Real Success Stories

Meet real role models working in various industries who have found success through alternative pathways after high school — and what they like about what they do! Looking to dive deeper? Complete this scavenger hunt to help you explore the many paths to success.

Katrina McClure

Registered Nurse

My mom is a nurse, so I’ve always been interested in the healthcare industry. I remember when I was in 5th grade, she came to Career Day and brought a bunch of bones into class and told us about where they were in the body and what they did. That day has always stuck with me, but it took me a few...
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Seth Edigar

Fiber Technician

Growing up, I always liked the idea of being a teacher. Educating others while making learning exciting and easy seemed like a dream job. And while I didn’t technically end up as a teacher, I do get to help others succeed in my current role.
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Stan Mutuku

Equipment Maintenance Technician

Stan Mutuku was attending Wichita Area Technical College when he saw fellow students working for Spirit AeroSystems and getting paid to go to class. Stan thought that sounded like a great path, so he started as an electrician. Today, he's a manager at the facility.
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Wendy Crossman

Vice President of Sourcing for Boeing and Defense

Wendy Crossman began her career as a teacher. And while she loved certain aspects of the job, she felt like she was meant to do something else. Today, she's been with Spirit AeroSystems for over 25 years!
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Zachary Zimmerman

Senior Director of Defense Operations

Zachary Zimmerman knew he didn't want to graduate college with debt, so he was looking for a way to help get his education paid for when he heard about Spirit AeroSystem's tuition reimbursement program. Zachary leveraged the program to help pay for his bachelor's and master's degrees.
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Vanessa Combs

Executive Director of Twin Aisle Operations

Vanessa Combs started her career at Spirit AeroSystems to take advantage of their tuition reimbursement program and help get college paid for — she's been with the company ever since!
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Thomas King

Senior Manager in Logistics

Thomas King began his career by serving in the United States Army. After leaving his full-time position in the military, he continues to serve as a member of the Army Reserve. On the civilian side, he started in an entry-level position at Spirit AeroSystems, then worked his way up to become a...
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Michael Hiebert

Equipment Maintenance Technician

Michael Hiebert grew up going to air shows and has always been fascinated by aircrafts. Today, he's living the dream as an equipment maintenance technician at Spirit AeroSystems.
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Alex Hamel

Workforce Planning Talent Acquisition Specialist

Alex Hamel loves to talk with K-12 students about the wide variety of jobs at Spirit AeroSystems! He views the company as a "small city," and enjoys showing students how they can have a fulfilling, exciting career helping to build airplanes and supporting the people who do. Learn more about Spirit...
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Heather Ferguson

Operating Room Registered Nurse

My fascination with the human body began at a very young age. When I was in first grade, I scraped my knee and told my mom to not worry because my platelets were forming a scab for me. In high school, when my dad had heart surgery, I realized I wanted to do something involving surgery someday.
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