Vernice "FlyGirl" Armour is a former US Marine Corps, best known for becoming the first African American female naval aviator and the first female combat aviator for the Marine Corps. Having flown the AH-1W SuperCobra attack helicopter, she has been at the centre of some of the highest-pressure situations imaginable. Admired for her driven mindset and dedication to irradicate stereotypes in the Marines, Vernice is now highly sought-after as an empowering speaker for events internationally.
Vernice enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserve in 1993, before following her childhood dream to become a police officer, becaming the first female African American to serve as a police officer in Tempe Arizona. Recognising her passion for helping others, Vernice joined the U.S. Marines as an Officer Candidate in 1998. Commissioned a second lieutenant later that year, she was sent to flight school and received her wings in 2001. Exceeding the expectations of professionals around her, Vernice was number one amongst 200 graduates and became the Marine Corps’ first African American female pilot. Having been assigned to Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton to train for the AH1-W SuperCobra, Vernice was named 2001 Camp Pendleton Female Athlete of the Year, and two-time Camp’s annual Strongest Warrior Competition. In 2003, she flew the HMLA-169 during the Iraq war, making her the Marines' first combat pilot. Vernice had a remarkable career in the Marines, serving for 14 years.
After leaving the Marines, Vernice has embarked on an entrepreneurial career, launching VAI Consulting & Training LLC in 2007 and later founding FlyGirl Construction in 2011. An empowering and motivational voice, Vernice released her book "Zero to Breakthrough: The 7-Step, Battle-Tested Method for Accomplishing Goals that Matter", where she shares insights into her success to encourage others to turn aspirations into reality.
An inspirational woman, Vernice Armour is now highly sought-after to attend speaking engagements to focus on topics such as thriving with change, resilience, and adaptability. Empowering women around the world to achieve their aspirations, her vast industry knowledge and experience are valued by audiences worldwide. When looking to hire a remarkable motivational speaker, look no further than Vernice.
Vernice Armour's official speaking topics are listed below:
- Thriving with Change
- Achieving Audatious Goals
- Resilience & Adaptability
- Teamwork & Collaboration
- Inspiration & Motivation
- Mental Health
- DE&I
- Overcoming Obstacles
- Culture
- Managing Risk
- Leadership
- Performance & Execution
- Women & Work
- High-Energy
OFFICIAL FEEDBACK FROM IN-PERSON AND VIRTAL EVENTS
“Captain Armour’s audience was truly inspired by her courage and tenacity. She is exciting to be around and really represents a woman that young women can aspire to be. Our law students were empowered by Captain Armour. She is a dynamic presence.” - Professor of Law and Producer, Massachusetts School of Law at Andover
"The audience was absorbed by your stories of grit, determination and your lessons learned; you clearly connected with every individual as I could see how engaged people were…thank you for demonstrating that we can make dreams happen and seize the joy that awaits us in this life adventure.” - Managing Director, Diversity & Inclusion, Americas, UBS Investment Bank
“As the first African American female combat pilot in U.S. history, I am certain your journey has not been an easy one. I am also certain that your presentation will influence VA employees because it speaks to a commitment to succeed. Your focus, your passion, your purpose, and your positive attitude are the necessary tools to handle obstacles and help you overcome any barriers. Your message will inspire all to do his or her personal best.” - Assistant Secretary for Human Resources and Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs
“Your energy and message started the event off on such a high note, and we are so grateful for that! The attendees felt so empowered and motivated after listening to your story—they definitely feel gutsy now!” - Stanford Women in Business
- 2020 – Started FlyGirl Construction, a General Contracting Firm in the Atlanta
- 2011 – Published "Zero to Breakthrough: The 7-Step, Battle-Tested Method for Accomplishing Goals that Matter”
- 2007 – Launched VAI Consulting & Training, LLC
- 2005 – Diversity Programme Manager, United States Marine Corps
- 2003 – Flew the HMLA-169 during the Iraq War
- 2001 – Achieved her wings from the Naval Flight School
- 2001 – Named Camp Pendleton Female Athlete of the Year
- 1998 – Joined the U.S. Marines as an Officer Candidate
- 1998 – Commissioned as a Second Lieutenant
- 1998 – Became first African American female to serve as a police officer in Tempe, Arizona
- 1996 – Police Officer – Metropolitan Nashville Police Department
- 1993 – Enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserve
How to hire Vernice Armour
Contact the Champions Speakers Agency to provisionally enquire about hiring Vernice Armour for your next event, today. To get in touch, simply call an official booking agent on 0207 1010 553 or email us at [email protected] for more information.
** We do NOT accept requests for autographs, signed merchandise, fan mail, birthday messages or any other non-commercial contact with the speakers or acts. Each speaker on the website may not have necessarily worked with Champions in the past but are known to perform such engagements within the industry.
