Speaker Series: Trailblazing Aviators

Ed Dwight joined the U.S. Air Force in 1953. After completing pilot training, he served as a military fighter pilot and obtained a degree in Aeronautical Engineering from Arizona State University. In 1961 Dwight was chosen by President John F. Kennedy to enter training as an Experimental Test Pilot in preparation to become the first African American Astronaut. After Kennedy’s assassination, Ed was ousted from his astronaut training and he resigned from the Air Force shortly after.

After leaving the military in 1966, Ed took a position with the IBM Corporation as a Marketing Representative & Systems Engineer. After leaving IBM, Ed became an Aviation Consultant for a Dallas firm, and joined Executive Aviation, Inc., an executive air charter service. For the last 40 years, Ed has focused his direction on the Fine Arts – Gallery Paintings & Sculptures, Large-scale Memorials and Public Art projects. Since his art career began in 1978, after attaining his MFA in Sculpture from the University of Denver, Dwight has become one of the most prolific and insightful sculptors in America. In May 2024, Ed finally went to space on the Blue Origin New Shepard rocket!

Captain Willie L. Daniels II (Ret.) had on a remarkable 42-year journey as a United Airlines Flight Officer. He piloted the Boeing 727, McDonnell Douglas DC-10, Boeing 747, and Boeing 777 and retired as a United Boeing 787 Captain, accumulating over 22,000 flying hours. Afterward, he spent another 2 1/2 years in the United Airlines Denver Flight Operations Station Operations Center (DENSOC). His career not only allowed him to soar the skies but also to recognize the importance of inspiring the next generation to pursue careers in aviation and aerospace. With the support of others, he established SHADES OF BLUE, an Aviation and Aerospace Foundation, to reach out to the youth of America and ignite their passion for the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math, and Design (STEAMD).

Daniels earned a BS as a Professional Pilot and a Minor in Business Management from Metro State College in Denver, Colorado. He earned an AA and an AS Degree from Mt. San Antonio Community College in Walnut, California. Daniels has received many commendations. Most recently, in November 2023, he received the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award from President Joseph R. Biden for a lifelong commitment to building a stronger nation through volunteerism.

He is a published author of the book “SHADES OF BLUE: Creating Space and the Future” and he is currently focusing his time on his SHADES OF BLUE foundation, helping to create the country’s future workforce in the aviation and aerospace industries.

E. Donell Smith is an international pilot for United Airlines. He is certified as an Aircraft Safety Officer, an Accident Investigator and has received several national safety awards including the President’s Safety Award for Excellence. He was recognized by President Barack Obama for his lifetime achievements in educating youth in aviation and aerospace.

He holds two Master of Business Administration degrees from Regis University in Finance and International Business. He is also a graduate of the United States Air Force Academy where he received a Bachelor of Science Degree. His financial expertise allows him to provide financial education to families and small businesses to help them achieve their financial goals. His main areas of emphasis include Financial Management, Income Protection, Investments and Portfolio Management, Mortgage Refinance, Business Development and International Operations. His wealth management business has averaged a greater than 20 percent return for the past twelve years.