A Day of Inspiration and Exploration

Girls in Aviation Gulf Coast 2024: A Day of Inspiration and Exploration at the National Naval Aviation Museum

On November 16, 2024, the National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola, Florida, became the hub of inspiration, excitement, and empowerment for young women with a passion for aviation and aerospace. The Girls in Aviation Gulf Coast 2024 event, hosted by the Naval Aviation Museum Foundation in partnership with Women in Aviation International, proved to be an unforgettable experience that ignited curiosity and passion for the skies.

A Day of Discovery and Inspiration

The event began with a fireside chat featuring Michelle Curran, a former USAF major and one of the first women in the USAF Thunderbirds, and Colonel Vanessa “Siren” Mahan, an F-15E Weapons Systems Officer and EA-6B ECMO/EWO. They shared their experiences, discussed overcoming barriers in aviation, and offered advice to the young women in the audience. Michelle also read from her children’s book, inspiring attendees to pursue their dreams, no matter the challenges.

Engaging with Aviation Trailblazers

Throughout the event, attendees had the chance to meet and engage with aviation trailblazers from various sectors. Women in Aviation shared their experiences, giving attendees a look at the diverse career paths available within the aviation industry. From air traffic control to aviation maintenance, the conversations were filled with wisdom and encouragement, as these professionals highlighted the opportunities for women in aviation and aerospace.

Hands-On STEM Activities: Learning Through Fun

One of the highlights of the event was the interactive STEM stations. These hands-on activities allowed attendees to dive deep into the principles of aviation and engineering, all while having fun:

Lockwire Bracelets: Attendees learned about the importance of lockwire in aviation maintenance and even crafted their own bracelets, making engineering concepts accessible in a creative way.
Straw Rockets and Airplane Launches: Through experiments involving straw rockets and airplane launches, young girls got to test out basic aerodynamic principles and see the science of flight in action.
Fling Flyer Badge: Girl Scouts had the unique opportunity to complete the Fling Flyer Badge, a fun and educational way to explore aviation through hands-on learning and creativity.
Simulator Flights: Perhaps the most thrilling experience of the day, participants had the chance to experience flight through flight simulators, with guidance from female aviators who shared their expertise and excitement for aviation.
Aviator Sunglasses Activity: In addition to the STEM activities, attendees enjoyed decorating their own aviator sunglasses, adding a touch of creativity to the aviation-themed day.

A Community of Support and Empowerment

The Girls in Aviation Gulf Coast 2024 event was not just about learning; it was about creating a community of support for young women pursuing careers in aviation. The event provided an open and welcoming space where participants could ask questions, engage with mentors, and dream big. The energy in the room was contagious, with many young women leaving the event feeling inspired and empowered to chase their aviation dreams.

Thank You to All Who Made This Event Possible

The Naval Aviation Museum Foundation, Women in Aviation International, and all the incredible aviation professionals and role models who participated made this event a success. We are grateful to everyone who shared their knowledge, experiences, and time to help ignite the next generation of women in aviation.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Women in Aviation

As we wrap up Girls in Aviation Gulf Coast 2024, we are reminded of the endless possibilities that await young women in aviation. The event was a powerful reminder that with the right support, mentorship, and resources, there is no limit to what these aspiring aviators can achieve. We look forward to seeing how the spark of inspiration from this event will fuel the careers and dreams of future female pilots, engineers, air traffic controllers, and more.

We hope this event will continue to inspire and support the next generation of aviation trailblazers. Mark your calendars for Girls in Aviation Gulf Coast 2025—we can’t wait to do it all again! ✈️