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
Governor
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.
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 Secretary
Marina Sajina
Coming Soon!
Section AEMSF Chairman
Kim Barwick
Coming Soon!
Section Vice 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 Director
Yana Synytska
Student pilot, aviation writer, and proud member of The Ninety-Nines. Originally from Ukraine, I came to the United States in 2022 and am now pursuing my Private Pilot License. I completed my first solo flight in 2026 and enjoy sharing my aviation journey through articles published in The Ninety-Nines magazine. I am passionate about inspiring women in aviation, building meaningful connections, and giving back to the organization that has supported my own journey. I believe aviation has the power to change lives because it changed mine.
Section Director
Jennifer Prutsman-Pfeiffer
Coming Soon!