Born in Farmington, New Mexico, Teresa Lynch-Chrapkiewicz is a native of the Navajo Tribe of Arizona.  In 1998, Teresa became the first woman Navajo to receive an FAA private pilot license. She has continued to advance in her career and now holds a Commercial Pilot Certificate with multiengine and instrument ratings.

After graduating Del Norte High School in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Teresa enlisted as an Airman with the 161st Air Refueling Wing in the Arizona Air National Guard. Teresa continued to challenge herself as she earned a bachelor’s degree from Arizona State University while performing her military aviation duties. She has also been involved within the community as a keynote motivational speaker at Cornell University and other academic institutions.  In addition, Teresa enjoyed working with the late Dr. Sally Ride, the first American woman in space, at a Sally Ride Science Festival in Arizona.  She hopes that her book will encourage her people, the Navajo, and everyone to pursue an education and their dreams.