About Alas de America

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The Institute was founded on October 18, 2005 by Linda Pauwels, a former American Airlines pilot medically unable to continue flying. Alas means 'wings' in Spanish. Wings symbolize our innate desire to be free from earthly bonds. Linda, born in Argentina, chose the name to honor her Hispanic heritage. The logo, depicting the Polish eagle, is in honor of Polish General Franciszek Edward Pfeiffer, Linda's grandfather. Pfeiffer was awarded Poland's highest decoration for valor, the Virtuti Militari, for commanding the longest-fighting unit during the Warsaw insurrection of 1944.

To understand more about Linda's motivation to establish Alas de America, please read her 2006-2007 Fulbright Grant application. Although Linda was not awarded the grant, readers will get a sense of why Linda embarked on a new flight plan.

Alas de America Institute is a not-for-profit, public charity, and is tax-exempt under 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Our Tax ID number is 20-3911381.