WORLDWIDE & ONLINE CAMPUS
WHERE BARRIERS BECOME RUNWAYS
Moving meant leaving behind family, language and traditions. Loneliness and doubt crept in, but she reminded herself her journey was “for every girl who has been told ‘no,’ for every family who wonders ‘what if?’” In 2022, Imtiaz became the first woman from Bangladesh to serve as an airline pilot in the United States. Now a first officer for Republic Airways and an Aeronautics student at Embry-Riddle’s Worldwide Campus, she treasures moments when passengers — especially children — are excited to see her on the flight deck. “Your dreams are valid, your voice matters and your wings are real,” Imtiaz says. “Trust your passion, work hard and know you are never alone. There’s a sisterhood in the sky waiting to welcome you.” With aspirations to captain wide-body aircraft across continents and mentor future aviators, Imtiaz continues to prove that in aviation — and in life — there is no finish line, only new heights to reach.
Growing up in Bangladesh, Anisa Imtiaz (’25) was surrounded by inspiration. Her father, a retired Bangladeshi Air Force pilot, shared thrilling tales of flights, while her mother, a doctor, modeled compassion and dedication. Yet, outside their home, she often heard, “Women are not supposed to be pilots,” and “What if you fail?” Imtiaz didn’t let those doubts ground her. Inspired by her parents, she dreamed of blending her father’s courage with her mother’s devotion, carrying both across the sky. With few role models in Bangladesh, she decided to become her own. She set her sights on the United States — birthplace of aviation and home to trailblazers like Amelia Earhart and Bessie Coleman. “If I wanted to learn from the very best and push my limits, the United States was where my dream could truly take flight,” she said.
Legacy in Flight Meet Tyrique Murry (’25), a B.S. in Aeronautics graduate with a minor in Uncrewed Aircraft Systems through the Worldwide Campus. Murry enlisted in the Air Force in 2018 and enrolled at Embry-Riddle at the Air University Associate-to-Baccalaureate Cooperative (AU-ABC) program, aligning his studies with his role as a special missions aviator. He began classes at Nellis Air Force Base and continued his education at Embry-Riddle’s Aviano site in Italy. “The courses gave me clarity and helped prepare me for the Air Force Officer Qualifying Test,” he said. He credits his supervisor, academic advisor, military peers and family for helping him stay the course with their continued support and guidance. My job is very busy, but I have a great support system at Aviano and professors who understand and encourage me,” he shared. Inspired by his father, who earned a degree after retiring from the Army, Murry is set to become the first in his immediate family to graduate from college and commission as an officer. Looking ahead, he aims to complete Officer Training School and pilot training, pursue a master’s degree and one day become a NASA astronaut — continuing a legacy of service, grit and ambition.
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