Uploaded June 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Anne Simpson and Karen Ruth have known each other for many years. In this episode, we dive into how their lasting friendship and meaningful mentorship shaped their careers and helped them navigate both the triumphs and trials of life.
Anne Simpson was born and raised in Seattle, Washington. Anne was hired by Northwest Airlines in 1981 as their third woman pilot. Her 35 year career at Northwest and Delta Air Lines began as a 727 second officer followed by 727 first officer, A320 captain, 747-400 captain and she retired back in Seattle as an A330 captain.
Karen Ruth, a now retired Delta Air Lines captain, has logged over 23,000 flight hours, flew the first delivery of Delta’s A330 from France to the United States, and has received both Delta’s prestigious Chairman’s Club Award and the Northwest Airlines President’s Club honor. A lifelong mentor and leader, Karen has shaped aviation from the flight deck to the classroom.
UND Aerospace is a world-renowned center for aerospace learning, nationally acclaimed for our achievements in collegiate aviation education, atmospheric research, space studies, and earth system science and policy research. With more than 500 faculty and staff members, 1,800+ students from around the world, and myriad programs and projects, the John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences is setting the pace for the future of flight.
Follow us on Social Media:
Instagram: instagram.com/undaerospace
Facebook: facebook.com/UNDAerospace
Twitter: twitter.com/UNDAerospace?s=20
Anne Simpson and Karen Ruth have known each other for many years. In this episode, we dive into how their lasting friendship and meaningful mentorship shaped their careers and helped them navigate both the triumphs and trials of life.
Anne Simpson was born and raised in Seattle, Washington. Anne was hired by Northwest Airlines in 1981 as their third woman pilot. Her 35 year career at Northwest and Delta Air Lines began as a 727 second officer followed by 727 first officer, A320 captain, 747-400 captain and she retired back in Seattle as an A330 captain.
Karen Ruth, a now retired Delta Air Lines captain, has logged over 23,000 flight hours, flew the first delivery of Delta’s A330 from France to the United States, and has received both Delta’s prestigious Chairman’s Club Award and the Northwest Airlines President’s Club honor. A lifelong mentor and leader, Karen has shaped aviation from the flight deck to the classroom.
UND Aerospace is a world-renowned center for aerospace learning, nationally acclaimed for our achievements in collegiate aviation education, atmospheric research, space studies, and earth system science and policy research. With more than 500 faculty and staff members, 1,800+ students from around the world, and myriad programs and projects, the John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences is setting the pace for the future of flight.
Follow us on Social Media:
Instagram: instagram.com/undaerospace
Facebook: facebook.com/UNDAerospace
Twitter: twitter.com/UNDAerospace?s=20
