EAA WomenVenture has aimed to inspire, empower, and break down barriers for young girls and women that dream of flight. Each day, bold women take on the challenge of making their aviation dreams come true and encourage others to do the same.
Join us in celebrating the incredible community of female aviators and aviation enthusiasts! This year’s theme is Lifesaving Missions, highlighting vital roles women play in aviation to protect and save lives.
EAA WomenVenture Keynote Speaker for 2025!
Tracy Zedeck, an aerial firefighting pilot, will join us as our keynote speaker at the annual Power Lunch titled Barefoot and Booted to share about her experiences in lifesaving missions!
EAA WomenVenture 2025 Schedule of Events
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Monday, July 21, 2025
7 - 8 a.m. | Yoga | EAA WomenVenture Center
Begin the day grounded and energized with yoga. This class, provided by Carrie Field from Blue Lotus Yoga, will wake up your body and mind before the day's adventures take off. No registration required. Simply join us at the EAA WomenVenture Center and head to the back patio area. All levels are welcome!
8:30 - 9:45 a.m. | Female Pilots and Social Media | Stephanie Goetz, Hayley Herberg, Thea Allen, Katherine Moloney, and Annie Vogel | EAA WomenVenture Center
Stephanie Goetz
Stephanie is the president and pilot of The Pink Jet — an L-39 Albatros military jet that flies in air shows across the U.S. She is also a flight instructor and flies the Bombardier Global 6000 professionally. Stephanie's impact spans across the business world with her executive communication coaching and leadership training business. She's also a philanthropist, giving out thousands of dollars a year in flight scholarships and other support with her husband, Endre Holen, to diverse aviation organizations such as OBAP, WAI, NGPA, SOS, and more. Stephanie uses her platform of JetGirlStephanie — with 214,000-plus followers and 2.3 million-plus monthly impact — to inspire, educate, and empower people to achieve their dream of flight or anything they desire!
Hayley Herberg
Hayley Herberg is an aircraft owner and ferry pilot. Since she earned her pilot certificate, it's been her dream to fly her own aircraft and travel the world in a unique way, as well as showcase everything general aviation has to offer. She is a prominent fixture on Instagram with 208,000-plus followers and a thriving YouTube channel where she shares her love of aviation through flight.
Thea Allen
Thea Allen is a commercial pilot and aircraft owner who flies throughout the Midwest in her experimental Super Cub — an aircraft she grew to love after logging hundreds of hours flying them for banner towing. She has a strong appreciation for aircraft maintenance and hands-on modifications, and she uses her platform to share what it’s really like to own, fly, and maintain an airplane. She aims to inspire others, especially women and new pilots drawn to the technical side of flying, to step confidently into aviation with curiosity, capability, and a willingness to get their hands dirty.
Katherine Moloney
Katherine Moloney is founder and CEO of Elevate(her) Aviation. She has obtained a private pilot license for both helicopter and fixed- wing aircraft. Katherine is also the recipient of the IATA 2025 High Flyer award, as well as being a former Department for Transport Aviation Ambassador, and a ground operations volunteer with Spitfire aircraft at Goodwood Aerodome. She also runs her own aviation social media accounts aimed at supporting and encouraging people in the aviation industry, which have a combined reach of more than 600,000 followers.
Annie Vogel
Annie Vogel is a pilot and the founder of Avian Creative, a marketing agency specializing in supporting aviation brands. Known online as "Pilot Annie" with 50,000-plus followers, she shares her adventures in general aviation while using social media to inspire others to chase their own flying dreams and explore the world from above.
How to build and use your platform to inspire, influence and educate
10:00 - 11:15 a.m. | Patty Wagstaff | EAA WomenVenture Center
Patty Wagstaff
Patty Wagstaff is a six-time member of the U.S. Aerobatic Team and made history as the first woman to win the title of U.S. National Aerobatic Champion, an achievement she has earned three times. She is renowned for performing exciting low-level aerobatic routines in competitions and air shows for millions of spectators each year. In addition to her flying career, she operates an aerobatic flight school in St. Augustine, Florida, where she places a strong emphasis on safety.
Patty will discuss the importance of upset recovery training to make more confident and safer pilots.
11:30 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. | Saving Lives, One Drone Delivery at a Time | Emme Miller | EAA WomenVenture Center
Emme Miller
Emme Miller is an instructor and evaluator at Zipline, where she develops and delivers training content to support Part 135 drone delivery operations across the U.S. With more than three years at Zipline, she has seen its lifesaving impact firsthand in Rwanda at one of the company’s busiest sites that delivers hundreds of medical deliveries per day. Emme also holds a private pilot certificate with an instrument rating.
