Gene Jessen

About the Author

Gene Jessen is an acclaimed author and aviation historian whose passion for the skies has fueled his compelling narratives on groundbreaking achievements in flight. With a keen eye for historical detail and a storyteller's flair, Jessen brings to life the daring exploits of early aviators, particularly those who shattered barriers in a male-dominated field. His debut book, Sky Girls: The True Story of the First Women's Cross-Country Air Race, chronicles the 1929 Air Derby, where thirteen intrepid women pilots raced across America, facing mechanical failures, harsh weather, and societal skepticism. Drawing from extensive research and personal interviews, Jessen honors these trailblazers, highlighting their resilience and the pivotal role they played in advancing women's rights in aviation. A former pilot himself, Jessen continues to inspire readers with tales of courage and innovation from the golden age of flight.