Meet Our Women Build Planes Team Members

Written By Beth White

Miranda Gallagher, High School Aviator & Mechanic-in-Training

Miranda Gallagher

Miranda Gallagher is a passionate young aviator and mechanic whose journey into the world of aviation began at age 11. Her fascination with flying took root when she attended the Aviation Summer Camp at Franklin County Airport, where she took her first Young Eagles Flight with Beth White, a pivotal moment that ignited her aviation dreams. 

Miranda has been actively involved in the Civil Air Patrol, where she has served as the Aerospace NCO organizing classes and events to share her love for aviation and rocketry, and as Cadet Commander. She has also found a mentor in George Coy, a Harbor Freight Fellowship mentor and experienced airplane mechanic, who has guided her in honing her skills.

Miranda's determination and curiosity have opened doors to unique opportunities, including an internship with BETA Technologies, where she worked on the groundbreaking E-VTOL aircraft ALIA. As she embarks on her educational journey, Miranda plans to obtain her Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) license, earn her Private Pilot's License, and continue her education in aviation, all while inspiring young minds to explore their own passions in aviation and mechanics. Miranda is a proud member of EAA Chapter 613 and Habitat for Aviation, and epitomizes the spirit of pursuing one's dreams with dedication and tenacity.

Beth White

The great John Dewey believed that we “learn best what we live,”—that individualized, first-hand experiences offer opportunity for individuals to develop deep understandings and interests. For me, an ideal learning environment is where transdisciplinary partnerships support personalized learning. These are places that offer experiences, events, and situations that inform, encourage, and reinforce learners’ self-conceptualizations of future possibilities.

Prior to starting Habitat for Aviation, I worked in a variety of New England schools, including The Met High School in Providence, RI (the “mothership” of the Big Picture Learning Network). After 10 years as a high school teacher, I returned to the classroom and earned a PhD in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies at the University of Vermont.

My first-hand experiences include designing and running advisory programs, supporting democratically-oriented schooling, building service-learning and internship programs, teaching teachers and pre-service educators, and designing and implementing alternative forms of assessment. I love working for Big Picture Learning where I am heavily involved with the Harbor Freight Fellowship Initiative to get youth into the skilled trades and B-Unbound, which connects youth to supportive adults who share their interests.

In the earliest days of my career, I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Human Ecology from College of the Atlantic and a Master of Science in Environmental Studies with New Hampshire teaching certificates in biology and earth and space sciences from Antioch New England University.

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