When Sophia Murukas ’24 graduated from Olivet Nazarene University, she knew she wanted to continue challenging herself and exploring new possibilities. She never would have guessed that her next steps would take her to the skies.
Sophia had always grown up around the world of aviation. Her father, a pilot for Southwest Airlines, was always an encourager of travel and challenged Sophia to try new things, including aviation, but pursuing a pilot’s license was never something she thought she could do. Then she took a discovery flight.
“While I was in flight, I felt incredibly empowered, and I knew this was exactly what I wanted to do,” she said.
Since graduating, Sophia has earned her private pilot license and instrument rating and is now working toward her commercial pilot License. She also works in the office at Greater Kankakee Airport, where she is putting her communication degree to good use while pursuing her passion for aviation.
“Being a pilot has pushed me in a lot of ways and has helped me continue to grow as a person beyond what I thought I was capable of. It’s taught me how to conquer fear and to grow more confident in myself and my abilities.”
Her journey to the sky also led Sophia to recognize another need within the aviation community: connection.
Creating a Community for Women in Aviation
While learning to fly, Sophia noticed that it could be difficult to meet other women in aviation. She and her friend Lauren Werner often saw women at the airport, but their interactions were usually brief, and it was difficult to find opportunities to connect.
After several conversations and realizing how much they had in common, the two decided to create the community they wished they had more of. They founded Girls & Props, a group designed to give women in aviation a place to gather, connect, encourage one another and share their experiences.
They weren’t sure what to expect. What started as seven women has since grown to over 40 members. The group has become a place where women can ask questions, prepare for checkrides, celebrate accomplishments and find encouragement from others who understand the unique challenges of pursuing aviation.
“Aviation is not an easy career to go into, and it can be very daunting,” Sophia said. “Hearing each of these women’s stories and how they overcome that fear is truly inspiring.”
For Sophia, some of the most meaningful moments have come from watching relationships form across generations and experience levels. Young women in high school have connected with experienced pilots who can share advice and perspective from their own journeys.
The group has also found ways to serve and connect with the broader community. At one Valentine’s Day event, members made cards for local nursing homes and even created a card for one of the last surviving Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP). Sophia and Lauren also spoke with a local Zonta group for Amelia Earhart Day, where members of Girls & Props came out to support them.
No matter the event, Sophia said the common thread is intentional connection.
When Two Worlds Collide
That spirit of connection followed Sophia to Oshkosh, Wisconsin, where she was invited by fellow alumnus and pilot, Dr. Don Reddick ’79, to speak at an ONU alumni gathering at EAA Airventure. 
For Sophia, the invitation was especially meaningful.
Sharing the story of Girls & Props with members of the Olivet community gave Sophia an opportunity to reflect on just how much the organization has grown in its first year. It also brought an unexpected bonus: new members.
“I was so excited to have members of the Olivet community who were interested in joining Girls & Props. It felt like my two worlds colliding!”
For Sophia, those new connections are a reminder that networking and relationships are an important part of aviation — and that opportunities to make those connections can happen in the most unexpected places.
Taking the Next Step
Sophia encourages young women who are curious about aviation to simply take the first step. The journey toward becoming a pilot can be long and challenging, but Sophia believes the lessons learned along the way make it worth it. And for Sophia, the experience has also deepened her faith.
“Aviation will teach you so many things about yourself and what you are capable of. I’ve truly never felt closer to God than when I’m in the sky.”
Looking ahead, as she works toward her commercial pilot license, Sophia is excited not only about where her own aviation journey will take her but also about the future of Girls & Props. 
She is proud of the community she and Lauren have built and the impact it has already had on the women around them.
For a field that can sometimes feel intimidating and demanding, Sophia hopes Girls & Props will continue to be a place where women feel heard, supported and encouraged to pursue what they are capable of.
“Knowing that we have created a space where women feel like they can get support and thrive is a feeling like no other,” she said.
To learn more about how you can plug into the Alumni community, visit Olivet.edu/Advocacy or contact the Office of Alumni Relations at alumni@olivet.edu
