Captain Kgomotso Phatsima’s story is a remarkable one that shows the power of determination and hard work. Despite growing up in a small village and facing numerous challenges, she pursued her dream of becoming a pilot and made history as one of the first female military pilots in the Botswana Defence Force.
Her passion for flying and her desire to inspire the next generation of young women and girls led her to establish Dare to Dream, a social enterprise that focuses on advancing STEM education and entrepreneurship skills for young women and girls in aviation and aerospace.
Captain Phatsima’s educational background in mathematics and physics, as well as her military training, prepared her for a career in aviation. She holds a Commercial Pilot Licence from the Civil Aviation Authority of Botswana, a Basic Military Flying qualification from the Flying Training School in the Botswana Defence Force, and a Master of Science in Strategic Management from the University of Derby.
Captain Phatsima’s journey is a source of inspiration for young people, especially girls, who may face similar challenges in pursuing their dreams. Her story shows that with hard work, dedication, and a passion for what you do, anything is possible.
Through Dare to Dream, Captain Phatsima is using her platform to empower the next generation of young women and girls to pursue careers in STEM and entrepreneurship. She is a role model and an inspiration to many, and her legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.
In 2017, Kgomotso won the Botswana Youth Awards Best Female of the Year and was part of the Obama Foundation Africa Leadership Program 2018 as one of the outstanding young emerging leaders in Africa.
