The aviation and STEM communities are grieving the untimely passing of Tammera L. Holmes, a pioneer and trailblazer who dedicated her life to transforming the future of aviation for underserved youth.
As the founder and CEO of the AeroStar Avion Institute and AeroStar Consulting Corporation, Tammera was a powerful force in breaking barriers and opening doors to STEM careers for marginalized communities.
Tammera’s journey in aviation began with a degree in Aviation Management from Southern Illinois University, laying the foundation for a career defined by innovation, mentorship, and advocacy.
Over two decades, she amassed a wealth of experience in the aviation industry, distinguishing herself as both a professional and a champion for education.
Her AeroStar programs revolutionized the way young people approached STEM careers, focusing on mentorship and practical strategies to help them envision and achieve futures that once seemed unattainable.
Tammera’s mission was deeply rooted in promoting diversity, aiming to inspire African Americans, women, and underrepresented groups to explore aviation. Her tireless efforts earned her national recognition, including the Illinois Aviation Hall of Fame’s “Spirit of Flight” Award and the Alfred C. Anderson National Lifetime Achievement Award.
Tammera was also celebrated as the “2017 STEM Entrepreneur of the Year” and a “40 Under 40 Young Women’s Professional League” inductee. A TEDx speaker and internationally recognized advocate, her talk “Get Kids High” captivated audiences and emphasized the importance of engaging youth in aviation early.
Tammera’s influence reached far and wide. Her appearances on NBC, ABC, FOX, and PBS, along with features in Forbes, showcased her expertise and passion. Beyond her professional accolades, she was an ordained minister and a beacon of hope for countless individuals.
Her unexpected passing leaves a void in the STEM and aviation communities, but her legacy of giving “wings to dreams” will live on in the programs she built and the lives she changed.
