Successful young professionals in business aviation can gain valuable career footholds through industry-related volunteerism. Volunteering with purpose can reveal key insights, give back to the community and forge life-changing relationships.
Aircraft Coordinator Madelyne Paulk, who volunteers on the NBAA YoPro Council as co-chair of the YoPro Go! working group, fell into the industry accidentally during graduate school at North Carolina State University. With no prior aviation experience, she accepted a marketing position at fractional operator Jet It and was there until the company closed its doors in 2023. “I’m very thankful for that opportunity,” she said. “And I haven’t left aviation since.”
Being jobless shortly after college can be frightening. “Volunteering pushed me outside of my comfort zone, but it also helped me build the community that supported me during that time,” Paulk recalled. “They saw my passion, drive and potential, and I’m grateful for their willingness to mentor and advocate for me.
“Volunteering can be hard work, but when you’re passionate about what you’re doing and the ‘why’ behind it, you’re more energized, produce higher-quality results and walk away with more meaningful experiences,” she said.
During a recent NBAA Leadership Conference, Paulk met author/speaker Anne Palmer. “I just walked up and said, ‘OK, I want to help out.’ She put me to work immediately. My experience with Anne reflects the way many of my volunteer opportunities have begun: by simply raising my hand and saying I want to contribute,” Paulk said.
“While volunteering, I'm talking to aircraft brokers, dispatchers, schedulers and pilots – people I normally would not cross paths with.”
Sameer Romani Sales and Marketing Executive
A passion for volunteering came to Sales and Marketing Executive Sameer Romani a bit differently. In high school, Romani received a scholarship from the Pacific Northwest Business Aviation Association (PNBAA). “A lot of us forget how we got started in this career,” Romani said. “It’s important to give back. While volunteering, I’m talking to aircraft brokers, dispatchers, schedulers and pilots – people I normally would not cross paths with. That’s been a huge takeaway for me. It’s a great way to pay it back.”
Romani volunteers with PNBAA, the NBAA YoPro Council and the International Aircraft Dealers Association’s NextGen initiative. “Volunteering doesn’t mean you must be an expert. It could be as simple as showing up and helping set up chairs and tables,” Romani said. “Just get involved. That’s where you start figuring out your strengths.”
Learn more about Young Professionals in Business Aviation at nbaa.org/yopro.
International Business Aviation Council Ltd.