Zipline’s revolutionary drone delivery system is transforming healthcare access in underserved regions. This session will highlight the profound impact on women, particularly in maternal health, through rapid delivery of lifesaving supplies like blood, vaccines, and medications. We'll explore how Zipline not only reduces mortality rates but also empowers women in the aviation and healthcare sectors. Discover how technology and innovation are bridging the gap in critical care and creating a more equitable future.
3 - 4:30 p.m. | Ice Cream Social | Register Free | EAA WomenVenture Center
Start the week off right with a sweet treat and time to socialize with incredible women who are shaping the future of aviation. The WomenVenture Ice Cream Social, presented by Endeavor Air, is your chance to share stories, experiences, and inspiration. Enjoy a fun, relaxed atmosphere as you indulge in delicious ice cream and engage in meaningful conversations with like-minded women who are passionate about flying, empowering one another, and making a lasting impact on the industry.
SOLD OUT
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Tuesday, July 22, 2025
7 - 8 a.m. | Pure Barre | EAA WomenVenture Center
Keep the momentum going with a Pure Barre class. This low-impact, full-body workout is designed to help you build strength, improve balance, and move with ease - perfect for staying energized throughout your AirVenture week. Join us at the EAA WomenVenture Center for a great way to start your day. No registration or experience needed!
8:30 - 9:45 a.m. | Flight Path: Proving Passion Beats Pedigree in Aviation | Laurel Lindemann | EAA WomenVenture Center
Laurel Lindemann
Growing up, I always had a deep love for air and space, but my greatest passion was astronomy. I was fascinated by the stars, planets, and the vastness of the universe. However, it wasn’t until I attended my very first EAA event as a young girl that my world truly changed. Watching pilots perform breathtaking aerobatics and hearing the roar of jets screaming across the sky ignited a new passion in me: aviation. From that moment, I knew I wanted to be a pilot, and nothing was going to stop me from doing it. Starting with zero experience, I pursued my training at Fox Valley Technical College (FVTC) in Oshkosh, a city steeped in aviation history. I worked tirelessly, advancing through every stage until I earned my certified flight instructor (CFI) certificate. What makes my story unique is that I am the only person in my entire family to ever become a pilot. No family history or legacy in aviation guided me, just a pure, unwavering love for airplanes and flying. That love fueled every step of my journey, proving that passion and dedication can break barriers and help anyone achieve their dreams in aviation.
A family legacy in aviation can be a helpful head start, but it’s not a requirement to pursue a life in the sky or any facet of the industry. This talk invites aspiring pilots and aviation enthusiasts from all backgrounds to explore how passion and perseverance can overcome the absence of pedigree. Together, we’ll discuss the challenges faced by those starting from scratch and celebrate the unique journeys that lead to the cockpit or occupation. This is more than a speech; it’s an open conversation. Attendees are encouraged to share their own experiences, struggles, and triumphs, reminding us all that there’s no single path to flight.
11:30 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. | Breaking Barriers: Paving the Way for Women in Aviation | Jen Morgan | EAA WomenVenture Center
Jen Morgan
Jen Morgan is a quality control inspector at Southwest Airlines. She has been with the company for 23 years, serving as the first female inspector based in Dallas, and the second female inspector overall in the company's history. Before joining Southwest, she served as an aircraft mechanic in the Navy, making her a seventh-generation military member. Additionally, she worked at a transport repair and maintenance company, where she gained expertise in sheet metal repairs. Jen was inspired to pursue a career in aviation, specifically in aircraft maintenance, after serving as a JROTC squadron commander in high school. This experience allowed her to observe the important work that mechanics do at various military bases. She decided to apply to Southwest Airlines after a former coworker recommended the book Nuts!: Southwest Airlines' Crazy Recipe for Business and Personal Success and encouraged her to obtain her airframe and powerplant (A&P) mechanic certificate. Although her work is mainly done independently, Jen values the moments when her team comes together for cultural events, like BBQs and holiday parties. She also appreciates the opportunities to attend conferences, give hangar tours, and talk to students about career opportunities in aviation. While she initially aspired to become a pilot, Jen discovered her passion for fixing airplanes and has since dedicated her career to this field.
In an industry historically dominated by men, women continue to rise, challenge norms, and redefine what success looks like in aviation. This presentation explores the inspiring journey of a female veteran who transitioned to a role in aircraft maintenance within commercial aviation — a field where women remain significantly underrepresented. Through personal insights and real-world lessons, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the importance of creating inclusive spaces where women not only participate — but lead.
