Monique Grayson
Excellence in Diversity Award Recipient 2022
WMU Alumna, Delta Air Lines Pilot, OBAP Member, Sisters of the Sky, Inc. Member, and Women in Aviation Member
It is because of the likes of trailblazers such as Bessie Coleman, Amelia Earhart, and the Tuskegee Airmen that she is an aviator. A native of Kalamazoo, MI and graduate of Kalamazoo Central High School, Monique Grayson knew she wanted to be a pilot, but was in uncharted territory attempting to make this dream, personally knowing not a single aviator. Monique began her journey to the flight deck at Western Michigan University’s College of Aviation. It was here where she was introduced to The Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals (OBAP); an organization that played an instrumental role in her voyage. Grayson graduated Magna Cum Laude in 2010 with conferred degrees; B.S. in Aviation Flight Science and a B.A. in Spanish, beginning her professional pilot career on April 25, 2011 at Pinnacle Airlines, now known as Endeavor Air. She took the knowledge, experience and confidence gained to Compass Airlines, where ultimately she served as Captain on the E-175. On April 4, 2016, she joined the Delta Air Lines family where she’s flown the Boeing 737, 757 and 767, with more type ratings to come. Monique believes that exposure, representation and financial support are pivotal in changing the numbers of underrepresented minorities in this industry. She believes it to be her duty to provide her shoulders for the next generation to stand upon, and so, she actively supports the mission of organizations such as OBAP, Sisters of the Skies, Inc. and Women In Aviation. Grayson credits Western Michigan University, the staff, instructors, family, friends, and mentors who without question provided support and took part in her dream as if it were their own. She often retorts this quote by Adyashanti, “If we would only see that all limitations are self imposed and chosen out of fear, we would leap at once”. If we perpetually challenge our mindset hopefully we all will realize we are indeed limitless. Despite the barriers, Bessie Coleman, Amelia Earhart and the Tuskegee Airmen took the leap, proving that she too is capable. And so she leapt and continues to keep climbing, hoping to inspire many along the way.