April Culver CEO/Executive Director, Challenge Air
April Culver has served as CEO/Executive Director of Challenge Air for the past 16 years, leading the organization's mission to empower children and youth with special needs through the transformative experience of flight. Under her leadership, Challenge Air has expanded its reach, strengthened strategic partnerships, and impacted thousands of families across the country.
With a passion for nonprofit leadership, community engagement, and advocacy, April has dedicated her career to creating opportunities that build confidence, independence, and inclusion for individuals with disabilities.
She works closely with corporate partners, aviation professionals, volunteers, and donors to ensure that Challenge Air continues to deliver meaningful experiences while advancing awareness and acceptance of people
with special needs.
Known for her collaborative leadership style and commitment to service,
April has guided the organization through significant growth while maintaining a strong focus on its core mission. Her work reflects a belief that every child deserves the opportunity to dream, achieve, and experience
the freedom of possibilities.
Juliet Siddons - Program Director
Juliet returns to Challenge Air after a 2 year hiatus. She originally started working for Challenge Air in October of 2014.
Juliet works with each committee Chairperson in the various cities we have Fly Days. She starts communicating with the committees a year in advance to make sure everything runs smoothly. The first Fly Day she attended in Conroe in 2014 she remembers thinking “wow, I get paid to do this!”
When Juliet isn’t attending a Fly Day she can usually be found enjoying college football and enjoying spending time with her family.
Janine Smith – Pilot Coordinator
As the Pilot Coordinator for Challenge Air for the past 8 years, Janine gets to work directly with all the amazing pilots that have flown with the organization. She makes sure all the necessary I’s are dotted and T’s are crossed when it comes to updated records, licenses, and insurance. Janine also works closely with local general aviation pilot groups, pilot associations, and F.B.O.’s to recruit new pilots.
She started working in the aviation industry in 1986 at an FBO at Dallas Love Field. With over 25 years of experience in the industry, you could say she is passionate about aviation. The best part of her job “is working with the most generous pilots you will ever meet!”
When she is not working you will find Janine somewhere on a beach with her "Feet In The Sand"!
Danielle Rodgers– Digital Marketing
With a passion for sharing impactful stories, Danielle Rodgers joined Challenge Air in 2019, bringing her extensive marketing expertise to the organization's mission. As a seasoned professional with over two decades of experience across multiple industries, Danielle previously led Brand Marketing at Angelcare, a global leader in juvenile products. She is a firm believer in the quote: “The things you are most passionate about are not random, they are your calling” by Fabienne Fredrickson.
When she's not capturing inspiring stories, Danielle enjoys spending time with her family, which includes her 14-year-old son and their beloved dog, Josie.