Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kenneth Morris. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Kenneth, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. One of the most important things small businesses can do, in our view, is to serve underserved communities that are ignored by giant corporations who often are just creating mass-market, one-size-fits-all solutions. Talk to us about how you serve an underserved community.

As a collaborator with nonprofit organizations and national corporations, my mission is to empower, inform, and inspire underserved communities by providing access, resources, and information infused with some Hope! The Aviation, Aerospace, and STEM industries thrive when they reflect the rich diversity of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives that make up our society.

Our outreach specifically includes, but is not limited to, veterans, women, people of color, neurodivergent individuals, and persons with physical, cognitive, or developmental disabilities—including those who are autistic, hard of hearing, or visually impaired.

Historically, and still today, the aviation field—particularly in piloting—has lacked representation and diversity, often dominated by individuals from similar backgrounds. Growing up in Houston, Texas, I was never exposed to aviation as a viable career path. However, that changed when I joined the U.S. Navy and began traveling the world. That experience reshaped my self-perception and dramatically expanded my sense of possibility.

Before I left for boot camp, I was told I wouldn’t succeed in the rigorous demands of the Naval Combat Aircrewman program. I took that doubt as fuel. It motivated me to push harder, ultimately launching a 25-year career in aviation. Today, I draw on those personal and professional experiences to educate and uplift the next generation of leaders.

*“For our young people to aspire to something different, they must first be able to see it.”

Kenneth, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

As a native Houstonian, born and raised in 5th Ward, the environment was not the easiest to grow up in – stating it mildly. I wasn’t exposed to aviation or the idea that someone like me—a young Black kid from a poverty-stricken neighborhood and financially inept background—could become a pilot. That changed when I enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where I served as a Naval Combat Aircrewman and traveled the world. I was told I wasn’t smart enough for the role I had chosen, but that doubt only fueled my determination. Over the next 25 years, I carved out a successful career in aviation, becoming a professional pilot, national aviation educator, and trusted voice in the aviation outreach sector of the industry. Today, I use that journey—from overlooked youth to seasoned aviator—as the foundation for my work as a keynote speaker, author, and mentor. My goal is to create access, visibility, and opportunity in Aviation, Aerospace, and STEM for communities that have historically been left behind—including veterans, women, people of color, neurodivergent individuals, and people with disabilities.

Through my consulting and speaking engagements, I provide educational and scholarship insight, career mentorship, and diversity-focused outreach initiatives tailored for schools, nonprofits, and corporate partners. I also offer strategic guidance for aviation startups, workforce pipeline development, and inclusive recruitment practices. What sets my brand apart is not only deep industry experience but a lived understanding of what it means to rise in a space that wasn’t built for you—and the proven ability to help others do the same. I’m most proud of the young people who’ve seen themselves reflected in my story and gone on to pursue careers they once thought were out of reach. At its core, my work is about hope, visibility, and transformation. I want people to know that success in aviation and STEM is possible no matter where you come from—and that I’m committed to opening the door wider for those who follow.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

As a young man growing up in Houston, I never met nor saw anyone who looked like me flying planes or working in aviation. The idea of becoming a pilot seemed as distant as the sky itself. But everything shifted when I joined the U.S. Navy. It wasn’t just the new uniform or the global travel—it was the moment someone looked me in the eye and told me I wasn’t smart enough to succeed as an Anti-Submarine Warfare Systems Operator – Acoustic. My job in the Navy was to track diesel and nuclear submarines with acoustic sound signatures while flying as a combat aircrewman aboard the P-3C Orion. That moment could have broken me. Instead, it became the spark that ignited my purpose. I embraced the challenge with unwavering determination, pushing through the grueling training and mental hurdles. Each takeoff became a testament to the power of belief over doubt, and each landing was proof that I belonged in the skies.

Over the next 25 years, I turned that doubt into fuel, building a career as a decorated military veteran, professional pilot, aviation educator, keynote speaker, mentor and author. I faced the silent weight of imposter syndrome, the fear of letting my family down and being the only one in the room more times than I can count—but I kept showing up. Not just for myself, but for every young person who has ever been told they weren’t enough. Today, I use my story to open doors and shift narratives. Resiliency isn’t just surviving what was meant to stop you—it’s soaring in spite of it.

“You don’t have to come from a legacy to leave one. Sometimes, all it takes is one person to break the pattern—and fly anyway.”

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

There came a point in my journey when I had to choose between comfort and calling. I was serving as the full-time Director of Education at a respected local flight museum—a stable executive role with a dependable salary, benefits, and the respect that comes with leadership. But deep down, I knew I hadn’t yet fulfilled my purpose. The dream of becoming a pilot still burned inside me. So, with no guarantee of success, I made the hardest decision of my life: I resigned. As a single father, I packed up my life and moved to another city, hundreds of miles away from family support, to attend flight school full time. The decision came with sacrifice—I drove Uber to cover the bills, studied by night and early mornings, and juggled fatherhood with a demanding training schedule that left no room for doubt or excuses.

There were moments when the weight felt unbearable, when exhaustion knocked louder than motivation, and the finish line seemed too far away to imagine. But I reminded myself daily why I started. I wasn’t just chasing a license—I was showing my son, and anyone watching, that betting on yourself is always worth it. That season of sacrifice taught me that resilience isn’t about never falling—it’s about refusing to stay down. Today, every time I sit in the cockpit, I remember the long nights behind the wheel of my Uber, the quiet prayers before exams, and the unwavering belief that purpose is always worth the price.

“Sometimes the leap feels reckless—until your wings catch air. Believe in yourself enough to jump.”

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/black-pilots-bring-diversity-culture-205537483.html
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepeoplesav8r
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mrkennethmorris
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrkennethmorris
• Twitter: https://x.com/thepeoplesav8r
• Youtube: https://youtu.be/DmciLq4_gMA?si=4eqJFtQymEEKBUs0
• Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thepeoplesav8r

Image Credits

Gabe Fogleman