Brigitte Jacobson, born Brigitte Lott, was an accomplished aviator, activist, artist, and mother. She was dedicated to helping young women live up to their potential and she led by example. Brigitte was a state champion in the 400m hurdles during high school in New Jersey. She majored in English at Norfolk State University, became one of the first African American females to lead the Hampton Roads Naval ROTC Battalion, earned her commission as an officer in the United States Navy, and became one of only a few Black female pilots in that branch when she earned her wings.
Brigitte piloted the T-34, T-1, E-6B (B707), and the T-37. She was a Mission Commander and an Instructor Pilot on the E-6B, and was eventually named the lead instructor for her squadron.
During her naval career she earned a master’s in liberal arts from Oklahoma City University. After the Navy, she became a mother, community activist, and artist. She volunteered countless hours to numerous environmental and civic organizations all while honing her skills as a photographer and raising two children.
As a mentor and group leader with the Enterprise Women’s network she used the lessons she had learned as a pilot to mentor young girls at west Baltimore’s William S. Pinderhughes Elementary School. Brigitte knew that her success as an aviator and leader had given her valuable life skills and she wanted to give young women access to that same sense of accomplishment and self-confidence.
In 2018, while preparing to obtain her civilian flight instructor certification in order to teach her elder son to fly, Brigitte was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer – her flying career was over. During the following year, while undergoing numerous treatments for her disease, Brigitte continued to mentor young women. In December of 2019, she died while surrounded by her family.