“Hi I’m Mandy Hickson and I was one of the first female fast jet pilots in the Royal Air Force (RAF). I have over 30 years’ experience within aviation, joining the RAF in 1994.
I am now a keynote speaker, talking with humour and passion to inspire those around me.
I am so excited to become a Girlguiding South West England ambassador because my journey started exactly there. I remember the words in my Brownie promise that have guided me throughout my life. I’ve always tried my best, served the queen, and tried to help people. Girlguiding gives you the skills you need in life that you don’t always learn in school, and they have been some of the things that have helped me in my career as a pilot.
I met some of my truest friends that will stay with me throughout my life in Rangers and that is the gift that you get in Girlguiding.
The thought of being able to put even a little bit back into an organisation that has given so much – not just to myself, but to so many other young people over the years – is a real privilege”.
