Annual Conference Touts Importance of Strategic Alliances

By ANN Correspondent Rose Dorcey

The skies will be filled with women involved in aviation as they converge in Dallas for the 16th Annual International Women in Aviation Conference March 10-12. The 2005 conference will capitalize on the importance of strategic alliances in the aviation industry with the theme: Achieving Individual and Industry Success Through Strategic Alliances.

Over a course of three days, women (and men) will have the chance to hear inspiring speakers, attend informative seminars, learn of scholarship opportunities and network with others in the field. According to the Women in Aviation International website, the conference provides "a chance to speak face-to-face with other women who have juggled career and family, or who were first in their field. Opportunities to meet mentors, or help inspire others, will abound. Men and women who attend the annual WAI Conference will take advantage of the chance to interact with leaders from all sectors of aviation."

Among the distinguished speakers… Colleen Barrett, President, Southwest Airlines; Gretchen Jahn, Chief Executive Officer, Mooney Airplane Company; Ralph Hood, Aviation Humorist; and Capt. Kimberly Black, USAF, B-1B Bomber Pilot.

ANN correspondents Aleta Vinas and I are flying the friendly skies to Dallas to cover this important aviation event. We will attend conference seminars, listen to stimulating speakers, talk with aviation's movers and shakers, and get our fingers on the pulse of women in aviation today. And, we will report it all to you. If you cannot be there, look for daily updates as we bring conference highlights to your computer.

FMI: www.wai.org