Thelma Rudd made her career at the Federal Aviation Administration, and although she hadn't originally planned on working in the field, her rewarding career in aviation has led her to work toward raising awareness among women of their opportunities in aviation. Rudd came to Memphis where she trained as an air traffic controller, becoming an automation specialist working with the National Airspace System, the FAAs computer tracking system. Rudd said she feels so fortunate to have had the opportunity for a great career that she wants to let others know about their career choices in aviation. To do this, Rudd started a small scholarship fund, The Phoebe Omlie Scholarship, named for one of the first local women in aviation who was responsible for opening one of the first airports in Memphis. Continuing her effort to highlight the profession she became president at Bessie Coleman Aerospace Legacy. Her self-published book Beale Street Takes Flight shares the many facts of Memphis' aviation history that have crossed her desk over her career.