America’s First Black Female Combat Pilot; Former Marine and Police Offer; Author and Consultant
Vernice "FlyGirl" Armour: Biography at a Glance
- Vernice "FlyGirl" Armour was America's first black female combat pilot. In addition, she served as both a marine and a police officer.
- Upon leaving the military after the completion of two tours in Iraq, Vernice launched VAI Consulting and Training, LLC, and authored Zero to Breakthrough, The 7-Step, Battle-Tested Method for Accomplishing Goals that Matter.
- From the stage, FlyGirl unleashes hard-hitting advice and amazing anecdotes from her adventures on the battlefield and in business.
- She helps individuals and organizations Get Gutsy and build a sustainable inner force and conviction, that results in accomplishing significant goals.
- As a Black gay woman and single mom, FlyGirl brings vital experience to her role as a member of the Forbes School of Business & Technology Board of Advisors and COMCAST/NBCUniversal Joint Diversity Council.
Biography
Vernice was born in Chicago, IL in 1973, and moved to Memphis, TN after her parents divorced when she was three. By the age of four, she knew she wanted to be a police officer that rode a horse downtown. She received her first pony asa gift on the Christmas day following her fourth birthday and her dream quickly started to have a foundation in reality. In 1991, she graduated from John Overton High School for Creative and Performing Arts where she was very active in the music program, class vice president, a member of Mu Alpha Theta (mathematics honor society), and The National Honor Society.
In 1993, the future combat pilot enlisted in the Army Reserves and joined the Army ROTC program while at Middle Tennessee State University. During an Army ROTC career day, the seed of becoming a pilot was planted when Vernice saw the image of a young Black female in an Army flight suit. “Now why didn’t I think of that!” was her first thought! Vernice then took a break from college to accept an invitation to the Nashville Police Academy. She graduated in December 1996 –and later became the first woman of color on the Nashville Police Department’s motorcycle squad. She graduated from MTSU in December of 1997 with her B.S. in Physical Education: Emphasis in Exercise Science.
Vernice was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Marine Corps on December 12, 1998 and on her way to flight school. When Vernice finally earned her wings in July 2001, the ambitious pilot ranked No. 1 out of both her class of 12 and of the last 200 to graduate. She made the Naval Air Station’s prestigious Commodore’s List, received the Academic Achievement Award, was the top graduate in her class, and went on to make history as the Marine Corps’ first African American female pilot.
After her military service, FlyGirl revved up her career in the private sector as an entrepreneur, consultant to business, and author of Zero to Breakthrough, The 7-Step, Battle-Tested Method for Accomplishing Goals that Matter. As a speaker, FlyGirl unleashes hard-hitting advice and amazing anecdotes from her adventures on the battlefield and in business. She helps individuals and organizations Get Gutsy and build a sustainable inner force and conviction, that results in accomplishing significant goals.
Upon leaving the military after the completion of two tours in Iraq, Vernice launched VAI Consulting and Training, LLC. She now resides in Atlanta, GA with her daughter Noah
Topics
One Mission - One Goal - One Team
Gutsy Leaders create Gutsy Teams that make Gutsy Moves. Be proactive – not reactive; that’s how the best organizations create the future. It begins by summoning the courage to change tactics and align. Drawing on a distinguished career as a U.S. Marine combat helicopter pilot, Vernice “FlyGirl” Armour unloads valuable lessons learned under the most stressful of circumstances – about leadership, teamwork, resilience, communication, execution, and building a culture of unshakable trust. A compelling storyteller who commands attention – in-person or virtually, FlyGirl inspires audiences and shows them the key steps to achieving more than they ever thought possible.
Get Gutsy - Harness a Breakthrough Mindset
How you respond to personal and professional obstacles, adversity, and disappointment is a choice. It also determines your future. Black, gay, and a child of divorce, Vernice “FlyGirl” Armour learned this early. Her incredible journey – from police department to the Marines and becoming America’s first Black female combat pilot – was filled with challenges, adventures, successes, and ultimate triumph. She translates those lessons for audiences, drawing from her book Zero to Breakthrough - The 7-Step, Battle-Tested Method for Accomplishing Goals that Matter. FlyGirl is a force who will rock the house! Her energy, enthusiasm, and positivity inspire people to Get Gutsy and reimagine what’s possible.
Who Needs a Runway? Take Off From Where You Are
Helicopter pilots can spring into action from where they are. They don’t need a runway. Being nimble gives them an incredible edge in battle. Vernice “FlyGirl” Armour thinks this metaphor is perfect for uncertain times where speed and agility are survival skills. FlyGirl not only fires up an audience – in-person and virtually – with her energy and memorable stories, she punctuates hard-learned lessons with tactics that can be used to quickly adapt to the forces of change impacting your organization. This presentation is perfect for audiences navigating uncertainty, new regulations, unparalleled market forces, or looking to accomplish audacious goals. Give your group the necessary boost to come together as a team and innovate quickly and confidently.
