Today we’d like to introduce you to Bre Hodges.
Hi Bre, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve always been passionate about building community and creating opportunities for others. Throughout my career, I’ve been driven by the belief that representation matters and that when we lift others up, we strengthen entire industries.
A few years ago, when I began my career in aviation, I attended a meeting with about 35 people. As I looked around the room, I realized I was the only woman there. Having previously worked as a project manager supporting executive leadership, I was no stranger to being outnumbered by men. But being the only woman in the room was a moment that stopped me in my tracks.
That experience sparked my curiosity. I began researching women in aviation and was surprised to learn that women make up only about 20–25% of the aviation industry. The more I learned, the more I realized this wasn’t just a statistic, but it represented countless missed opportunities, untapped talent, and young girls who may never have considered aviation as a career. I knew I wanted to be part of changing that story.
As I searched for ways to get involved, I discovered Women in Aviation North Texas (WAINTX). I attended one of their events, and from that moment, I knew I had found my community. I continued attending events, volunteered whenever I could, and eventually accepted the role of Education and Careers Chair.
With my background in education and my growing passion for aviation, it felt like the perfect opportunity to help inspire the next generation of women to pursue careers in this incredible industry. In that role, I supported scholarship initiatives, developed educational programming for our members, and founded the very first WAINTX Career Expo.
One of my biggest goals with the Career Expo was to broaden people’s understanding of what a career in aviation can look like. Most people immediately think of pilots or flight attendants, but aviation is so much more. We showcased careers in real estate, emergency management, environmental sustainability, engineering, finance, human resources, marketing, airport operations, and countless other professions that keep the industry moving. The event welcomed approximately 200 attendees and featured a keynote speaker, industry panels, a mini career fair, resume reviews, professional headshots, and networking opportunities.
The most rewarding outcome wasn’t the attendance. It was the impact! Five women secured jobs because of the connections they made during that event. Five women began careers in aviation. To some, that may sound like a small number. To me, that’s five lives changed, five families impacted, and five more women helping shape the future of our industry. That’s something I’ll always be incredibly proud of.
This year, during a leadership transition, I was honored to be appointed Interim President of WAINTX. Leading this chapter has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my career. Every day, I have the privilege of working alongside remarkable women who are passionate about supporting one another and opening doors for those coming behind us.
Our mission is far from over. This year, we’re excited to host our annual Girls in Aviation Day, which welcomes approximately 2,000 attendees each year and introduces young girls and their families to the endless possibilities within aviation. We’ll also host our second annual Career Expo and continue creating meaningful connections through networking events like our WAINTX Brunch.
I’m inspired every day by the women who came before me and the pioneers who broke barriers and made space for women like me to thrive in this industry. Their courage motivates me to do the same for others. My personal mission is simple: to reach back, open doors, and help the next generation of women discover that there is a place for them in aviation. If I can help even one young girl look at the sky and believe, “I belong there,” then every hour I’ve invested has been worth it.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. If I had to name the biggest challenge, it would be learning to find my voice.
Today, my friends would probably laugh because once I have something to say, you can’t get me to stop talking. But it wasn’t always that way. Early in my career, especially when I was often the only woman in the room, it was intimidating. There were times when I was talked over, overlooked, or my ideas weren’t acknowledged. I don’t always think it was intentional. It can simply be the result of working in a historically male-dominated industry, but that doesn’t make it any less discouraging.
Over time, I realized something important: I earned my seat at that table. I wasn’t there by chance or because someone was doing me a favor. I was there because of my experience, my education, my work ethic, and the value I bring. Once I truly believed that, everything changed.
That doesn’t mean I never get nervous. There are still days when I give myself a little pep talk before walking into an important meeting. I remind myself that I belong there, that my perspective matters, and that my voice deserves to be heard.
One piece of advice I’d give to any woman, especially one entering a male-dominated field, is to remember your own story. Read your resume. Reflect on everything you’ve accomplished. You’ve already proven you belong. Now let yourself believe it.
