Aviation was the subject for students in science teacher Mrs. Crissy Giacona’s Physical Science Honors classes with guest speaker Dominican alumna Class of ’92 Shelley Mateu, Assistant Chief Pilot with Southwest Airlines in Austin, Texas. Shelley shared with the students the impact of her Dominican education, her career trajectory, and aviation with discussion of Bernoulli’s principle of flight, identifying parts of a plane and its functions, and how the weather affects flight. In the classroom the students experience flight thanks to a flight simulator, computer, and monitor that were gifted by donors.
Shelley’s interest in flying came early. The movie, Star Wars, inspired her to pursue a career in aviation. “When I was very young, the movie Star Wars had just been released. All the other little girls wanted to be Princess Leah, but I wanted to be Luke Skywalker – the pilot. I just thought it would be great to fly! And then in high school, Top Gun came out. Everybody wanted to be a pilot after that, but not many thought they could do it.”
Concerned she could not afford the cost of being a professional pilot, Shelley majored in chemistry and physics at Southeastern Louisiana University. She was not sure what she would do professionally. “Luckily, that first year at college, my father researched and found a flight school in Oklahoma with federal student loans,” she recalled. “Then it all came together. Luckily, I had a dad who told me I could do anything I wanted to do in this world. I went for it. It worked out.”
She was working for AirTran Airways when it was bought by Southwest Airlines in 2011. Shelley started flying for Southwest February 2014 after contract negotiations between the two airlines were finalized. In addition to being guest speaker at her alma mater, Shelley is an active alumna volunteer at several Dominican events, including the school’s annual Open House and class reunions. “My job affords me time off that most people don’t have, specifically during the week during school hours,” she shared. “A few years ago, I saw an email from Celeste Anding, Dominican’s Alumnae Director, about volunteer opportunities for alumnae. I believe in service for others and helping around Dominican is fun. I also like it when the students see me in my pilot uniform. They may have no desire to work in aviation, but when they see me or other successful graduates in our uniforms or doctors’ coats or professional attire, it sets an image of what could be for them. I think every woman needs that.”
The opportunity to study aviation as a profession led Shelley along a straight path to become an airline pilot. “There were several ways to get there, but the end goal was always to be an airline pilot. However, there are always challenges,” she shared. “I was getting into a profession that was dominated by men, so I adjusted my expectations accordingly. I knew I would be judged differently, and by simply being there, I was going to be different. There were a multitude of attitudes pertaining to women in aviation. Luckily, it’s slowly changing and I’m a part of that change.”
When asked what the most rewarding part in her career is, Shelley said, “Greeting children and the appreciation of women many years my senior. In both circumstances, they see a professional woman in a high position of power. Children see what they can become, and mature women see their hard work and progress have changed the world. For both circumstances I am extremely grateful.”
Shelley also is mother to son Kailan, eleven and a half-years old. Like his mother, Kailan also is drawn to flying. “When he had his first experience on a flight simulator, he was so thrilled. He has flown with me, but it will be his choice what career he wants to pursue.”
“Over the past thirteen years, Shelley has been one of the most committed alumnae volunteers I have had the pleasure of working with, said Celeste Shelsey Anding ’82, Dominican’s Alumnae Director. “Tenacious and vivacious, she is as persistent and outgoing as she is confident and personable. Shelley is deeply dedicated to Dominican and our students, blending into the chemistry of Dominican education supporting the pillars of service and study. She embodies the Dominican charism in every part of her life.”
Teacher Crissy Giacona noted, “The students truly benefit from seeing women represented in STEM fields. It’s important for them to recognize that women can pursue and succeed in any career, especially those that may seem challenging. It was inspiring for my students to hear the stories and insights shared by Captain Shelley. Her enthusiasm for flying has already made a meaningful impact. Since her visit, several of the students have shown increased interest in using the flight simulator. Initially, some were hesitant to try it because it can feel intimidating, but experiences like this help build confidence. The more we expose students to challenging opportunities and normalize stepping outside of their comfort zones, the more confident and capable they become. Introducing them to new career paths opens doors they may not have previously considered.”
