The Women of Pentastar: A Q&A on Careers, Growth & Aviation

At Pentastar, excellence isn’t driven by one role or one team — it’s built every day by

the people behind the operation. Among them are the women who help define what that excellence looks like, from shaping the customer experience to strengthening compliance, operations and leadership across the business.

Their stories reflect both the depth of talent within Pentastar and the broader evolution of the aviation industry, where more women are stepping into technical, operational and executive roles than ever before.

In recognition of Women’s History Month, we asked women across the organization to share what brought them to aviation, the work they’re most proud of and how they see the industry evolving. Their perspectives span decades, disciplines and career paths, but they’re united by a shared commitment to high standards, continuous growth and the people who make it all possible.

 

Q: What first sparked your interest in aviation, and how did your path lead you to Pentastar?

Anne Williams, Trip Planning Specialist

Aviation has been a theme in my entire family life. My dad always had a small seaplane, and weekends often meant hanging out at the airport or flying up north to see my grandma. I was happily working in the Meijer Flight Department when I had a chance to talk with [Pentastar President & CEO] Brad Bruce. He offered me a tour of Pentastar and within 20 minutes of being there and meeting the team, I was sold.

Emmy Schoening, Customer Service Representative (CSR)

My interest in aviation came from my love of the outdoors. I wanted the freedom to access remote places and experience what it feels like to fly yourself somewhere off the beaten path. That curiosity led me to flight training. Once I started at Pentastar, I became more interested in how everything works behind the scenes. I’ve learned aviation isn’t only about flying, but the entire system that supports it.

Heidi Gomez-Lopez, Fivestar Gourmet Kitchen Lead

I grew up in the area, so Pentastar was always something I knew about. In 1989, at 8 years old, I took my first plane ride out of Pentastar and got to pretend I was the co-pilot. After 29 years in food service, I chose private aviation catering because of the precision, the elevated client experience and the high standards it requires. That kind of environment fits the way I like to work.

Lindsay Styke, Retention Records

I started in the automotive industry, where I built a strong foundation in organization, documentation and process-driven work. Over time, I was drawn to aviation because of its standards, its regulatory structure and the level of precision required. Moving into aviation gave me the chance to apply that background in a field where accuracy directly supports safety and compliance.

Sherry Shannon, Accounts Payable Specialist

I was working as a temp in accounting when my supervisor recommended I get into the industry. I have been in aviation ever since!

Karrie Cortes, Human Resources Coordinator

I began my Pentastar career as a customer service representative. I loved interacting with customers and assisting passengers. During slow periods, I started helping other departments, which gave me experience across different areas. I spent 10 years in Maintenance and 20 in Human Resources, and that range of experience has shaped my whole career.

 

Q: What advice would you offer to women considering a career in aviation today?

Lindsay Styke, Retention Records

Step into the industry with confidence and curiosity. Aviation offers opportunities far beyond the flight deck, from maintenance and compliance to records, operations and leadership roles. Be willing to learn, ask questions and understand the why behind the regulations and processes. Competence builds confidence.

Sherry Shannon, Accounts Payable Specialist

A career in aviation is more accessible to women than ever before. There are opportunities in commercial, corporate and military aviation, as well as executive, pilot, engineer, mechanic, drone operator and space technology roles. The industry still has gender gaps, but they also create room for women to excel. My advice is to harness your confidence and resilience and charge forward.

Anne Williams, Trip Planning Specialist

Be flexible in how you imagine your future. I used to think that because I was comfortable in one place, I should not ask for new skills or opportunities. Over time, I learned that if you want to grow in an area, speak up and ask. Do not wait for things to fall in your lap.

Emmy Schoening, CSR

Do not wait until you feel completely qualified to step into something new. Aviation can feel intimidating at first, but everyone starts somewhere. Ask questions. Stay curious. Learn how the pieces connect, and do not underestimate how valuable it is to understand both the big picture and small details.

Heidi Gomez-Lopez, Kitchen Lead

The amount of career options and the chance for growth within the industry, and at Pentastar specifically, are amazing. I only wish I had found Pentastar as a young woman.

Karrie Cortes, Human Resources Coordinator

Everyone starts somewhere. You do not need to have it all figured out at first. Lean into your strengths. Aviation involves new technology, new regulations and new opportunities. Stay curious, because the more you learn, the more doors open.

