Equus Flight Academy is thrilled to announce a significant milestone in its commitment to equity and diversity in aviation through the appointment of Ebony Bartee as its newest equity partner and Senior Vice-President. In her role as Growth & Development Coordinator and education liaison since January 2023, Ms. Bartee has demonstrated an unwavering dedication to fostering relationships with educational institutions in Kentucky.

Harnessing the pioneering spirit of Bessie Coleman, Ms. Bartee has actively contributed to high school aviation days at Unbridled Air, organized Girls in Aviation Day at Equus Flight Academy- Salem Campus, and engaged in speaking engagements at career days and summer camps for all age groups. Recognizing the need for increased diversity in the aviation industry, she has been a driving force in expanding aviation education to marginalized communities, advocating for inclusivity across various aviation professions, from aircraft maintenance to air traffic control, engineering, design, commercial drone operations, airport management, and beyond.

As a licensed real estate agent with Polo Real Estate Group, a board member of the local non-profit “I Would Rather Be Reading,” and a longstanding member of Centennial Olivet Baptist Church, Ms. Bartee is deeply rooted in the Louisville community along with her children, Ivoree, Nevaeh, Alfonso II, and John. Inspired by the stark underrepresentation of African American pilots, especially women, she has embraced her role as a student pilot, a member of the Organization of Black Aviation Professionals (OBAP), and Women in Aviation International.

Ebony Bartee’s pioneering spirit extends beyond her passion for aviation, as evidenced by her coordination of a Bessie Coleman Day event at Simmons College of Kentucky on Friday, January 26th. This event aims to honor the birthday of the aviation pioneer Bessie Coleman, introducing Equus Flight Academy to the students and faculty at Simmons while inviting anyone interested in aviation to attend.

With her appointment as Senior Vice-President, Ms. Bartee joins a small group of women of color with her ownership in a flight school. Alongside fellow owners Amy Abbott (President), Shannon Weidekamp (CEO), and Tim Peace (Director of Operations), Equus Flight Academy proudly stands as a majority Woman Owned Business, further solidifying its commitment to inclusivity and excellence in aviation. They look forward to the continued impact of this partnership with Ebony Bartee, inspiring a new generation of diverse aviators.

Source: Equus Flight Academy
Photo Credit: Equus Flight Academy