Madeleine Voss

Madeleine Voss – Ohio
Nomination by Jessica Voss
Photography by Stump Photography
Issue 53 of Inspiring Teens Magazine
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Nomination: Madeleine serves as an inspiration to ALL females who wish to pursue a career as a pilot. As a Native American who spends lots of time on her home reservation, her family and friends ask lots of questions about flying. They see her pursuing her dreams and encourages them to pursue their dreams. There are no pilots in our tribe and for her to be a female pilot, she breaks down barriers and sets exceptional standards for her peers. Her inspiration even extends to me, her Mother. Because of her, I have began my start to learning how to fly. Madeleine is so young and I cannot wait see what else she will accomplish in her life.
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Photography by Stump Photography

​What would you most like to be interviewed about?
I would absolutely love to be interviewed about my journey with flying planes! Also, any questions about my culture would be welcome. I am 50% Native American from Acoma Pueblo which is in New Mexico!

Yes, tell us more about that! How did you get started in flying planes and why?
Flying planes was somewhat of a spontaneous decision. Right after I got my driver’s license, I remember looking over at my mom and saying, "Alright, now it's time to get my pilot's license!" I think my love for flying and traveling started when I was younger. Whenever we flew on an airplane, I would always ask the pilot for the little wings you could clip onto your shirt, and I thought they were the coolest people. After my first discovery flight, I knew that was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.

What is/was the hardest thing to learn or overcome in the process?
One of the hardest things to overcome was knowing that it's a male dominated career. I was afraid that I wouldn't be accepted or that I would be judged and that scared me. So far in my journey, everyone I have met has been beyond nice and helpful and I have made many friends in the process. For any girl who wants to learn to fly, I say do it!

What are your goals with flying?
My biggest goal is to fly commercially for an airline. My short-term goal right now is getting my private pilot’s license. From there I will be working on instrumentation, multi-engine, and becoming a certified flight instructor! I am so excited for everything that's to come.

If you were to present a topic to a group of your peers, what would it be and why?
I could go on forever and ever about flying! Right now, I​​ am very close to achieving my private pilot’s license and hope to be able to fly commercially one day. I hope to inspire more girls and women of color to start their journey with flying. I would also encourage everyone to learn more about Native Americans. When I tell people that I am a Native American, they think that is the coolest thing. They usually follow it up by telling me that somewhere in their family tree they have Native roots. I would encourage everyone to learn more about our culture and history. There is so much to discover about my people

Photography by Stump Photography

​Tell us more about your tribe. What is it like?
Acoma Pueblo is one of the most beautiful places I've ever been to. It's located about 60 miles west of Albuquerque and the pueblo sits on top of a small mesa. The pottery and art is incredible and isn't like anything you've ever seen. Every family you meet who comes from Acoma is loving, supportive and will welcome you in with open arms, amazing food, and stories to tell! The coolest thing about our tribe (and many other tribes) is that the women are in charge. Women own the land, they own the houses, they are the ones that pass along our birth clans, our traditional names, and our assets. The tribal leaders are always telling the people, take care of their grandmas, wives, and daughters, they are who make us great… The men are here to support and help our women. It’s the coolest thing to know that the women are held in such high esteem.

How often do you get to visit and what do you love most about your visits?
I try to visit a few times a year. It's been harder to visit because of covid restrictions and because it's across the country. I am so grateful whenever I can visit, seeing my family means the world to me. I especially love the holidays when we get to watch the dances and ceremonies. There is still so much that I have to learn about our traditions. It’s hard to do that when I live far away but every moment spent at home is also a learning opportunity. My grandmothers and aunts are always teaching me new things about our way of life.

What are you most proud of your tribe for?
I am proud of the support everyone has for one another. I'm proud of the strength of our ancestors. I am super proud that family means so much more than wealth and possessions. What matters in the tribe is that everyone is taken care of. It’s nice to be able to know which family someone comes from and it’s even better to be able to know when someone needs help. I am proud to say that I come from Acoma.

What did you love most about working with Stump Photography?
Jack and Darcy Stump have both worked very hard to create a positive environment for everyone. They treat our team like family and are always looking out for our safety. They are like second parents, they keep us out of situations that would be bad for our image and wellbeing. Besides being great photographers, they are also wonderful people. They have created a successful business and a great influencer team where everyone is welcoming and kind. I am always excited for our next shoot! I cannot thank them enough for giving me the opportunity to do something I have always wanted to do.

Photography by Stump Photography

​What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
Another inspiring thing about myself is my love for exploration. I love camping with my family, friends, and boyfriend and doing outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, snowboarding, kayaking, and swimming. One of my main goals in life is to travel as much as I can and to see the world. By nature, I am not an extroverted person, it takes a lot of energy and focus for me to go out of that comfort zone. I am making more effort to talk to new people and experience more things. Sometimes it’s tough but I have to remind myself that I will grow from taking chances. I encourage everyone to step outside their comfort zone and go to places they haven’t been to before, even if it’s just down the road!

What is the longest hike you ever went on and where was it?
My family and I hiked up to the summit of Mount Taylor in New Mexico. The elevation is 11,301 feet and has a 6 mile trail all the way to the very top where you can sign a book saying you made it. This is one of our more common hikes that we try to do every trip.

Where has been your favorite place to travel to and why?
My favorite place to travel to is Telluride, Colorado. The mountains are beautiful and it's one of the best skiing places in the U.S. Every year we invite our family from New Mexico to drive up and stay with us for a week when we visit in the spring. There's so much to do there besides skiing and snowboarding, you will never get bored.

What is a favorite travel memory?
My favorite travel memory was going to North Carolina every Fourth of July growing up. Spending days kayaking in a lake with my cousins, exploring mountains, and eating ice cream is something I will never forget. These are memories I will always hold close to my heart.

Where do you hope to go next?
I hope to be able to travel outside of the country. The only place I have been outside of the United States, was Whistler, Canada. One day I hope to be able to visit Australia to see all the different animals!

Photography by Stump Photography

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
Practice confidence and never pass up an opportunity that pushes you out of your comfort zone!

Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans?
I see myself flying commercially for an airline. I also hope to start a program to aid Native Americans in learning to fly!

What is your favorite activity or pastime that was not in your nomination?
I love playing videogames with my cousins. It is crazy that we can all be in different states/locations but still be able to talk and play together. Technology has made our world so much smaller; I am able to be with my cousins even if I am not physically with them. It’s how we can hang out despite being across the country from each other.

3 Things on your bucket list
Travel to other countries
Try surfing
See a coral reef

Who do you find inspiring?
I try to find inspiration in every person I meet. The most influential people in my life are my family members, each for many different reasons.

What about you inspires others/why do you think you are inspiring?
I hope that by being a female Native American pilot I can inspire at least one person.

Is there anything else you would like to tell us?
Thank you for taking the time to interview me! Thank you for spotlighting REAL teens, REAL young women who all girls can relate to.

Look for Madeleine in issue 53 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

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click here for more information on issue 53

click here to nominate an inspiring teen