Vernice “FlyGirl” Armour has faced countless tests throughout her life. As the only girl among three brothers, she learned early that challenges shape the journey. She made history as America’s first Black female combat pilot and served two tours in Iraq as a Marine. In addition, she worked as a diversity liaison officer to the Pentagon for Headquarters Marine Corps.
After leaving the military, FlyGirl entered the private sector. She became an entrepreneur, consultant, and author of Zero to Breakthrough: The 7-Step, Battle-Tested Method for Accomplishing Goals that Matter. On stage, she shares gripping stories and lessons from both combat and business. Her talks inspire audiences to act boldly and build the confidence to achieve bold goals.
In 2007, she launched VAI Consulting & Training, LLC. Through this venture, she helps people and organizations deliver breakthrough results using her “Zero to Breakthrough™” Success Model. This mindset, which kept her focused and safe in combat, fuels her mission to empower others. Her message reaches global audiences at top-tier events, and she serves as a Gutsy Confidence Mentor to senior women in tech.
FlyGirl brings a unique and vital perspective as a Black, gay woman and single mother. She sits on the Forbes School of Business & Technology Board of Advisors and the COMCAST/NBCUniversal Joint Diversity Council. Her pioneering work in STEM has earned her two honorary doctorates and numerous awards.
Her powerful story has been featured by CNN, MSNBC, The View, FOX News, and Oprah Winfrey, among others. Beyond aviation, she played running back for the San Diego Sunfire professional women’s football team and twice won Camp Pendleton’s Strongest Warrior Competition.
Now, FlyGirl is working on her next book, The Gutsy Move.
