The El Paso International Airport (EPIA) revealed its new mascot, Red T. Hawk, a female red-tailed hawk and former jet fighter pilot on Jan. 22. The mascot is ambassador for EPIA and a role model for children that embodies strength, courage and honesty. Hawk will also promote STEM education for children, especially girls, to encourage interest in fields of science related to aviation.

Cassandra Davisson, EPIA’s marketing and customer relations coordinator, explained that the creation of the mascot was a collaboration between the airport staff and a local advertising agency Culturespan.

“We approached them requesting some ideas for a mascot because we wanted to enhance our outreach specifically for children,” Davisson said. “They brought forth some options and proposals, then we continued to work together to create her story and purpose.”

Monica Lombrana, Accredited Airport Executive and Managing Director of Aviation and International Bridges said everyone is thrilled to have Red as part of the the EPIA team, and she is personally looking forward to providing the community with an inspirational public figure.

“It is my hope that all children, especially young girls, can see themselves contributing to the aviation community later in life,” Lombrana said in a news release.

Additionally, Mayor Dee Margo was quoted in the news release welcoming the new mascot and wishing her well in her new role.

The EPIA wants to the public to know that Aviation is vital for the community, because they believe it impacts manufacturers, traveling agencies, and other commercial affairs.

In the news release, EPIA added the percentage of women in careers related to aviation has grown over time, however it still requires a steady increase.

Now that Red will be working towards this goal it is only a matter of time before more young women are in the air.