We were lucky to catch up with Karina Gaynutdinova recently and have shared our conversation below.
Karina, appreciate you joining us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?
Arriving in The United States in 2005 with only $300, I faced the daunting challenge of starting a new life. Despite not speaking any English, I held onto the belief that I would find a fighting chance in the Land of Opportunities compared to my native home of Russia. Leaving behind my loving family and friends, I embarked on a new journey to pursue my dream of becoming an aviator in the country where ambitious aviation students flourish to reach their highest potentials in the safest airspace system in the world. My new life in The States could be the small strip I would need to launch my dream career into the blue yonder.
Over the past eighteen years, I have worked hard, studied tirelessly, and have proudly earned my U.S. citizenship. I currently hold a Commercial Pilot Certificate with Airplane Single-Engine and Multi-Engine Ratings and instrument privileges.
Karina, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
In addition to my passion for aviation, I am deeply invested in volunteering with organizations such as Special Olympics, Women in Corporate Aviation, Women in Aviation International, National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), Ninety-Nines Organization, and Angel Flight West. I owe a significant part of my motivation and success in my journey to the selfless people in aviation who have helped me thus far. I am committed to carrying this legacy forward as I grow as an aviator. Currently, I take every opportunity to volunteer in the events and activities that these wonderful organizations host. At these events, I have had the opportunity to mentor young women who are interested in pursuing careers in aviation by sharing my experience and providing guidance to help them navigate the challenges they will face on their path to becoming certified pilots. Volunteering with organizations such as Angel Flight West allows me to combine my passion for aviation with my desire to help others. I consider myself extremely fortunate to be in a position to assist those who can benefit from my background and desire to help.
How did you build your audience on social media?
I just started posting videos of myself flying, and people began following me and asking how I got started. I enjoy connecting with people who have similar interests, especially women who are interested in pursuing male-dominated careers..
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
Be confident and assertive: Believe in yourself and your abilities. Don’t let gender stereotypes or biases discourage me..
Embrace challenges and learn from failures: Expect obstacles and setbacks along the way. Instead of letting them discourage me, view them as opportunities for growth and learning. Embrace challenges and use them to become stronger and more resilient.
Some day it was very hard to do. But I still did one step of the time.
Support and inspire others: Share my journey, experiences, and knowledge with others. Act as a mentor or role model for aspiring women in aviation. Encourage and empower them to pursue their dreams.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Pilot.Karina
- Facebook: KarinaGnova
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karina-gaynutdinova-a39a9159?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
- Youtube: Karina Gaynutdinova
Image Credits
Oxana Melis Instagram: oxanamelis