CATHLEEN DELAGARZA
Cathleen “Cathy” DeLaGarza’s journey is one of remarkable determination, breaking boundaries, and embracing opportunities with courage. From her early dream of becoming a fighter pilot to her current role as Chief Development Officer at Uniti Fiber, her story is an inspiring testament to the power of resilience and the pursuit of one’s passions.
Cathy’s journey began in her hometown of Austin, Texas. Inspired by her family’s legacy of military service, including her father and two older brothers who were pilots themselves, Cathy’s desire to become a pilot was deeply ingrained. After graduating from the University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor of Arts in Government, she pursued her dream by joining the United States Air Force through the ROTC program.
Her determination and competence led her to become one of only 100 AFROTC graduates in 1994 to receive a pilot slot out of college. This marked the beginning of her journey to becoming a fighter pilot. “I was sent to Sheppard AFB in Wichita Falls, TX., to attend Euro Nato Joint Jet Pilot Training which was a special undergraduate flying training program geared for flying fighter aircraft,” she recalls. “You had to apply separately for this program once you received a pilot’s slot. At the time, the US Congress had just repealed the combat exclusion law for women flying in fighter/attack aircraft. This was so recent that the application I filled out still said “MALE CANDIDATES ONLY” at the top.”
During college, Cathy had the opportunity to shadow an Air Force officer at Tyndall AFB, FL. “He was an F-15C Eagle pilot. I got several rides while there and fell in love with the plane, the mission and the culture,” she tells us. “Just prior to pilot training graduation, each class meets for an ‘assignment night,’ which is where the list of aircraft that are available for follow on assignment are revealed. You pick by class rank. I was fortunate enough to be in a position to pick one of the F-15C assignments on the board.”
““GIVE YOURSELF GRACE AND DON’T STRIVE FOR PERFECTION IN
EVERYTHING AT EVERY MOMENT. AS I HAVE GROWN OLDER AND HOPEFULLY WISER, I STRIVE TO LIVE IN AND ENJOY THE MOMENT.””
Cathy trained rigorously, earning her place as the first woman to come straight from college through training in her squadron. Her passion and skill culminated in her assignment to the 71st Fighter Squadron, where she became “mission ready” for combat and was deployed in support of Operation Southern Watch over Iraq at just 24 years old.
As a fighter pilot, Cathy’s days were characterized by diversity, challenges, and unrelenting excitement. Flying the F-15C Eagle, known for its air superiority mission, she had the privilege of dominating the skies and protecting fellow aircraft from enemy forces. Her role demanded perfection, pushing her both mentally and physically and instilling in her the values of tenacity and perseverance. “A fighter pilot is handed the keys to a multi-million dollar aircraft and entrusted with that responsibility,” she shares. “There is nothing else to compare this to.”
Some of Cathy’s most lasting memories from her time as a fighter pilot are often some of the most difficult moments of her career. Recalling some of those moments, Cathy shares, “I remember flying a mission over Iraq, at night, early in my career so I did not have much experience. I was so low on gas that my flight lead was contemplating having to mark the spot where I would potentially have to eject from the aircraft,” she says. “The weather was cloudy and our refueling tanker was completely lights out. I eventually was able to refuel (with a few choice words spoken in the interim) and made it back to the base. We were able to laugh about it once we were back at our tents, but that feeling of ‘do or die’ will never leave me.”
In addition to the adrenaline-pumping flights, the fighter pilot community’s camaraderie left an indelible mark on Cathy. The bonds forged through shared challenges and the necessity of trust created an unparalleled sense of unity among pilots. As part of this close-knit community, she earned her callsign “Spyce,” a symbol of her distinctiveness and her journey’s unique path.
Cathy spent 11 years as a fighter pilot, chasing and fulfilling a lifelong dream. “I believe I had a positive impact during my time in the Air Force,” Cathy says. “Most, if not all, of the pilots I flew with had never flown with a woman. I’m sure my competency, my ability to fit in and many other things were being assessed the moment I put on a flight suit. But at the end of the day, everyone just wants someone they can rely on to perform when called. The key is having the opportunity, the rest is left to each person to put in the sweat equity required to succeed.”
After a successful career in the Air Force, Cathy embarked on a new journey, driven by her commitment to family and the desire for new challenges. She joined Southern Light, which later became Uniti Fiber, leveraging her military experience to lead the project management team. In her current role as Chief Development Officer, Cathy plays a pivotal role in enabling Uniti’s growth by strategically evaluating markets and products.
She notes the evolving landscape for women in corporate America, highlighting the increasing recognition of women’s leadership potential. “As the company has grown over the years, I have seen more women be promoted and given a seat at the proverbial table. Corporate America is just beginning to tap into the wealth of talent, skills and leadership potential that women can offer,” she proudly notes. Her experiences in the military and her current role demonstrate the value of diversity and the unique perspectives women bring to traditionally male-dominated industries.
When asked what her biggest piece of advice would be for women seeking the perfect blend of work-life balance Cathy shares this: “Give yourself grace and don’t strive for perfection in everything at every moment. As I have grown older and hopefully wiser, I strive to live in and enjoy the moment. Your kids are grown in what seems the blink of an eye. Take time to enjoy them. As for self-care, take time (even 5 minutes) to do those things that make you smile. Finally, don’t bury your feelings. Speak with your spouse, a trusted friend, or whomever can be in your circle of trust.”
Taking her own advice, Cathy loves her life on Bay with her husband, Jack, and three sons, Ryan, 22, Jackson, 18, and Joseph, 15. The DeLaGarza family loves spending time outdoors, whether hiking, kayaking, or biking. Cathy relishes her Monday yoga routine with Manja Podratz. Cathy has also served as the President of the Lower Alabama Bayhawk Lacrosse Organization for the past four years. With her youngest son Joseph having played since third grade, Cathy is dedicated to growing the game and promoting the sport of lacrosse locally. Her efforts aim to establish lacrosse as a competitive sport in high schools along the Gulf Coast.
Looking toward the future, Cathy is thrilled to watch her sons’ own career journeys. “My son Jackson is actually following in my footsteps. He has his private pilot’s license and has enrolled in the Air Force ROTC program at Samford University,” she proudly shares.
Cathy’s story epitomizes the spirit of ambition and resilience. She cherishes the experiences, the people, and the lessons learned from each phase of her life. As she continues to inspire those around her, Cathy’s legacy is one of unwavering determination and the pursuit of excellence.
In her own words, “Every win, big or little, matters.” Cathy DeLaGarza’s life is a testament to this sentiment, inspiring us all to embrace our dreams, break barriers, and reach for the skies.
