March 6, 2025

WHAT:     In honor of and celebration of Women’s History Month, the Delaware River and Bay Authority (DRBA) proudly presents “Beyond Boundaries: Where Imagination Takes Flight,” featuring the groundbreaking journey of the first black woman to fly in the United States Air Force, Captain Theresa Claiborne.  Breaking barriers and redefining what’s possible, her story is one of courage, perseverance, and leadership-proving that boundaries exist only to be challenged.  

WHO:    Theresa M. Claiborne retired as a Captain on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner at United Airlines in May 2024, one of only 24 Black women pilots among 17,000+ at the airline. She began her aviation journey in 1981 as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force, making history in 1982 as the first Black woman pilot in the Air Force. Over her 20-year military career, she served as an aircraft commander and instructor on the KC-135.

Joining United Airlines in 1990, Theresa flew several aircraft models and achieved Captain rank on the Boeing 757/767 in 2018, amassing over 22,000 flight hours during her career. Currently, she serves as President of Sisters of the Skies, a nonprofit dedicated to increasing black women in professional pilot careers and holds board positions with the WASP Museum and the Grand Dames of Aviation.

Theresa has received numerous awards, including the 2024 Katherine Wright Trophy and AOPA’s Brigadier General Charles E. McGee Aviation Inspiration Award. A graduate of California State University, Sacramento, she holds a degree in Communications with a Journalism minor.
                     
WHEN:     Tuesday, March 11, 2025 – 1:00P – 4:00P.

COST:      Admission is FREE, but registration is encouraged at https://www.drba.net/drba-presents-capt-claiborne-march-11-2025

WHERE:  Delaware State University’s Education and Humanities Building, William B. DeLauder Theatre; 1200 N. Dupont Highway, Dover, Delaware 19901.

WHY:     More than a speaking event – it’s a moment to reflect on the power of perseverance, representation, and innovation in shaping the future.  Join us as we celebrate a true trailblazer and challenge ourselves to think beyond boundaries in all that we do.  Following Capt. Claiborne’s remarks, she’ll be available to meet attendees and stand for pictures!  The event is sponsored by the Delaware River and Bay Authority, Delaware State University, Delaware Historical Society, Mitchell Center for African American Heritage, and Delaware Department of Human Resources.

About the Delaware River and Bay Authority 
The DRBA, a bi-state governmental agency created by Compact in 1962, owns and operates the Delaware Memorial Bridge, the Cape May- Lewes Ferry, and the Forts Ferry Crossing.  The DRBA also manages two airports in New Jersey (Millville Executive Airport and Cape May Airport) and three in Delaware (Wilmington Airport, Civil Air Terminal and Delaware Airpark). All DRBA operating revenues are generated through bridge, ferry and airport facilities.  For more information, visit www.drba.net.

Contacts:
Stephanie Y. Bazemore
Administrative Assistant to the Associate Vice President 
Delaware State University
sbazemore@desu.edu

Ashley Blok
Director of Communications 
Delaware Department of Human Resources - DEI
Ashley.blok@delaware.gov

Justine Hendricks
Communications Coordinator
Delaware Historical Society
jhendricks@dehistory.org

James Salmon
Director of Communications and Marketing
Delaware River and Bay Authority
James.salmon@drba.net