Patricia Northrup

Patricia Northrup is an aviator, military officer, and former beauty queen whose career spans commercial aviation, military service, and public speaking. Northrup was crowned Miss California and holds a Bachelor of Science in aeronautical engineering from California Polytechnic State University. She used her Miss California scholarship to pursue a career in commercial aviation. During her tenure, Northrup spoke to more than 50,000 students in local schools as part of the D.A.R.E. campaign against drugs. The California Office of Tourism named her an ambassador, sending her to Japan, Taiwan, and Germany to promote California.

Northrup was recruited by the California Air National Guard and received the Commander's Trophy at military pilot training graduation. She retired after a 21-year military career as a lieutenant colonel and instructor pilot for the California Air National Guard in the 115th Airlift Squadron. Northrup flew six tours of duty in the Middle East and was awarded five Air Medals. She completed 75 combat missions during four deployments in Iraq and was named California Air National Guard Field Grade Officer of the Year. Northrup also holds a Master of Science in military science and operational art.

She was inducted into the Order of Daedalians, a World War I flying organization, where she serves as a director. Northrup is also a director on the Disabled Veterans Charities board, which provides financial support to disabled veterans. In addition to her military service, Northrup serves as CEO of the Miss California Organization, a preliminary to the Miss America competition, and has worked as a captain for American Airlines for more than 20 years.

Northrup is the author of "Crown to Cockpit," a memoir detailing her journey from the Miss America runway to the runways of Baghdad. She has addressed audiences for more than 25 years on topics including leadership in high-stress environments, breaking barriers in aviation and the military, and fostering positive workplace relationships. Northrup is recognized for her expertise in resilience, leadership, and navigating dynamic, high-pressure situations.