Brittany Pink takes flight

SHE’S a self-confessed dancer, singer, drummer, future pilot and entrepreneur. She’s passionate about youth development, empowerment through the arts and computer science, and she’s a fun-loving people person.

In addition, she can cook, bake, do nails, hair, make-up, draw, and crochet, and she has made and sold swimwear, phone cases and other items since age 11. She also teaches dance and Sunday school.

Brittany Pink, 24, has been selected to be the Jamaican spokesperson for the group Women In Aviation International (WAI) , a non-profit agency which provides varying forms of support for women interested in aviation careers. She was also recently awarded a master’s scholarship to study with the newly opened Aviation University of the Americas in Clarendon.

The former Convent of Mercy ‘Alpha’ Academy student said her interest in aviation started early, from age nine, when she wanted to be a flight attendant.

She first flew an aircraft at 18, while a student with the Jamaica College aviation programme, an experience she described as “out of this world”.

“It was frightening at first but then I was so relaxed and controlled. I felt as though it was meant to be,” she said.

The scholarship, she said, is something that was discussed approximately five years ago when she started ground school flight training.

“I was very excited! So much time had passed that I had forgotten about it, but then I was contacted recently with the news so it strengthened my long-time love for aviation,” Pink said.

This blue-eyed Jill-of-all-trades holds a degree in information technology (IT) from the University of Technology and is also a member of Movements Dance Company. She also competed in the recently held Miss Jamaica World pageant.

“IT is a good foundation for any career in today’s society in which technology is ubiquitous. Dance is something I’ve done since I was a child and I love it. My fellow contestants at Miss Jamaica World can attest to the fact that I was always dancing,” she said. “I placed second in the talent competition for — you guessed it — dancing!”

She said dance has taught her the importance of discipline and putting time and effort into perfecting a craft.

“These principles have been and will continue to be helpful in my other areas of interest — aviation, IT and culinary arts, cosmetology, entrepreneurship, and whatever else is to come,” she said.

“I think with the right tools I really can do anything, like a true Jamaican. We are all so talented.”

Regarding the WAI nomination, she said one of the organisation’s missions is outreach, and that is something she has experienced from being involved in the Anglican Youth Fellowship.

“Helping those in greater need than yourself is an excellent way of being thankful for your blessings. I intend for this be a major part of the local chapter of WAI,” she said.

“By continuing to set goals and attain them, I hope that my achievements will empower young women to have a goal, several goals even, to do some research, and pursue whatever they desire to become successful in. Any challenging circumstance can be overcome with the right focus.”

Pink said with God’s help, she hopes to become a pilot, experience the perks of the profession, and take her skills to the next level.