Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Wimbush.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I am a black female air traffic controller and a DJ so I love to tell people I can control a crowd and the sky. I majored in Aviation Management/Air Traffic Control at Hampton University and that was because I met a guy by the name of Alvin Wilkins who was a pilot who took me flying around the east coast. After flying with him, I fell in love with aviation and changed my major. I applied for several internships during my tenure at Hampton and I was selected to intern in Wichita KS, Baltimore MD, Washington DC, and Norfolk/Newport News VA. I applied and passed the air traffic test and from there I was sent to Jackson MS, then to MEMPHIS TN, where I currently reside. In 2017 I was selected to go to Atlanta Tower (world’s busiest airport) and Dubai International Airport, After having long conversations with friends I decided to pursue my passion instead. I took the risk and turned down both job opportunities and decided to become a DJ. So far so good, I received Top Female DJ of the Year for 2022 by the Southern Entertainment Awards. My first couple of gigs were horrible and I thought several times I may be in over my head but I stuck with it and now it is paying off. I have DJed so many cool events from hotel grand openings, lounges, private parties, and radio station WYXR 91.7 Memphis (every Thursday 6pm-8pm CST). I want the world to know that women can do anything we put our minds to. I want minorities to see that aviation careers are options and you can do multiple jobs at one time as long as you have a solid plan and stick to it. I want to empower and inspire as many young girls as I can in the music and aviation industry.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
This journey has not been a smooth road at all. It is not easy being a DJ let alone a female DJ. I have been fortunate enough to be blessed with musical talents that no one takes away from me no matter what. Throughout this journey, I have had a lot of great opportunities come my way because of my talent not because I’m a female. However, I do run into situations where I want to DJ at a particular venue and can’t because I’m a female. Some male DJs seem to be intimated because they think I will take their slot but that’s not my intention. I just want the opportunity to spin, like they wanted the opportunity to spin. Also, learning about every type of DJ equipment out there is difficult because everyone sets up there equipment and systems differently so when you are DJing at a venue you have to make sure all your equipment is compatible if you are just plugging into their equipment. If not it’s an absolute nightmare.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Alpha Whiskey International is a woman-owned business that supports the aviation and music industry through Outreach, Events/Event Planning, Mentoring, and Performing. I assist young students and adults in learning more about aviation career opportunities. I also love DJing and music so I use this talent as a way to reach the public to make them become more knowledgeable about the aviation and music industry. My brand is geared toward educating the youth and minorities about the man possibilities and careers in aviation. There is less than 5% of African American ini this field and there needs to be more.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I am looking for sponsors and endorsement deals with the right companies to expand and promote Aviation to African Americans who want to learn how to fly or anything else aviation related. They can contact me at info@djalphawhiskey.com. I also sell t-shirts to help support Aviation Nonprofits.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.djalphawhiskey.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/djalphawhiskey/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/djalphawhiskey88
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq2cesR7OCeVehQKKIOvOxQ
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-390317974?utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing
Image Credits
Photo credit. FullofFlava and GDuffie Photo
