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Leah Murphy '16

Commercial Helicopter Pilot

Leah Murphy always dreamed of being a pilot but she assumed it would have to be a hobby, not a career. Then she enrolled at Cape Cod Community College, where she gained the direction of faculty and advisors to achieve her dream. Leah graduated from 4Cs in 2016 and went on to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University where she studied aeronautical science and earned her Bachelor’s of Science, graduating Magna Cum Laude in 2018. She is currently enrolled in the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University- Worldwide Master’s Program for Leadership.

Leah Murphy

Leah is a commercial helicopter pilot, flying an electronic news gathering helicopter for WBOC-TV, a CBS-affiliate television news station in Maryland.

She is on the WhirlyGirls International Board of Directors and Ninety-Nines Professional Pilot Leadership Initiative Coordination Team.

During her time on the board, she has developed a professional webinar series for members and aspiring members to access industry specific and relevant information. Leah is an FAA Safety Team Representative, a volunteer position with her local flight standards district office that promotes safety in general aviation. Her excitement for the industry has led to a number of community events in which Leah has volunteered, including acting as lead aircraft loader for Sky Kids, an organization that introduces children with special needs to general aviation aircraft. She has presented at various educational speaking engagements for young women, including Microsoft’s Digi Girlz and the Girl Scouts Aviation Camp. Pre-COVID, on Christmas, Leah would volunteer with Cape Cod Synagogue to provide meals and clothes to the homeless.

Whenever given the opportunity, Leah returns to visit 4Cs. One of her favorite activities as a student was hosting her own radio show through the campus’ station. She has since returned to make a brief “guest appearance.” She actively keeps up with 4Cs' social media content and strongly advocates for students to attend community colleges prior to attending a more costly 4-year universities.