Thank you for participating in and supporting the inaugural She SOARS—Women in Aviation Summit. Nearly 50 speakers and over 300 attendees in the aviation industry, including mid- and upper-management professionals, HR leaders, airport governing authorities, government officials and industry association leaders, convened to focus on women’s multifaceted advantages in the workplace, career growth, professional development, and well-being of the mind and soul. You can access the event photos and program guide.
The summit was a resounding success. It brought together inspiring leaders and passionate attendees for two days of empowerment and collaboration. Thank you to the planning committee, sponsors, speakers and attendees for bringing this summit to life!
#WIAS2024 Day 1 Recap:
We kicked off the inaugural She SOARS — Women in Aviation Summit on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, with a Rise n’ Shine Breakfast sponsored by Delaware North and a warm welcome from Ricky Smith, Chair, AMAC Board of Directors; CEO, Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, Eboni Wimbush, President & CEO, AMAC, Jan Lennon, General Manager, Aviation, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and LaChandra Burks, Chief Operating Officer, City of Atlanta.
Angelia G. Neal, Assistant Administrator, Human Resource Management, Federal Aviation Administration, provided an invigorating keynote during the “Charting the Future of Aviation” opening session, followed by various panel discussions and a delicious Networking Lunch. After lunch, Natasha “Tash” Durkins, Executive Director, Office of Aviation Policy & Plans, Federal Aviation Administration, provided a critical FAA 2024 Reauthorization Policy Update. Between sessions, Olle Fit and Inez Lampley guided us through Wellness Breaks, featuring breathwork and seated yoga, to keep participants engaged.
After the morning and afternoon sessions, AMAC honored Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-4th District) with the AMAC Leadership Award for the impactful work he’s doing in Congress, including through the House Transportation & Infrastructure Subcommittee on Aviation and their efforts to pass the Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act of 2024, which includes support for women in aviation by establishing a new Women in Aviation Advisory Committee at the U.S. Department of Transportation.
We concluded the day’s robust programming with Speed Mentorship for participants seeking advice, diverse perspectives, and network growth opportunities with an esteemed group of mentors, including:
- Ghizlane Badawi, CEO, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport
- Yovette Drake, Treasurer, AMAC PAC Board of Directors; President, Unison Consulting
- Karen Ellis, At-Large Director, AMAC Board of Directors; Chief Customer Experience Officer, San Antonio Airport System
- Lyn Estabrook, Deputy Chief, Planning & Development, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport
- Indhira Figuereo Blaney, Northeast Regional Director, AMAC Board of Directors; Senior Vice President, National Aviation Market Leader, WSP USA
- Belinda Hargrove, Belinda Hargrove, Owner, TransSolutions
- Nikki Harland, At-Large Director, AMAC Board of Directors; Chief Operating Officer, Paradies Lagardère
- Sheneice Hughes, Assistant Director, Administration & Customer Engagement, Dallas Love Field Airport
- Angela Gittens, President, Schiphol USA
- Cynthia Guidry, Director, Long Beach Airport
- Ritu Vig, President, Aviation Division, SP+
Finally, we closed out a jam-packed day with a refreshing Circle of Influence Reception sponsored by United Airlines.
#WIAS2024 Day 2 Recap:
On Wednesday, October 2, 2024, we began the day with a Rise n’ Shine Breakfast sponsored by Advantage Capital. We continued our morning with sessions and between sessions, Inez Lampley guided us through Wellness Breaks, featuring affirmations and meditation.
After the morning and afternoon sessions, AMAC honored Congresswoman Nikema Williams (GA-5th District) with the AMAC Women in Aviation Leadership Award for the work she’s doing in Congress, which includes establishing the International Black Aviation Professionals Day to recognize the stories and contributions of Black American aviation professionals and encourages support of greater opportunities for Black Americans in all areas of aviation.
We concluded the summit with the AMAC Airport Leadership Collective (ALC) Fireside Chat sponsored by SP+ | A Metropolis Company. The AMAC ALC Fireside Chat series continues to support women in navigating their careers and providing recommendations for elevating their careers to senior-level opportunities within the aviation industry.