EAA AirVenture Oshkosh Will Be Inspiring Women To Be Part Of The Aviation Community

In an announcement from EAA, they say two activities during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2016 will help introduce and inspire women of all ages to engage and participate in the world of flight.

The ‘Women Soar You Soar’ event for high-school age girls takes place on July 24-27 and connects these young women with successful mentors involved in aviation and aeronautical sciences. Meanwhile, the WomenVenture gathering in Oshkosh brings together women aviators of all ages for weeklong programming and an opportunity to share their bond in the world of flight.

“Less than 10 percent of all active pilots are women and as EAA is committed to grow participation in aviation, it is absolutely vital that we welcome and break down barriers for everyone who wants to pursue their dreams of flight,” said Janine Diana, EAA’s vice president of people and culture. “As the aviation world gathers at Oshkosh each summer, it provides an unmatched opportunity for us to gather and celebrate those women who are achievers in our community while encouraging those who want to be a part of it.”

Women Soar You Soar welcomes girls entering grades nine through 12 in a day camp setting. It links these young people with mentors and positive role models for inspiration, participation and fun. Registration is just $75 and is open to girls through June 1, with registration including programming, meals, and weeklong admittance to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh. The program is made possible through support from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Women in Aviation International, and Boeing.

WomenVenture has grown to a full week of programming throughout the grounds, with complete schedules still being finalized. Wednesday, July 27, will be a day of celebration within AirVenture’s “aviation family reunion” culture. It will include the Women in Aviation breakfast at 8 a.m. and annual group photo on Boeing Plaza at 11 a.m., plus the WomenVenture Power Lunch at EAA’s Theater in the Woods with two dynamic speakers who are:

• U.S. Navy Lt. Cmdr. Meagan Flannigan, a highly decorated and carrier-rated naval aviator who is currently an instructor pilot with the Navy’s VFA-106 unit
• Vanessa Christie, a U.S. Navy combat veteran pilot who flew and instructed in the F-14 Tomcat. She is currently Vice President of Strategic Development for Prevailance Aerospace LLC.

(Image of the WomenVenture gathering at AirVenture 2015 provided by EAA)

FMI: www.EAA.org/WomenSoar