 

Q: What is one experience at Pentastar that stands out as especially meaningful, challenging or rewarding?

Anne Williams, Trip Planning Specialist

One of the most rewarding experiences is not one big event, but the feeling I get when a trip I have spent hours on, sometimes after dozens or hundreds of emails and a lot of detailed planning, comes together. I will sometimes go out to the airport and say hello to clients as they are coming and going, and if I can see they are happy and the trip went smoothly, that’s it for me.

Lindsay Styke, Retention Records

One meaningful aspect of my role has been ensuring record accuracy and compliance in a fast-paced operational environment. Record retention often happens behind the scenes, but it is foundational to aviation safety and regulatory compliance. Knowing that my work directly supports operational integrity makes the role incredibly rewarding.

Emmy Schoening, CSR

One of the things that stands out most to me has been realizing how interconnected everything is. It is about the entire team working behind the scenes to make it all happen.

Sherry Shannon, Accounts Payable Specialist

It has been great to work within an organization like Pentastar that supports women in aviation.

Heidi Gomez-Lopez, Kitchen Lead

What stands out to me is how much Pentastar values detail-oriented, high-end service. That aligns with my own beliefs, so each day feels rewarding.

Karrie Cortes, Human Resources Coordinator

One experience that stands out as especially meaningful is realizing how incredible our people are. Being able to support and work alongside such a committed group is both rewarding and energizing.

 

Q: What is one accomplishment from the past year that you are especially proud of?

Heidi Gomez-Lopez, Kitchen Lead

Within nine months, I advanced to Kitchen Lead by consistently exceeding expectations, taking initiative and showing strong leadership in a fast-paced kitchen environment.

Anne Williams, Trip Planning Specialist

I am proud of my personal growth on the Flight Ops team. At the beginning of 2025, I was doing sub-charters and had one managed aircraft. Now, I have several managed aircraft. It was a rapid and sometimes uncomfortable adjustment as I learned new crews, aircraft, communication styles and workflows. Growth can be hard, but it is equally rewarding.

Lindsay Styke, Retention Records

Over the past year, I am especially proud of strengthening and maintaining organized, compliant records systems that support both internal teams and regulatory requirements. Contributing to accuracy and efficiency in documentation helps ensure smoother audits and operational continuity, and that level of reliability is something I take great pride in.

Sherry Shannon, Accounts Payable Specialist

We have had a few changes in process this past year, and with the new technology that has been introduced, I believe I have embraced those challenges instead of staying stuck in my old ways of doing tasks.

Emmy Schoening, CSR

For me, it has been more about steady growth versus one moment. Aviation has a steep learning curve, and simply staying curious, continuing to learn and gradually stepping into new responsibilities has felt like an accomplishment in itself.

 

Q: How do you see the role of women in aviation continuing to evolve?

Lindsay Styke, Retention Records

I see women continuing to expand their presence across all sectors of aviation, not only in visible roles but in technical, compliance, leadership and executive positions as well. I would love to see continued mentorship opportunities and development pathways that encourage women to step confidently into leadership roles.

Sherry Shannon, Accounts Payable Specialist

The aviation industry has traditionally been male-dominated, but women are gaining acceptance and proving that we are just as capable as our male colleagues. I believe we will continue to see women step into leadership and technical roles across the industry.

Anne Williams, Trip Planning Specialist

What I hope to see is women in support roles, especially roles like dispatch, take leadership positions. I would also like to see women ask for opportunities and keep going even if now is not the right time. It makes a real difference when you say you want to learn something and a leader gives you that chance.

Emmy Schoening, CSR

I would love to see continued normalization of women in technical and operational positions, so that it becomes less about being a woman in aviation and more about simply being a capable professional in the field.

Heidi Gomez-Lopez, Kitchen Lead

Having more women in aviation brings strength, balance and new perspectives to an industry that depends on precision and teamwork. As more women enter the field, they inspire the next generation, expand the talent pool and help create a culture where more people can thrive.

Karrie Cortes, Human Resources Coordinator

Women’s role in aviation is on an upward path, becoming more visible, technical, global and supported than ever before. Continued investment in mentorship, education and leadership will keep moving the industry forward.

 

The women of Pentastar aren’t just part of the operation — they are essential to it. Through precision, adaptability and leadership, they’re helping shape not only the company, but the future of aviation itself.

As the industry continues to evolve, their impact will only grow.