Maasive Gathering Signifies Growing Strength in the Diversity of Aviation

Now in its second decade, WomenVenture, a week-long social and networking event for women during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, showcases the hundreds of women at AirVenture for whom aviation is a way of life. More than a thousand women gathered in Boeing Plaza today for WomenVenture’s annual group photo, with most participants wearing their red WomenVenture t-shirts.

The backdrop for this year’s photo is a UPS MD-11, flown by Capt. Jessica Hodson, a KC-10 instructor pilot for the United States Air Force Reserve, who led an all-female crew for the KC-10’s arrival in Oshkosh. Later, Capt. Hodson traveled to Milwaukee to fly the MD-11 (shown here), which she flies for UPS as a first officer. Capt. Hodson is an active member of Women in Aviation International.

“For many women, taking part in this annual photo is the highlight of AirVenture,” says Women in Aviation International President Dr. Peggy Chabrian. “Gathering in Oshkosh with hundreds of friends and like-minded women for WomenVenture shows the variety of women’s participation in aviation as a career and as a lifestyle.”

Although there are WomenVenture events scheduled all week long, Wednesday is WomenVenture Day, which began with Women in Aviation International’s Connect Breakfast, held this year, by necessity, in a larger venue, the PHP tent, and attended by more than 400 enthusiastic participants. The group photo was followed by the WomenVenture Power Lunch held in Theater in the Woods with guest speaker Heather Penney, senior resident fellow for the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies.

"Most important of all, WomenVenture is just plain fun,” says Dr. Chabrian. "Kudos to EAA for backing this initiative and partnering with us for 11 years now. Our hope is that WomenVenture will continue to motivate and inspire thousands of women for many years to come.”

FMI: www.eaa.org