And then speak up, even when it’s uncomfortable. Even when you’re nervous. Even when your voice shakes. Courage isn’t the absence of fear; it’s choosing to move forward despite it. Sometimes the most important thing we can do is do it scared, because that’s often where growth begins.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I currently work as a Senior Project Specialist with the City of Dallas Department of Aviation, where I support tenant relations, community engagement, marketing, and a variety of special projects. Because I work at a general aviation airport, no two days are ever the same. One day I may be coordinating with tenants, the next I may be planning a community event or working with stakeholders on a new initiative. In general aviation, wearing many hats is the norm, and I genuinely enjoy the variety.
While I’ve spent more than a decade building my career in project management and stakeholder engagement, the part of my work that excites me most is community engagement. I love connecting people to aviation. For many, aviation feels like an exclusive world that is only for pilots or people who work on airplanes. I enjoy removing those barriers and helping people discover the countless career paths and opportunities the industry has to offer.
What sets me apart is my ability to listen with the intent to understand, not simply to respond. I don’t believe any of us can truly walk in someone else’s shoes, but I do believe we can choose empathy. Whether I’m working with tenants, community members, colleagues, or aspiring aviation professionals, I want people to feel heard, valued, and respected. Relationships are at the heart of everything I do.
That same mindset carries into my work outside the airport. I’m deeply passionate about creating community and uplifting other women. I’ve never believed in competition when collaboration can take us so much further. I’m the woman you can sit next to. Better yet, I’m the woman who will pull up another chair so there is room for everyone. There is no mean girl energy over here. There is enough success to go around, and I genuinely love seeing other women win.
The accomplishment I’m most proud of is being able to show up authentically as Bre. Earlier in life, I spent so much time taking care of everyone else that I forgot to take care of myself. Losing my mom at 17 and my dad before I turned 30 changed my perspective on life. As the oldest child, I naturally stepped into the role of caregiver, but those experiences also taught me that you cannot pour from an empty cup.
Today, my priorities are simple. God, self, then others. Taking care of my mental health and well-being has made me a stronger leader, a better friend, and a more compassionate person. I’ve learned that investing in yourself is not selfish. It is necessary. The healthier I am, the more I can genuinely pour into the people and communities I care about.
I’m also incredibly proud to be a two-time graduate of Alabama A&M University. That university shaped the leader I am today, and I’ll always be a proud Bulldog. Go Bulldogs!
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Networking can be challenging, especially if you’re an introvert. People are always surprised when I tell them I’m naturally an introvert because I love being around people. The truth is, I enjoy meaningful conversations. Small talk has never been my favorite.
About two months after I started in the aviation industry, I attended my very first aviation conference. I remember walking into the room thinking, “I have no idea what anyone is talking about.” It would have been easy to stay in the corner, but I reminded myself that everyone was new once.
One thing that has always come naturally to me is smiling. A smile and a simple “hello” can go a long way. If I’m meeting someone for the first time, I’ll usually ask where they’re from. I travel often, so I can almost always connect our conversation to a place I’ve visited or an experience I’ve had there. If not, I’ll ask about their favorite restaurant or what they love most about where they live. Before you know it, you’re having a real conversation instead of awkward small talk.
When it comes to finding a mentor, my biggest piece of advice is to be yourself. You don’t have to force a perfect introduction or have an impressive elevator pitch. Some of the best professional relationships begin with the most unexpected conversations.
When I first met one of my mentors, her phone rang and her ringtone was an Aretha Franklin song. I jokingly said, “What do you know about Aretha? That’s before your time!” We both laughed, and that one lighthearted moment turned into a relationship that has had a lasting impact on my career. We still laugh about that story today.
Networking is not about collecting business cards or trying to impress people. It’s about building genuine relationships. People may forget your job title or where you work, but they’ll remember how you made them feel.
My advice is simple. Smile. Say hello. Be curious. Be yourself. The right people will connect with the real you, and those authentic connections are often the ones that open the biggest doors.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.waintx.org/
- Instagram: wai_ntx
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WAINTX/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/labreona-h-18aa3118b
