The Mile-High Gathering of Women Who Soar

This week, Denver becomes the epicenter of aviation inspiration as the Women in Aviation International (WAI) Conference kicks off—right in our own backyard.

For those of us who’ve spent decades navigating this industry, the energy at WAI is a celebration—and it’s a movement. A powerful reminder that women are not just participating in aviation and aerospace—we’re leading it, transforming it, and redefining its future.

Why This Conference Matters

• Thousands of Women, One Purpose Engineers, pilots, executives, technicians, students, veterans, and entrepreneurs—all coming together with shared passion and bold ambition. This is more than networking. It’s a collective elevation.

• Representation on the Rise While the gender gap in our field is still real, events like this are accelerating change. You see it in the faces of young girls meeting role models for the first time. You hear it in panels that finally reflect the diversity of talent we know exists.

• Denver in the Spotlight As someone deeply rooted in Colorado’s aerospace and aviation ecosystem, it’s an honor to welcome the WAI community to our state. Colorado has long been a launchpad for innovation—and this week, we’re also a launchpad for connection and collaboration.

• Beyond the Booths and Breakouts The most impactful moments won’t always be on stage. They’ll happen in hallway conversations, quiet mentorship exchanges, or that one question during a panel that opens up an entirely new perspective.

A Personal Reflection

I remember attending my first aviation conference and scanning the room for another woman—any woman who was not booth eye candy to draw male attendees closer. Yes, that is really how it was then. For several years, there was even a vendor with their booth set up as "Deal or No Deal" - women in skimpy dresses, briefcases, and all. Sometimes I found another woman like me, sometimes I didn’t.

Today, I see rooms filled with bold, brilliant women. But I also know many are still navigating cultures that question their place, silence their voices, or hold them to a higher standard.

That’s why this week isn’t just about being inspired. It’s about being equipped. It’s about walking away with strategies—not just swag bags.

We need to leave this conference ready to:

• Sponsor other women

• Demand inclusive policies

• Hold leadership accountable

Because the future of this industry depends on it.

The Elevate Initiative™

The mission of the Elevate Initiative™ aligns perfectly with WAI’s vision.

It’s a dual-track approach to:

• Empower women in aviation and aerospace to elevate their careers, protect their wellbeing, and step into leadership with clarity and confidence.

• Equip organizations and male executives with the tools, insight, and accountability needed to create inclusive environments where top female talent thrives.

We go beyond inspiration—and into action.

Free Download: The DEI Backlash Career Survival Guide

Have you ever spoken up and faced backlash? Been sidelined after asking for equal treatment? You're not imagining it. And you're not alone.

Request the DEI Backlash Career Survival Guide—a free resource for women navigating the risks of advocating for themselves in spaces that aren’t always ready to hear the truth.

Inside, you’ll find:

• Real-world workplace red flags

• Steps to protect yourself and your career

• Tips for documentation and finding allies

• Sample language for hard conversations Request the DEI Backlash Career Survival Guide here. Because inclusion should never come at the cost of your confidence—or your career.

If you’re at WAI this week—let’s connect. If you’re following from afar—join the conversation.

Because beyond the flight deck is where the real work begins.