WomenVenture Makes Its Annual Mark With a Group Photo and Power Lunch

Thousands of women in aviation came together during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh for one of the week’s most powerful traditions: the WomenVenture group photo, held at Boeing Plaza. With more than 3,500 matching t-shirts sold each year, the annual snapshot captures the strength, diversity, and unity of women across all corners of the aviation industry, standing together as one.

Following the photo, WomenVenture attendees gathered for the Power Lunch, which featured keynote speaker Tracy Zebeck, an aerial firefighting pilot. Zebeck shared powerful stories from her career flying into wildfires, her experience with seaplanes, and more, reinforcing the event’s 2025 theme: “Lifesaving Missions.”

Volunteer Chairwoman Margaret Viola, an engineer and private pilot, spearheaded the coordination of both events. Viola, who began chairing WomenVenture in 2017, has played a pivotal role in expanding the reach and impact of the program.

“If you’re looking to take your next steps, no matter what facet of aviation you’re into, if you want to offer support to some other group, this is a great place to do that,” said Viola.

During the week, WomenVenture hosts partner organizations, including the Ninety-Nines, Latino Pilots Association, Asian Women in Aerospace Aviation, WASP, Bessie Coleman Association, Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals, A-Wing, International Society of Women Airline Pilots, Freedom Aviation Network, and Air Race Classic within the WomenVenture tent. All week, the center hosts various forums, speakers, fitness classes, etc., in order to connect the community. 

“You come for the airplanes, you come back for the people,” said Viola.

FMI: https://www.eaa.org/airventure/features-and-attractions/eaa-womenventure