Vernice "FlyGirl" Armour is a trailblazing force in high-performance leadership and motivation. As the first African American female naval aviator and the first female combat aviator for the Marine Corps, she shattered barriers and set new standards for excellence. A sought-after keynote speaker, Vernice delivers dynamic, no-nonsense strategies that inspire individuals and organisations to achieve breakthrough results. With an unparalleled background in military leadership, business entrepreneurship, and diversity advocacy, she empowers audiences with her battle-tested approach to overcoming obstacles and achieving success.
Vernice’s journey to the top began with a deep commitment to service and resilience. She joined the U.S. Army Reserve before becoming the first African American female to serve as a police officer in Tempe, Arizona. In 1998, she was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Marines, she earnt her wings in 2001 and graduated as the number one among 200 candidates. Her exceptional skills led her to fly the AH-1W SuperCobra attack helicopter, serving two combat tours in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. As a diversity liaison officer to the Pentagon for Headquarters Marine Corps, Vernice played a key role in shaping military diversity initiatives.
After leaving the military, Vernice translated her leadership skills into the corporate and entrepreneurial world. She launched VAI Consulting & Training, LLC in 2007, followed by the release of her book, Zero to Breakthrough: The 7-Step, Battle-Tested Method for Accomplishing Goals that Matter, in 2011. In 2020, she expanded her business acumen by founding FlyGirl Construction, a general contracting firm in Atlanta. Recognised as an influential voice in leadership and diversity, she serves on the Forbes School of Business & Technology Board of Advisors and the COMCAST/NBCUniversal Joint Diversity Council. Her insights have been featured on major platforms, including Oprah, CNN, MSNBC, and FOX, and she has delivered keynote speeches for top global organisations such as Walmart, Bank of America, Shell, and T-Mobile.
Vernice is hired because she embodies the principles of high-performance leadership, resilience, and determination. Her ability to translate military precision into business success makes her an invaluable resource for organisations seeking to cultivate a culture of excellence. Whether coaching executives, leading diversity initiatives, or inspiring teams to break through their barriers, Vernice’s impact is undeniable. Her message is clear: obstacles are opportunities in disguise, and with the right mindset, anything is possible.
