United Airlines, the only major U.S. airline to own a flight school, began accepting applications as it embarks on an ambitious plan to train 5,000 new pilots by 2030, at least half of them women and people of color. Backed by scholarship commitments from United Airlines and JPMorgan Chase, United Aviate Academy will create opportunities for thousands of students, including women and people of color to pursue a career as a commercial airline pilot, one of the most lucrative careers in the industry. In addition, for those United Aviate Academy students who may need additional financing, United has partnered with Sallie Mae to offer private student loans to ensure that no highly-qualified, highly-motivated, eligible applicants will be turned away solely because they can’t afford to enroll. United Aviate Academy expects to enroll 100 students in 2021. To break down the financial barriers that limited access to the airline pilot career path for generations of women and people of color, United has committed to fund $1.2 million in scholarships. The airline’s credit card partner, JPMorgan Chase has also committed $1.2 million to support women and people of color who are accepted to United Aviate Academy. United will leverage its long-standing relationships with a variety of organizations, including the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals, Sisters of the Skies, the Latino Pilots Association and the Professional Asian Pilots Association to help identify and steer highly qualified, diverse candidates to the United Aviate Academy. As key partners, these organizations will select the applicants to receive the scholarships and grants funded by United and JPMorgan Chase. For more information on Aviate, visit unitedaviate.com.

NYC & Company, the official destination marketing organization and convention and visitors bureau for the five boroughs of New York City, announced that Rondel Holder has joined the organization as Senior Director of Multicultural Content. In his new role, Holder will be responsible for creating content with a focus on New York City’s cultural diversity and BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) communities. As a senior member of NYC & Company’s Creative/Content Group, he will create content for the organization’s channels including nycgo.com, and develop collaborations with diverse voices and content partners who authentically speak to New York City’s many cultures. “With more than a decade of expertise in storytelling and content creation, and his passion for championing Black travelers and multicultural communities, he will be a terrific addition to our team and we look forward to working with him to develop dynamic five-borough content that will inspire locals and visitors alike,” said Nancy Mammana, Chief Marketing Officer, NYC & Company. “As a New York City native, from and residing in Flatbush, Brooklyn, it’s an honor and privilege to represent my hometown in this role. I’m elated to join the NYC & Company team to further spotlight multicultural stories, experiences and opportunities throughout all five boroughs. To amplify and advocate for the countless diverse communities that are an integral part of NYC culture is in perfect alignment with who I am and what I represent,” said Rondel Holder, Senior Director of Multicultural Content, NYC & Company. For more information about New York City, visit nycgo.com.