Jabili Kandula
Height: 5’4
Hometown: Mississauga, ON
Languages: English and Telugu
Occupation: Aviation Journalist and Private Pilot
Jabili Kandula was born in London as the daughter of two immigrants from India. She is a private pilot and aviation journalist for Aviation for Women and Business Aviation Insider magazines. She is currently working for NASA as a technical writer and communication strategist at NASA Glenn Research Center on the Electrified Powertrain Flight Demonstration project.
The 25-year old has a B.A. in Journalism and Media Studies from Rutgers University-NB in New Jersey. Jabili is a M.Sc. student at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, studying Aeronautics with a specialization in Space Operations. She received her pilot wings at 20 years old and is currently working on her commercial pilot license.
The aviatrix is frequent to many runways, not only as a pilot but as a pageant girl and model. Jabili has walked for New York Fashion Week with features in Vogue, Elle, and Harper’s Bazaar. She also has acting credits for commercials with Google and Adidas. She loves going to the gym, watching movies, and making art.
Jabili is using her voice to promote higher education and career explorations for young girls to succeed in all facets of aviation and aerospace as less than 12% of pilots are female globally. As the next Miss Universe Canada, Jabili plans to use the title to empower girls to chase their dreams as the sky is not the limit.
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My love for aviation has led me to receiving my private pilot license and becoming a published aviation journalist. Aside from my aviation endeavors, I love watching movies, making art, and eating literally anything that has chocolate on it.
List any special training you have had (music, art, drama, dance, etc.)
I am trained in Bharathanatyam (Indian classical dance) and Sangeetam (Indian classical singing). I am also a trained artist in mixed media including acrylic painting, drawing, and photography.
In what sports, if any, have you participated?
Although I don’t play any sports, I love to keep up with my health and fitness. My favorite forms of exercise include weight lifting, cycling, and walking.
Name one person, other than your parents, who has had the most influence on your life. Why?
Amelia Earhart has always been an inspiration to me because of her tenacity. One of my favorite quotes by her is, “Use your fear, it can take you to the place where you store your courage.”
What is your proudest personal accomplishment (other than participating in this pageant)?
Getting my pilot wings at 20 years old!
What is the most interesting or unique thing that has ever happened to you and/or what is the most interesting thing about you?
I was invited to walk in New York Fashion Week for Bessie Besana, Pia Wurtzbach’s (Miss Universe 2015) designer and got featured in Vogue, Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, and more!
What is your career ambition and what are you doing or plan to do to accomplish that goal?
I am passionate about bridging the gap between men and women in the aviation industry, as less than 7% of pilots are female and less than 1% are women of color. As a pilot, aviation journalist and MSc student, I hope to show girls the sky is limitless.
What would be your “dream job” in life?
The Canada Space Agency has recruited 14 astronauts, and in collaboration with NASA, they’ve completed 17 missions. I am honored to say that this summer, I have started my career with NASA as a technical writer. One day, I hope to be the 15th astronaut to be recruited by CSA.
Describe where you were raised and what your childhood was like.
As the daughter of two immigrants from India, it was always important for my parents to raise me close to my culture. I spoke Telugu (a South Indian language) at home, ate our cultural food and participated in traditional activities and events. Growing up as a first generation in an Indian household taught me to be welcoming to all cultures and share what I have with others.
List any interesting or unusual jobs you may have had.
I was the former Associate Editor of Aviation for Women magazine. With over 19 published articles, one of my most notable articles was my interview with Dr. Patty Chang Chien, the vice president and general manager of Boeing Research and Technology.
List any volunteering you have done.
I have been a member, volunteer, and staff member for Women in Aviation International, a nonprofit membership organization of over 20,000 members worldwide. I have had the opportunity to attend and volunteer at events all around the world including India, USA, and the Caribbean. One of my favorite memories was hosting a Girls in Aviation Day for a high school in my parent’s hometown in India, where I taught them aerodynamics and how to read a sectional chart.
What is your most unusual talent?
I love puzzles! I do some type of puzzle every single day.
Where is the most interesting place you have been to?
Seeing Milan–the fashion capital of the world– as a fashion lover was one of my favorite trips. While I was in college, I took an Italian cultural class before my summer trip to Italy to fully embrace the experience.
What do you hope to be doing in ten years?
I hope to continue to inspire young girls and women to chase their dreams, whether that be becoming the next Miss Universe Canada or a pilot. As a transformational leader, I hope that my journey as a woman who is breaking stereotypes, empowers others to do the same.