About the Book
Extraordinary journey of the first Latina pilot in the U.S. Air Force.
From a young girl with dreams to a trailblazing aviator who shattered barriers, Flightpath of Fortitude is a memoir of perseverance, courage, and resilience. As the first Latina pilot in the U.S. Air Force and a pioneering Hispanic female captain in commercial aviation, Olga shares her extraordinary journey of overcoming obstacles and defying expectations through global experiences, personal growth, and the challenges of balancing career and family, offering insights on leadership, faith, and the power of never giving up. This inspiring memoir is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and a call to all who dare to dream big and rise above limitations. Whether you're an aspiring aviator, a barrier-breaker in your own right, or someone seeking motivation to chase your goals, Flightpath of Fortitude will uplift and empower you to fly.
Querer es Poder - "Where there is a will, there is POWER."
About the Author :
Olga Custodio is a Latina military and commercial airline aviation pioneer with over 40 years in aviation. As the first Latina to complete USAF Undergraduate Pilot Training, she served for 24 years and retired as a Lt Col. Olga was also the first American Airlines Latina commercial airline pilot and retired as Captain with a 20-year career. Now a STEM advocate, speaker, author, and community leader, she advocates for inspiring and empowering students, especially in underserved communities, to pursue STEM careers in aviation and aerospace. Olga continues to fly in general aviation. She lives in San Antonio, Texas, "Military City USA", with her husband, Edwin, of 51 years, and they have two adult children, Marcia and Edwin, and one grandson, Jedi. FLIGHTPATH TO FORTITUDE is her debut book.
Review :
"Custodio, the first Latina to become a U.S. military pilot and later a commercial airline captain, crafts her story with clarity, warmth, and an unyielding sense of purpose."
--Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Chad T. Manske, USAF, Daedalian Foundation chairman of the Board of Trustees
"Olga's determination to sit in the cockpit allowed her to reach a limited sky and present its unlimitedness to other women who followed."
--Lina Clavijo, global culture shaper and facilitator, author of Christmas Cactus
"Olga Custodio is the very definition of fortitude for any population that must fight twice as hard for a seat."
--Chris Cole, powerpreneur, speaker, author of G Street to Wall Street
"A powerful mission of liberation: freeing the mind, dismantling fear, and pushing past the invisible barriers we're often taught to accept."
--Claudia Cataldi, president, Brazilian Press Association of Electronic and Digital Media-RJ, alumni, Brazilian War College
"Olga's story is effective in every way as an incredible win for women and a historical chronicle that paints the urgency of our day to recall, share, inspire, and preserve."
--Amber M. Brookman, former CEO of Brookwood Companies, and author of Nobody's Girl
"This memoir, which includes many continents, reinforces the importance across our lives of inspiration, bravery and community no matter where we land."
--Greg Morley, cultural competence expert, author of Bond
"Olga uplifts every dreamer who dares to defy expectations and chase horizons beyond limits."
--Sona Jepsen, author of Pink Dragon: Breathe Fire into Your Life and Leadership
"I especially recommend this book to every girl out there who is encountering cultural and societal glass ceilings."
--Angelique Khalifa, Ph.D., toxicologist, author of Imagine, Rise and Heal
"We can all take a page from her belief that there are no limits, no goals that can't be reached for women or anyone to go beyond the blue horizon!"
--Asunta Fleming, SAG-AFTRA Equity actor and owner, The Voice Studio LA
