Marisa Perez, a proud alumna of Lewis University, has embarked on a captivating journey fueled by an unbounded passion for aviation. From the tender age of three, Marisa was enamored by the sight of airplanes, a fascination nurtured by the bustling terminals and jets at O’Hare airport. Even when not at O’Hare, she found herself entranced by the jets passing over her house. Despite this inspiration, Marisa never considered the field of aviation as a feasible career path.
At 16, faced with the ubiquitous question of post-high school plans, Marisa, an ardent animal lover, initially envisioned a future in veterinary medicine. However, destiny intervened when her mother suggested aviation as an alternative path. Despite only a modest interest at first, Marisa’s life took a dramatic turn when she registered for Girls in Aviation Day on a whim, an event that would alter the course of her future.
Stepping onto the Lewis University Aviation Campus for the first time, Marisa was dazzled by the transformative experience that awaited her. Girls in Aviation Day proved to be more than just a series of educational activities: it was a revelation of inclusivity and warmth. Her fondest memories were of the acceptance she felt on that day and being impressed by their ability to engage all attendees, regardless of age. A lunchtime contest, where participants shared why they love aviation, also led to an opportunity to take her first flight in a Cessna 172 Skyhawk: a pivotal moment that solidified Marisa’s resolve to pursue a future in aviation.
As Marisa departed the Lewis University airport in N60337, she skillfully controlled the airplane. According to her certified flight instructor (CFI), she demonstrated innate skills for maneuvering the airplane. As Marisa eagerly took photos, she thought to herself, “this would be so cool.” That flight, coupled with Girls in Aviation Day, not only answered what Marisa would do with her future but also where she would train for it.
Marisa embarked on her freshman year at Lewis University, eagerly diving into the Aviation program. She grew even more passionate as she learned steep turns, stalls, and landings. Her dorm room, adorned with pictures and model airplanes, became a shrine to her future in aviation. However, her enthusiasm was met with a daunting setback just before her first solo flight: the FAA denied her medical certificate due to her autism. Despite this blow, Marisa refused to let it define her journey. Instead, she channeled her determination into carving a new path, finding solace and purpose in the field of Airport Administration.
Even so, as she navigated this new direction, another obstacle emerged in the form of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the upheaval caused by both the FAA denial and the pandemic, Marisa persevered. She found camaraderie among like-minded peers, forged lasting friendships, and became an integral part of the Lewis Flight Team, where she competed in the aircraft recognition events. Undeterred, she ultimately earned her bachelor’s degree in Airport Administration.
With her degree in hand, Marisa embraced various roles within the aviation industry, finding each to be a natural extension of her love for aviation. Transitioning from a line service technician to a ramp service agent, Marisa found fulfillment in customer service at Signature Aviation in O’Hare Airport. Being around like-minded people with a passion for everything aviation and watching planes take off and land quickly became the highlight of Marisa’s days.
Furthermore, Marisa continues to give back to the event that inspired her to join the aviation world. From 2019 to 2021, Marisa has volunteered for Girls in Aviation Day. Each year, she made it her goal to not only chaperone the girls as they moved to each station but also to promote that feeling of inclusivity and warmth that characterized her first experiences in the aviation community. Marisa hopes that her story and her passion will inspire young girls to embrace and find a home in the world of aviation.
Despite the hurdles she faced, Marisa’s unwavering determination fuels her ambitious dreams. Resolute on moving into a supervisory role at Signature Aviation, she plans to eventually become an airport operations inspector. At the same time, her parents will help her challenge her medical denial and support her in resuming her flight training.
Marisa’s journey is a testament to her resilience and unwavering passion for aviation. Her story embodies the spirit of aviation, reminding everyone that with the right drive, attitude, and perseverance, the sky is not the limit—it is only the beginning.
“This picture with me and the Cessna tail was taken at my first time at Girls in Aviation Day in 2017 at Lewis University. This was the first time I have heard about WIA and Lewis University, so it was really neat to be introduced to them!”
“A bunch of my friends and I at EAA AirVenture at Oshkosh in 2022. This was the first time for a few of us attending! That first time at Oshkosh for me was unforgettable as well and I am so fortunate to have been able to go for a couple of days that summer. Once with my dad, and one day with my buddies. There were a few other people we went with (shoutout to Nick & Zach!) who are not pictured. Right to left is Mack, me, Julia, Will, and Grace in the front. Will is an A&P Mechanic, and Julia is his girlfriend who is at Lewis for Public Relations but is also interested in aviation as well!”
“A picture of me with a former Lewis flight instructor named Jane. (She currently flies for United!) This was the discovery flight that I won from GIAD. It was that day when I decided to attend Lewis University for a degree in Aviation.”
“My friend Mack and I at Cavalcade of Planes in 2022. We had the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get tickets to ride in a Ford Tri-Motor! It truly was unique and an unforgettable experience! Mack currently is a flight instructor at Lewis and plans to head to the airlines once he has the flight time!”
“This picture was taken at Cavalcade of Planes at Bolingbrook Clow Airport in 2021. I went there with a few of my friends who I met at Lewis. Right to left is Grace, Gabi, me, and Tony. We all hold pilot licenses! This was the first time we all have been to Cavalcade. It was a ton of fun! Grace currently is a flight instructor at DeKalb airport, and Gabi & Tony are crew schedulers at United Airlines.”
“Me in front of a Boeing C-17 Globemaster III at Oshkosh in 2022!”
“Me and my friends at AirVenture Oshkosh in 2023! Right to left is me, Zach, Nick, Vanessa, Bella, and Grace up front. We stayed for a couple days at an AirBnB about 20 minutes away from Oshkosh and had a wonderful time!”
Article written by Laurie Mulé
With over a decade of writing experience, I’m driven by a curiosity for people’s stories, exploring fresh ideas, and embracing life’s diverse opportunities. When I’m not writing, I’m pursuing my instrument rating or hiking with my dog, Nova.
