Through my journey I learned that I was living from a narrow scope of what I believed “creativity” and “art” to be. My definition was restricted to painting, fashion, and singing for example. Looking back, that was a challenging reality for me to be living in.

 

In the last few years I’ve greatly expanded my scope of understanding about creativity and I have begun to strengthen my relationship to my own divine creativity. Now I embrace my identity as an artist and I know that my creativity is infinite. Today I understand that my creative expression is present in all that I do in my life from photography to writing, cooking, fashion, crafting, and problem solving, etc.

 

I’m grateful that I’ve chosen a new career path for myself that allows me to fully exercise and celebrate the gift of my creativity in every aspect of my business. Hand crafting my PR packages is so perfect example of how satisfying this is for me.

 

Q: Lastly Sami Jo, I would like to ask about the foundation your brother started and chairs. You mentioned he has a son who is on the Spectrum and how that inspired him to start Aviators For Autism, a non-profit dedicated to bringing awareness to autism as well as hosting events for children wherein they can come aboard private jets and perhaps be inspired to one day themselves get involved in aviation as a career. Can you share with us a broader idea of his vision and the work they do within the foundation?

 

A: Thank you for asking! Anthony founded Aviators for Autism to be of service to others by advocating for children, parents, and families who navigate similar challenges as him. Its mission is to expose, educate, and empower individuals by bridging the gap between the aviation sector and the Neurodiverse community.

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My nephew Nicholas, 9, was diagnosed with autism at two. He's non-verbal and has been immersed in aviation since birth. Many Neurodiverse families are daunted by travel and Often experience highly stressful travel days, or they feel discouraged from traveling at all. This leads to a domino effect of missed experiences and opportunities for everyone involved. Beyond just travel, Anthony sees the opportunity for Neurodiverse individuals to pursue meaningful careers in aviation and wants to support bringing that reality to fruition.

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Aviators For Autism’s first initiative is an Aviation Club where we partner with local non-profits to host monthly events at Talon Air for the neurodiverse and developmentally disabled. We offer airport tours, flying education, and practice boarding jets. Our father participated at the first event as our featured pilot where he gave a lesson on flying and answered questions from participants. That was a really special family moment for all of us! Anthony is also with airports on tours and simulations, programming partnerships with aviation museums, and creating a national network of volunteer aviation professionals to assist families to navigate through airports on travel days.

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In these early stages, I support him with creative brainstorming, organization, creative design, photography, and event planning. I'm grateful to witness Anthony's evolution as a father and touched by his passion for supporting this community. I'm excited about what the future holds for Anthony, Nicholas, and neurodiverse families."

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