Meet Jill

  • Jill Hoffman is an American writer, speaker, and entrepreneur known for her work exploring the intersection of human curiosity and technological innovation. She is the founder of In Her Orbit, a platform dedicated to unconventional thinking, and the author of How to Build an Airplane in Your Living Room: A Guide to Living an Unconventional Life.

    Born into an aviation legacy, Hoffman is the daughter of world-renowned pilot Dick Rutan and the niece of legendary aerospace designer Burt Rutan. Growing up surrounded by aviation pioneers, she developed an early appreciation for exploration and pushing the boundaries of what is possible.

  • Hoffman began her career as the founder and CEO of Path 2 Flight, LLC, a company focused on inspiring future generations in aerospace. She has collaborated with leading space organizations, including SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Rocket Lab, leveraging her expertise to connect the emotional aspects of human experience with technical innovation.

    As a writer, Hoffman has published multiple books, including How to Build an Airplane in Your Living Room, which chronicles her journey of embracing unconventional life choices and inspiring others to do the same. Her work often explores themes of adventure, resilience, and the importance of thinking beyond societal norms.

    In addition to writing, Hoffman is a sought-after speaker, delivering keynote addresses and workshops on innovation, unconventional problem-solving, and personal growth. She has spoken at industry conferences, academic institutions, and corporate events.

  • In 2025, Hoffman launched In Her Orbit, a brand dedicated to thought leadership at the intersection of technology and human curiosity. Through this initiative, she shares insights on space exploration, philosophical inquiries, and the future of innovation, positioning herself as a voice in the evolving landscape of human and technological advancement.

  • Hoffman regularly contributes articles on platforms such as Medium and Substack, where she writes about philosophy, science, and personal development. Her unique perspective—blending storytelling with analytical thinking—has garnered a growing readership.

  • Hoffman resides in the Washington, D.C., area. She is an avid golfer and incorporates the sport into her fitness routine. She also practices yoga and cycling as part of her wellness regimen.

Her Latest Book

A memoir of unabashed vulnerability. Jill Hoffman shares a backstage pass to a world of both legendary aviation heroes and brushes with Hollywood stars. Hoffman’s brave perspective on her unconventional life takes her readers beyond what they yearn for. She inspires us to be our true selves by putting our dreams into action, taking uncomfortable risks, and being resilient in the face of failure.”

— Amazon Review

Previous Projects

Jill Hoffman has a history of turning vision into reality. From founding Path 2 Flight, a web-based platform that made flight training more accessible, to her non-profit work, she’s consistently broken new ground. As the creator of a non-profit that sent deserving young adults to space camps, she’s empowered countless individuals to reach for the stars. Jill’s projects reflect her commitment to innovation and her drive to create meaningful change, whether in the skies or on the ground.

  • Path 2 Flight is a platform dedicated to helping individuals embrace an unconventional mindset, break free from the ordinary, and chart their own course toward a fulfilling life. Founded by Jill Hoffman, Path 2 Flight offers transformative workshops, consulting, and inspirational speaking services designed to empower people to think differently, overcome obstacles, and achieve their highest potential. With a focus on authenticity, creativity, and resilience, Path 2 Flight encourages you to find your unique path and take flight in every aspect of your life.. Click on pic to learn more about the company and vision.

  • Looking Skyward is all about expanding your perspective and reaching for the limitless possibilities in life. Through inspiring content, community engagement, and thought-provoking ideas, Looking Skyward invites you to explore, dream, and look beyond the horizon. Founded by Jill Hoffman, this initiative encourages everyone to pursue their passions, embrace curiosity, and stay open to the wonders that lie just beyond the everyday. Join us on a journey of self-discovery and bold ambition as we turn our gaze skyward together. Click the astronaut pic to learn more about this successful nonprofit.

“If you had asked me years ago what my life would look like, I would have given you a crisp, well-thought-out answer. A logical plan. A trajectory that made sense.

And then life laughed.

Because if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that the best stories rarely unfold the way we expect. The twist is always better than the plan.

I’ve zigzagged. I’ve leapt before looking. I’ve taken risks that made sense on paper and some that absolutely did not. And somehow, all of it brought me here—doing work I love, connecting with people who inspire me, and writing my own story in real-time.

Along the way, I’ve embraced the fact that things not going according to plan is sometimes the plan. That saying yes to the unexpected (and occasionally terrifying) is where the good stuff lives. That perfection is overrated, but curiosity? That’s everything.

So if you’re here, reading this, I’d guess you might be a little like me—drawn to the adventure of figuring things out as you go. Welcome. Let’s see where this takes us.”