IN HONOR OF WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH, we pay TRIBUTE TO THE PIONEERING WOMEN OF PAN AM
Women in Pan Am's History
ANNE MORROW LINDBERGH
Anne Morrow Lindbergh holds a unique place in aviation history and in the early story of Pan Am’s global expansion.
A gifted aviator and navigator, Lindbergh served as a copilot and navigator alongside her husband, Charles Lindbergh, during two major survey expeditions that helped map potential international airline routes for Pan Am.
At a time when women were rarely seen in technical aviation roles, she broke barriers by becoming the first American woman to earn a glider pilot’s license. Her work in radio communication and aerial navigation was widely recognized, earning her the National Geographic Society’s prestigious Hubbard Gold Medal.
Her contributions helped pave the way for the development of the international air routes that would later define Pan Am’s pioneering global network.
BETTY STETTINIUS TRIPPE
Betty Stettinius Trippe, the wife of Pan Am founder Juan Trippe, played an important role in documenting the airline’s remarkable growth from its earliest days.
Often referred to as “Pan Am’s First Lady,” Betty Trippe chronicled the development of the airline through detailed personal diaries that provide a rare and intimate glimpse into Pan Am’s early history.
Her writings, later published as Pan Am’s First Lady: The Diary of Betty Stettinius Trippe, offer valuable insight into the vision, ambition, and determination that drove Pan Am’s expansion across the globe.
Through her observations and personal reflections, Betty Trippe preserved a unique perspective on the rise of one of the most iconic brands in aviation history.
IRENE KEITH WUNN
While many Pan Am women were visible to the public, others worked behind the scenes to keep the airline operating safely and efficiently.
Irene Wunn was one of those pioneers.
As Pan Am’s first female jet dispatcher, Wunn played a critical operational role in flight planning and airline operations.
Over a remarkable career spanning 35 years, she helped guide aircraft safely across international routes while advancing the professional recognition of airline dispatchers.
Her work demonstrated that women were equally capable of succeeding in the technical and operational side of aviation.
ALTHEA “GERRY” LISTER
Pilot, Historian, and Keeper of Pan Am’s Story
Few individuals left a deeper mark on Pan Am’s legacy than Gerry Lister.
In 1931, she became the 250th woman in the United States to earn a pilot’s license, an achievement that placed her among the early generation of women aviators.
Her dedication to Pan Am extended far beyond the cockpit. Over a career spanning more than 45 years, Lister served the airline in a variety of roles and ultimately became the curator of the Pan Am Clipper Museum in Long Island City.
As Pan Am’s official historian, she played a crucial role in preserving the airline’s history and artifacts, ensuring that the remarkable story of Pan Am would be remembered for generations.
Upon her retirement in 1974, the company publication Pan Am ’74 paid tribute to her extraordinary service:
“With 45 years and six months of Pan Am service Gerry is a very special person. She has worked longer for the airline than any other employee in history, including founder Juan T. Trippe… Under her direction, the Pan Am Clipper Museum and the company’s historical department became recognized as without a peer in the industry.”
Her work laid the foundation for the preservation efforts that continue today.
DOLORES HOFMAN
Pan Am women were also pioneers in aviation operations on the ground.
Dolores Hofman, who joined Pan Am in 1966 as a clerk/typist, quickly advanced within the company. After moving into the Cargo Department at JFK Airport, she sought greater opportunities within airline operations.
Determined to expand her skills, Hofman became licensed as the first woman forklift operator at JFK Airport, breaking barriers in an area traditionally dominated by men.
Her achievement reflected the growing opportunities for women across all areas of airline operations during the latter decades of Pan Am’s history.
PAN AM’S FIRST STEWARDESS CORPS
DORIS BRINKLEY KINSELL
DOROTHY LARSON
LOIS TAYLOR
During World War II, Pan Am made a significant shift by introducing its first stewardess corps.
Women such as Doris Kinsell, Dorothy Larson, and Lois Taylor joined the airline during a time when global aviation operations were rapidly evolving.
Their responsibilities went far beyond hospitality. These pioneering stewardesses managed everything from passenger safety to cabin operations while flying on long international routes under challenging conditions.
Their professionalism helped establish the foundation for the modern flight attendant profession and set the standard for the world-renowned service associated with Pan Am.
