"Business aviation has a long tradition of philanthropy, both in the U.S. and on a global scale. One organization that tackles the latter is Aviation for Humanity, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to using the international aviation network to deliver humanitarian aid on a global scale. Kimberly Perkins, founder and executive director of Aviation for Humanity, developed the idea for the organization while she was a pilot in West Africa. Perkins recognized a lack of educational resources for students and communities in the region and realized that the aviation industry could help serve the deficit through volunteer action."

"Each backpack contains crayons and pencils, a notebook, a pencil sharpener, and if possible, a glider airplane to remind the students of the business aviation connection. Aviation for Humanity has delivered 500 backpacks containing roughly 2,500 crayons, 1,000 pencils, 300 pounds of food and 450 pounds of clothing to Brazil, Costa Rica, Tanzania, Morocco, Nigeria, Kenya, Thailand, Malaysia and Vietnam."

"The best thing that I ever did for my career was take that airline job in Nigeria, which led me to Malaysia, and eventually to my current job," she says, "Make your resume interesting by diversifying it in ways that you feel passionate about. If you love seaplanes, get your seaplane rating. If you love teaching, become not only a flight instructor but also a ground instructor. Do something that makes your resume stand out," Kimberly says. 'And, most importantly of all, never allow the inevitable obstacle deter you from pursuing your passion. You won't get every job that you apply for and you won't grease every landing. But, make your pilot group the supportive type, encourage each other, focus on your goals, and keep flying! " she says.