2024 Tillman Scholar
Liz Hood grew up in Southborough, Massachusetts. Inspired by her family’s legacy of service, she joined the Navy to help others and see the world along the way.
After graduating from the United States Naval Academy in 2013, Liz spent ten years as a pilot flying both the MH-60S Knighthawk helicopter and the MQ-8B Fire Scout unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). She deployed on the USS Coronado, where she helped pioneer combined manned and unmanned aviation tactics. She also served on the USNS Mercy hospital ship, where she commanded humanitarian aid missions throughout Southeast Asia. Liz later served as an instructor pilot teaching the Navy’s newest aviators to fly both the MH-60S and the MQ-8B. She also served as Flag Aide to two Commanders of the Naval Air Force Reserve.
Liz now seeks to combine her Navy experiences with newly-acquired business acumen from Harvard Business School to broaden the use of UAVs for greater humanitarian good. After her daughter, Leilani, was diagnosed with cancer at four months old, Liz’s ambitions took on an even deeper significance. She is profoundly grateful for Leilani’s excellent medical care and is determined to ensure that other mothers around the world receive adequate care for their families, too. She is married to Chris, a former Marine Corps CH-53E pilot who is also pursuing an MBA at Harvard Business School.