Meet Alpha Whiskey: Female DJ and Air Traffic Controller

We had the good fortune of connecting with Alpha Whiskey and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alpha, how do you think about risk?
Every thing in life is a risk. Every decision you make on a day to day basis is a risk. You just have to learn how to calculate those risks. Risk taking has helped my brand and my confidence tremendously. Both of my jobs require me to think ahead and out way the risks in every situation. To become a black female air traffic controller I had to take several risks. It did not come easy at all. Also as a black female DJ I had to take risks in starting my business. I have a strong passion for music so I knew this is something that I would be dedicated to and strive to be the best at it. So far those risks have turned into rewards and I am so thankful. I have a radio show on WYXR 91.7 every Thursday (6pm-8pm) called Flight Risk where we take a trip to a new destination!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a black female air traffic controller and a DJ so I love to tell people I can control a crowd and the sky. I majored in Aviation Management/Air Traffic Control at Hampton University and that was because I met a guy by the name of Alvin Wilkins who was a pilot who took me flying around the east coast. After flying with him I fell in love with aviation and changed my major. I applied for several internships during my tenure at Hampton and I was selected to intern in Wichita KS, Baltimore MD, Washington DC, and Norfolk/Newport News VA. I applied and passed the air traffic test and from there I was sent to Jackson MS, then to MEMPHIS TN, where I currently reside. In 2017 I was selected to go to Atlanta Tower (worlds busiest airport) and Dubai International Airport, After having long conversations with friends I decide to pursue my passion instead. I took the risk and turned down both job opportunities and decided to become a DJ. So far so good and Im really starting to take off literally lol. It has not been an easy journey though. My first couple of gigs were horrible and I thought several times I may be in over my head but I stuck with it and now it is paying off. I have DJed so many cool events from hotel grand openings, lounges, private parties, and radio station WYXR 91.7 Memphis (every Thursday 6pm-8pm CST). I want the world to know that women can do anything we put our minds to. I want minorities to see that aviation careers are options and you can do multiple jobs at one time as long as you have a solid plan and stick to it. I want to empower and inspire as many young girls as I can in the music and aviation industry.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
So I have been in Memphis long enough to know where all the good food and hangout spots are! I would definitely take them to

-Sage for Brunch on Saturday or Sunday – I DJ there on Saturdays 11-3 (Downtown Memphis)
-Mahogny Memphis on Friday – Great live music and food
-Central Station Hotel (Mon-Fri) – Great hotel with Memphis history and Memphis soul music
-National Civil Rights Museum (Mon-Saturday) – Lorraine Motel (MLK)
-Beck and Call Rooftop Bar @ Hyatt Centric (Mon-Sun)- Beautiful Rooftop view of Memphis bridge
-Memphis Soul Cooking – Good Soul Food Restaurant located Downtown
-Stax Museum (Mon-Fri)
-Central Station BBQ – Best BBQ Restaurant in City
– Memphis In May – I highly recommend people visit min May people come from all over the world for Beale Street Music Festival, BBQ Festival, and 901 Fest Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are a few people I would like to shoutout that helped tremendously with my journey. God, Donnie Simons , Alvin Wilkins, and Zachary Word.

Website: www.djalphawhiskey.com

Instagram: DJ Alpha Whiskey

Facebook: DJ Alpha Whiskey

Image Credits
Gabrielle Duffie. GDuffie Photo