jessica Cox was born on Feb. 2, 1983, with no arms. Her parents made sure she engaged in activities like all other children. The second daughter of a retired American music teacher and a Filipino nurse, Jessica Cox holds the distinction of being the first woman pilot in aviation history to fly with her feet. The following are just a few of the barriers she surpassed:
- As a child, Jessica overcame her fears and danced in front of a crowd. She loved it and could not wait to perform again – setting the tone for the rest of her life. She would never let her fears stop her from accomplishing anything she set her mind to.
- Around age 11, she vowed to never wear her prosthetic arms again. Jessica felt more comfortable using her feet rather than her prosthetic arms despite the looks and laughter she endured.
- Jessica attended college at the University of Arizona and graduated in 2005.
- She became the first armless person in the United States to obtain a driver's license and a black belt in Taekwondo.
- After college, Jessica became a professional motivational speaker. She inspires people to achieve their dreams, no matter their situation, and inspires humanity to change for the better.
- Robin Stoddard, a former fighter pilot, who represents a charity organization called Wright Flight, offered her the chance to learn to fly an aircraft. Jessica was up for the challenge.
- She earned her license in an ERCO Ercoupe 415C, a low-wing monoplane with a single engine. The unique controls of the aircraft, which include no rudders, allow a pilot to control the aircraft only using their hands. This plane was the perfect match for Jessica as it meant she could fly with her feet.
- In three years she completed her training. Jessica passed her check ride on Oct. 10, 2008, and became a fully licensed pilot, able to fly light-sport aircraft.
- Her achievement earned her a Guinness World Record medal, invitations to speak from six continents, and interviews on television programs like Ellen, Inside Edition, Fox and Friends, Oprah Winfrey Network, CNN, CBS Evening News, and the BBC.
Jessica reminds us that there is more than one way to tackle a task and that we do not need to be limited by fear or perceived capabilities. Thank you Jessica for breaking barriers.
