THE NINETY-NINES, INC.
INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATION OF WOMEN PILOTS
NEW YORK- NEW JERSEY SECTION
New York-New Jersey Section
The New York-New Jersey Section, as part of the Ninety-Nines International Organization of Women Pilots, was chartered on December 14, 1929.
The Section is comprised of eight Chapters within our region.
2024-2026 Leadership
Section Governor
Lisa Hotung
I have always loved flying. I wanted to be an astronaut as a young child, but changed my mind at the age of 10 when a real astronaut came to my classroom and described what life as an astronaut was like. My first ride in a GA aircraft was in my neighbor’s Piper Cherokee when I was about 12 years old. It was love at first sight! However, childhood dreams and aspirations have a tendency to change multiple times, as we all know, and I did not pursue flying.
In 2010, I purchased a discovery flight at a school auction, and the flying bug was
unearthed again. After studying hard for 3 years with 4 different instructors and in 2
different airplanes, I earned my private pilot’s certificate in September of 2013. The help and encouragement I received from the 99s was invaluable! I then went on to earn my instrument rating in January of 2017. I currently own a 1975 Piper Cherokee 180 which I keep at Lancaster Airport, KBQR.
I have been a member of the 99s since 2011. I am also a member of AOPA (Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association) and EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association) Chapter 46. I am also a PALS pilot. I feel very fortunate to be able to fly and to be a part of these wonderful groups.
Section Treasurer
Shannon Osborne
I solo’d a plane before I had a drivers license. With the many directions life takes you, I did not fly for nearly 20 years but in 2010 I earned my private pilot certificate. It may not have happened had it not been for the help with a few of my then new friends, the 99’s. I have been a member of the 99’s since 2004. It has been a privilege collaborating with many of the great ladies before me. One common thread I have seen from many is truly walking the talk and promoting women in aviation. A pilot is a person who takes charge. It is important to know that we may not all do things the same way, but to gain the perspective from the many accomplished pilots before us has made a real difference for me! I hope to be able to continue to learn and grow as a pilot and along the way share what I have learned with other aviators that have yet to visit our exciting skies.
Section AEMSF Chairman
Jessica Daisy
Coming Soon!
Section Vice Governor
Frances Englund
I can’t remember a time when I didn’t want to fly. In 1984 I accomplished my dream and earned my private pilot certificate. I flew off and on for about 5 years, and then I let other things in my life take precedence. I kept saying I was going to get “around to it” again, but it wasn’t until 2006 that I made good on that promise to myself. I joined the 99s in 2007 where I’ve been privileged to serve many roles in the Chapter and Section levels. I’ve enjoyed meeting other women who share my passion for the skies. It is these women who have encouraged me to make another dream a reality. I recently became an airplane owner when I purchased a Cessna 172. It is my hope and my intent to be that spark for another woman who is interested in flying.
Section Secretary
Deb Henneberry
Deb Henneberry is a professional pilot and flight instructor. She holds commercial ratings for airplane single engine land and sea and multi-engine land. Deb also has her CFI, CFII, MEI, AGI, and IGI certificates. She currently serves as Assistant Professor in the Aviation and Transportation Technology College at Purdue University.
In 2018, Deb graduated from St. John Fisher College with a doctorate in education. Her dissertation addressed the lack of female pilots and how to interest young girls in an aviation career.
Deb is a member of the Greater New York 99s and is co-host of the monthly webinar series for the International Ninety-Nines.
Section Director
Meenal Paul
I joined the 99s in 2021 looking for a community of female pilots and found far more than I had hoped. I found friends, laughters, flying trips just because, and scholarships. I am now an airline pilot based out of IAD and flight instructor in NJ. I am involved in the NJ chapter as well. I stand on the shoulders of all the women that came before me and I am committed to paying to forward. I am excited to be a part of this iconic organization and joining the legacy of amazing aviators.
Section Director
Kelly Donovan
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Since joining in 2022, I have learned so much and made life-long connections with other pilots, which has been immeasurably helpful in my training. Let's keep that spirit going! After earning my private pilot certificate, I am now working towards my instrument rating, with aspirations to continue earning ratings for a career that involves flying.
With a background in art, technology, education, and history, I find aviation to be a fascinating lens through which to examine the world. My journey began with a gift from my wife to take a helicopter ride in Iceland. It was literally one of the coolest things I had ever done (April in the Arctic Circle is chilly). My pursuit of that thrill persists and I may hold a record for the most number of Hudson Skyline tours done during initial training (three– has anyone outdone my madness? Let me know!). Come along on this journey we are sharing upon this lonely rock, and let's chat.