Lt. Col. Marisol Chalas, the first Latina National Guard Black Hawk helicopter pilot and a celebrated trailblazer in aviation, visited Seton Hall for a fireside chat on March 18.
The annual Ella Triunfa event, hosted by the Joseph A. Unanue Latino Institute (JAULI), highlights women trailblazers in their respective fields. This year’s event spotlighted Chalas as a woman who “shatter[ed] the glass ceiling,” focusing on her experiences and accomplishments both in and outside of the military as she navigated being the first in her line of work.
In an interview with The Setonian, Chalas spoke about the challenges she faced throughout her career.
“I would say, in becoming the first Latina Black Hawk pilot in the National Guard, it is the fact that I am the first, right?” Chalas said. “So that means opening new doors, not everybody was supportive…I had to overcome that.”
Chalas began her military career in 1990 when she enlisted in the Army National Guard. She was then commissioned as an aviation officer in 2001, becoming the first in her class at Fort Rucker Army Aviation School, according to the Smithsonian.
Chalas, who is recognized by the Smithsonian for her achievements, said one of her proudest accomplishments is graduating from college, alongside graduating from flight school and being “a role model for many.”
“It goes back to being the first one in my family to graduate from college,” Chalas said. “I have to thank my parents for the opportunity they gave me to follow the American dream.”
Just as she is proud to be a role model for others, Chalas said she decided to pursue higher education at the Massachusetts Maritime Academy because of her role model: her high school physics teacher.
“My physics teacher saw how well I did in his class and encouraged me to go to college,” Chalas said. “So I went to college because of [him], and I became a marine engineer.”
During the fireside chat, Chalas reflected on this experience, saying how important it was for her to have a mentor guide her in the right direction.
“It took somebody seeing my potential and encouraging me to follow that dream,” she said.
Chalas currently works with the Army Reserve Aviation Command in Fort Knox, Kentucky, where she manages over 4,000 soldiers.
Dr. Lori Tarke, who organized the Ella Triunfa event with Cristina Cosme, the JAULI assistant director, spoke about the importance of women like Chalas in an interview with The Setonian.
“One of my visions for the institute was to introduce students to history makers, barrier breakers, and movers and shakers of the Latino community,” Tarke said. “And so to put them face to face with someone like Lt. Col. Chalas is a testament to how Latinos have contributed to American history.”
Tarke added that she hopes that students can take inspiration from Chalas.
“I hope that students are introduced to this history maker and can see themselves becoming a pilot, seeing themselves and having a role model to look up to,” Tarke said. “I also hope it serves as a point of celebration for all service members and to give thanks for service members who are out there putting their lives on the line for us.”
Tuesday’s fireside chat opened with the Paterson ROTC’s color guard, and a Latin version of the Star-Spangled Banner played by the Newark Arts High School Latin Band. Tarke kicked off the event by taking a moment to honor service members.
“I want to begin by first saying that we’re all a part of this American flag, and what makes that flag beautiful is the tapestry of different people that fall under it,” Tarke said. “So today I want to thank all service members, and to really honor Lt. Col. Marisol Chalas, because it takes guts to be the first.”
After graduating from the Massachusetts Maritime Academy, Chalas became a second lieutenant in 2001. Chalas described how this journey shaped her into a strong, confident individual.
“I went on to become an officer,” Chalas said. “With that comes maturity. I have made mistakes, I will own them. But as you grow up, you develop, you learn, not only from your mistakes but also from great leaders.”
Being the first in a male-dominated field, Chalas said she used that maturity to stand her ground.
“You learn how to be an expert in your field because they cannot take away your learning,” she said. “They can mess with you, but they cannot take away your learning.”
Two student scholars in JAULI, Andrea Herrera and Ingrid Vasquez, discussed their experiences attending the event.
Herrera, a sophomore behavioral science major, said Chalas is an inspiration.
“It’s a great honor to have Chalas on campus to represent powerful Latina women,” Herrera said.
Vasquez, a junior criminal justice major, said the event is very important for the Latino community.
“It’s great to have her here to see powerful women in the military,” Vasquez said. “It is important to highlight powerful Latina women.”
Chalas said she hopes students, like the JAULI scholars, learn the importance of staying motivated despite the challenges they may face.
“If you have a dream you’re pursuing, know that life is not easy,” Chalas said. “But don’t give up. I took a year off after my freshman year in college because I didn’t do as well as I planned. It’s okay to fall; what it’s not okay is to let fear, to let a small fall, stop you from pursuing your dreams.”
Chalas said nothing could stop students from achieving their goals.
“No matter what your background is, your economic situation—if there’s a will, there’s a way,” she said. “So, don’t give up hope, keep your eyes on the prize, and rely on those [who] will be positive and give you positive support.”
Michela DiLorenzo is a writer for The Setonian’s News section. She can be reached at michela.dilorenzo@student.shu.edu.
