Education Director Kyle Jaracz, Education Development Coordinator Gwen Mathis, and Educational Project Manager Emily Rice traveled to the 2025 Women in Aviation International (WAI) Conference in Denver, Colorado! The hopped on a plane on March 26 and spent three amazing days networking and sharing AMA Educational Resources with aviation professionals, educators, and young aviation enthusiasts.
Nearly 5,000 WAI members attended the 2025 WAI conference and had the chance to learn from and network with other passionate aviation professionals. Attendees were invited to attend educational sessions covering topics such as career development, emerging technologies, leadership skills, maintenance and technical operations, military aviation, and health and wellness. WAI Members were invited to special events such as the New Members Breakfast, an Aviation Networking Night, the International Member Reception, Jazz With Wings Hangar Dance, and the Pioneer Hall of Fame Ceremony. These events encouraged conference attendees to network and celebrate the amazing aviation achievements of all WAI members.
The conference featured an impressive lineup of keynote speakers, including:
•Emily Calandrelli, the 100th woman in space and science communicator known as “The Space Gal”
•Michelle “MACE” Curran, former lead solo pilot for the USAF Thunderbirds
•Natalee Johnston, the Royal Australian Navy’s first female pilot
•Amy Purdy, Paralympic medalist and motivational speaker
•Bonny Simi, President of Operations at Joby Aviation
•Jennifer Homendy, Chair of the National Transportation Safety Board
At the 2025 Women in Aviation International (WAI) Conference in Denver, Colorado, Kyle, Emily, and Gwen actively engaged in various events to promote aviation education and foster new connections.
Their participation began with the New Members Breakfast, where they networked with professionals from diverse sectors of the aviation industry. This event provided a platform for meaningful conversations and the establishment of valuable connections.
The team also contributed to an educational session alongside esteemed organizations such as the Civil Air Patrol, the Aldrin Family Foundation, and the Experimental Aircraft Association. During this session, they showcased AMA's educational resources, including programs like UAS4STEM and Know Before You Fly, highlighting their commitment to advancing aviation education.
On Saturday, at the Girls in Aviation Day event, the AMA team hosted an interactive booth aimed at inspiring young girls and women. They introduced a "drone puzzle" activity designed to encourage critical thinking about unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) by having participants identify drone components and their functions. Additionally, they distributed Model Aviation magazines, balsa wood gliders, and informative flyers, engaging not only the young attendees but also their parents and educators.
Beyond these structured events, Kyle, Emily, and Gwen took the opportunity to enjoy Denver's pleasant weather and reconnect with educational partners from various aviation education entities, further strengthening collaborative efforts in the field.
Their active involvement in the conference underscored AMA's dedication to promoting aviation education and inspiring the next generation of aviators.
Kyle, Emily, and Gwen would like to thank their teammate, Education Support Specialist Ashton Lewis, for handling our AMA members' educational needs while they were out of the office at the 2025 WAI Conference. Thanks, Ashton!
And thank you to all the staff and team members at AAMA HQ who were always willing to support their colleagues and offer assistance while they are out traveling to work trips and conferences.