A New Conversation: Actively Transforming a Company, Culture and Country
This isn’t about politics; this is about being proactive. This is about coming together and deciding what we can do as an organization to create an equitable culture for employees, stakeholders, and customers that serves all involved. Where ALL can feel like they belong. Where all feel like they are part of the team. This is about establishing rules of engagement for civil, productive conversations that find solutions, not fault. Vernice “FlyGirl” Armour was a diversity officer for U.S. Marine Corps HQ and liaison to the Pentagon. As a gay, Black woman she brought valuable personal experience to her work, driving diversity policy for a 200,000 personnel organization. When you bring people together, you will have differences and similarities that result in tension and complexities...THIS IS NORMAL! How you MANAGE diversity is the key!
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FAQs
How do I book Vernice "FlyGirl" Armour for my event?
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Who is Vernice "FlyGirl" Armour's booking agent?
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Contact Vernice "FlyGirl" Armour's agent- Email: speakers@caa.com
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What is Vernice "FlyGirl" Armour's speaking fee?
Vernice "FlyGirl" Armour's speaking fee varies by event type, location, and requirements. As a top keynote speaker, Vernice "FlyGirl" Armour's fee reflects their expertise and market demand.
Speaking fee factors:- Event type and audience size
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Contact CAA Speakers at speakers@caa.com for Vernice "FlyGirl" Armour's current speaking fee and detailed cost breakdown.
How much does it cost to book Vernice "FlyGirl" Armour as a keynote speaker?
The cost to book Vernice "FlyGirl" Armour as keynote speaker includes their speaking fee plus travel and logistics expenses.
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How to contact Vernice "FlyGirl" Armour for speaking engagements?
Contact CAA Speakers at speakers@caa.com for all Vernice "FlyGirl" Armour speaking engagements.
Official contact for Vernice "FlyGirl" Armour bookings:- Email: speakers@caa.com
- Website: https://www.caa.com/caaspeakers/vernice-flygirl-armour
- Response time: 24 hours
Include your event date, location, audience size, and budget when contacting CAA about booking Vernice "FlyGirl" Armour.
Is Vernice "FlyGirl" Armour available for virtual speaking events?
Yes, Vernice "FlyGirl" Armour speaks at virtual events with professional-grade equipment and interactive presentation style.
Vernice "FlyGirl" Armour's virtual event options:- Live virtual keynotes with Q&A
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Vernice "FlyGirl" Armour booking information and availability
Check Vernice "FlyGirl" Armour's speaking availability through CAA Speakers at speakers@caa.com. Book 3-6 months in advance for best date selection during peak seasons (September-November, March-May).
Availability factors:- Event date and location
- Speaking fee and budget
- Lead time for booking
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- 3-6 months: Best availability
- 3-6 months: Best availability
- 2-3 months: Good availability
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Book Vernice "FlyGirl" Armour keynote speaker through CAA
Book Vernice "FlyGirl" Armour through CAA Speakers for guaranteed authentic representation and professional event coordination. CAA is the preferred booking agent for Vernice "FlyGirl" Armour, with direct access to their speaking availability and decades of experience representing the world’s top keynote speakers.
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Will Vernice "FlyGirl" Armour speak at private events?
Yes, Vernice "FlyGirl" Armour speaks at private corporate events, executive retreats, board meetings, and exclusive functions.
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How quickly will I get a response about booking Vernice "FlyGirl" Armour?
CAA Speakers responds to Vernice "FlyGirl" Armour booking inquiries within 24 hours during business days. Complex requests or international events may take up to 48 hours for detailed proposals.
Response timeline:- Initial acknowledgment: Within 24 hours
- Availability confirmation: 24-48 hours
- Detailed pricing proposal: 48-72 hours
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Include complete event details (date, location, audience size, budget) for fastest response times.
How far in advance should I book Vernice "FlyGirl" Armour?
Book Vernice "FlyGirl" Armour 3-6 months in advance for best availability, especially during peak speaking seasons. Early booking ensures better date selection and rate negotiations.
Recommended booking timeline:- 3-6 months: Optimal availability and pricing
- 2-3 months: Good availability
- 1-2 months: Select availability
- Under 30 days: Limited availability
Peak seasons: September-November and March-May book fastest. Contact CAA Speakers early for priority consideration.
How do I get Vernice "FlyGirl" Armour pricing information?
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For accurate pricing, include:- Event date and location
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