Eliana wants to fly
In a time where we are told the sky’s the limit, how do we inspire the next generation to believe in their potential and reach for the stars?
My name is Maya Komolafe, I am 18 years old and the author of Eliana Wants to Fly. Eliana Wants to Fly is a captivating children’s picture book that follows the imaginative adventures of a young girl named Eliana as she envisions herself exploring the world.
I am passionate about diversity within the aviation industry and after writing an article for Travel Radar on this important issue in January 2024, I decided to take further action by publishing a children’s book that addresses this issue from its roots.
I noticed a significant lack in the representation of diverse characters and narratives in children’s books about aviation currently on the market, so I decided to make a change.
Today’s children will be tomorrow’s pilots, engineers, air traffic controllers and much more. Thus, if we want a more diverse aviation industry in the years to come, I saw writing a children’s book as an effective method to inspire the individuals we need more of in aviation to consider a career in this wonderful industry.
My hope is that through Eliana’s story, young girls from minority backgrounds will consider a career in aviation particularly as a pilot but more importantly be inspired to reach for the stars and break barriers in any career they choose.
Moreover, I hope Eliana Wants to Fly inspires all children regardless of their background to dream big and aim high!
I intentionally chose to collaborate with a talented 13-year-old female illustrator to bring the story to life to embody the very essence of the book’s message – to inspire and empower young girls to pursue their dreams fearlessly.
Through this collaboration, we send a powerful message to our readers – that age is no barrier to creativity, and dreams can be pursued and achieved at any stage of life.
By featuring the work of Esila Karakuyu, the 13-year-old illustrator, Eliana Wants to Fly becomes more than just a book; it is a testament to the belief that with determination and passion young girls everywhere can soar to great heights and fulfil their aspirations.
I first dreamed of becoming a pilot when I was 8 years old but didn’t start pursuing this goal until I was 14. It wasn’t until I saw aviation professionals who looked like me established in the industry that I saw a career in aviation as one worth pursuing. When I first encountered a black female pilot, I was in awe, inspired and encouraged. I believed that I too can be a part of this amazing industry through hard work and dedication.
My ultimate goal is to be a commercial airline pilot for British Airways. In 2022, I won a BWPA Easy PPL Ground School Scholarship . This was one of the initial steps I took to gain a greater insight into aviation. I am grateful to the BWPA for the scholarship and look forward to how this scholarship will support me in the next stage of my aviation journey.
I plan to fund my flight training through books sales. This was another key motivator behind the creation of Eliana Wants to Fly. In addition to encouraging the next generation to aspire to work in aviation I also hope to use Eliana Wants to Fly to help bring my own aviation dreams to fruition.
To learn more about the Eliana Wants to Fly mission, vision and team or to purchase the book visit their website.
Follow Eliana Wants to Fly on Instagram and Facebook to be kept up to date with all our updates and activities and subscribe to the YouTube channel where you can watch me reading the story! Eliana Wants to Fly is available from several online book stores.
Maya Komolafe
