Today we’d like to introduce you to Paris Knight.
Hi Paris , thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey into aviation started during one of the darkest periods of my life. After losing my son to domestic violence, I was in a place where I had to find something to give me purpose and keep me moving forward. While researching careers in the mechanical and aerospace fields, I discovered what an Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) mechanic was. I had already developed a mechanical background during my years working at Chrysler, where I gained experience troubleshooting, tearing down, repairing, and rebuilding engines, so the idea of working on aircraft immediately intrigued me.
I found an A&P school near me and scheduled a tour. The moment I walked in and saw a giant jet engine, I knew this was what I wanted to do. I enrolled in the 18-month program while working full-time in Delta’s tool crib and raising two children as a single mother. I worked overnight, took my kids to school, went straight to my classes, picked them up afterward, and repeated that cycle every day until I finished.
After completing the program, I took all nine of my required licensing exams back-to-back in about a week and a half and earned my A&P license on my birthday. I remember crying when I received it, and my DME looked at me and said, “I thought you were tough.” Through my tears, I told him, “I am tough.”
Today, I’m proud to be an Aircraft Maintenance Technician and the first Black female mechanic at Delta’s DTW station. What started during one of the lowest points in my life ultimately became a career that changed my life—and a reminder that sometimes your greatest purpose can come from the place you least expect it.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, it definitely hasn’t been smooth. There were times I was working nights at Delta, going to school during the day, running on almost no sleep, raising my kids, figuring out how to make ends meet. There were financial stresses, and honestly, the emotional weight of starting over when I was grieving was heavy. Balancing all that wasn’t easy, but every step, even the hard ones, built me into who I am now.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
What sets me apart is that I refuse to let my career define me or put me in a box. Coming from the background I come from and having a history in music, I don’t think people always expected someone like me to become an Aircraft Maintenance Technician. But I’ve always been multi-faceted, and I’ve never believed that being successful in one area means you have to abandon the other parts of yourself.
I’m an AMT, but I’m also a rapper, podcaster, content creator, entertainer, and a very active part of Detroit’s social scene. I love being outside, I love creating, and I love expressing myself. I can spend my day working on an aircraft and still be in the studio, on a podcast, or creating content afterward.
I don’t change who I am because of my profession, and I don’t believe I should have to behave a certain way just because I work in aviation. I’m intelligent, hardworking, creative, feminine, outgoing, and unapologetically myself. I like to say I’m a rock star—but a smart, cool, down-to-earth, beautiful one. And I think that authenticity is what sets me apart.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
There are several ways people can work with, collaborate with, or support me. The easiest way to connect with me is through Instagram, where I share my life as an Aircraft Maintenance Technician, my creative projects, and my journey as a Black woman in aviation. You can follow and support my content on Instagram at @hoodpoca_thedon
For collaborations, speaking opportunities, media features, music opportunities, or other inquiries, I can be reached at
DonPDonDada@gmail.com.
I’m especially interested in opportunities that allow me to speak with or inspire young people, girls interested in aviation, and communities that may not traditionally see themselves represented in the industry.
For those who want to support me directly, you can also send items to my P.O. Box:
3319 Greenfield Road #238
Dearborn, MI 48120
Whether it’s collaborating on a project, inviting me to speak, supporting my content, or simply following my journey, I appreciate every opportunity to connect with people who believe in what I’m building.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @hoodpoca_thedon