1:00 - 2:15 p.m. | Lifesaving Military Missions: Aeromedical Evacuation, Search & Rescue, and More | Col. Kathy Cosand, Lt. Katrina McLeod, Lt. Col. Maryjane F. Harris, Lt. Rachel Carter | EAA WomenVenture Center
Col. Kathy Cosand
USAF (Ret.), C-141 pilot
Lt. Katrina McLeod
USCG, HC-144 search and rescue pilot
Lt. Col. Maryjane F. Harris
A-10 pilot
Lt. Rachel Carter
USCG, MH-65E pilot
This will be a panel of current and former women military aviators who have flown a variety of aircraft that support lifesaving missions, including aeromedical evacuation, peacetime and combat search and rescue, and hurricane tracking. Join us for a lively discussion with these military aviators as they share their experiences flying transport aircraft, helicopters, and even fighters to support these missions.
2:30 - 3:45 p.m. | Fabulous First Female Flyers | Captain Jenny Beatty | EAA WomenVenture Center
Captain Jenny Beatty
Captain Jenny Beatty flies for a major airline and is rated for large transport jets, seaplanes, and gliders. She is a third-generation woman pilot and longtime aviation researcher, writer, presenter, and advocate, with a particular focus on women and others historically excluded from aeronautical pursuits.
Did you know that women were flying nearly a century before Amelia Earhart was born? In this entertaining presentation, you will learn about fabulous first female flyers who took to the sky in the earliest days of aviation all over the world, get inspired by their amazing adventures and love of flight, and pick up some “unusual" safety tips along the way.
4:00 - 5:15 p.m. | Cleared for Takeoff: Unlocking Aviation Scholarships and Opportunities | Robin Hadfield and Susan Passmore | EAA WomenVenture Center
Robin Hadfield
With a passion for aviation spanning more than four decades, Robin has worn many hats within the realm of flight, experiencing the incredible journeys that aviation can offer and the fascinating individuals it brings into one's orbit. Over the past decade, she has actively contributed to The Ninety-Nines, currently holding the position of president on the International Board of Directors, following four years as a director. Collaborating with the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), Robin serves as a search coordinator with CASARA, contributing to aerial searches and supporting search and rescue operations. Trained in search techniques, search navigation, and other skills necessary for effective missions, she plays a vital role in saving lives through search and rescue (SAR) efforts. Robin's aviation journey began flying in 1979, propelling her into aerobatic competitions as both a pilot and judge. For five years, she served as co-director for the Canadian Aerobatic Championships. Her involvement in aviation includes being chairman of an aviation museum, director of Canada's largest fly-in for vintage and classic aircraft, and is the air show/event coordinator for a collection of WWII fighters. When not flying her RV-6A or Fairchild 24W-26, Robin and her husband can be found on their sailboat. Alternatively, she channels her creativity into working with glass in kilns as a fused-glass artist. Through each endeavor, Robin remains inspired by the limitless possibilities that aviation presents and the incredible people it brings together.
Join Robin Hadfield, president of The Ninety-Nines, International Organization of Women Pilots, and Susan Passmore, Chair - Amelia Earhart Memorial Scholarship Fund, as they chart a course through the world of aviation scholarships. Whether you're new to aviation and wondering how to afford flight training, or already in the left seat and aiming higher, this dynamic seminar will explore a wide range of funding opportunities available for student pilots and advanced pilots. From private pilot certificate, instrument and commercial ratings, to multi-engine and CFI ratings, you’ll learn how to strategically leverage aviation scholarships to fund your first or next rating. You'll also gain practical tips on how to stand out as an applicant, navigate the process, and fuel your aviation dreams. Come prepared to be inspired — and leave ready to apply!
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Wednesday, July 23, 2025
8:30 - 9:45 a.m. | “I Can Set the Very Skies Ablaze”: Wartime Military Air Evacuation | Judy Barger | EAA WomenVenture Center
Judy Barger
Retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Judy Barger holds PhDs in nursing and in musicology. During her 20-year military career, she served as a flight nurse assigned to Clark Air Base in the Philippines at the end of the Vietnam War from 1973 to 1975, logging more than 1,200 hours of inflight nursing with the 9th Aeromedical Evacuation Group. In Beyond the Call of Duty, she has written about U.S. Army flight nursing with the Army Air Forces in World War II. Dr. Barger currently is working on a book about U.S. Air Force flight nursing in the Korean War.
This forum is a talk about lifesaving missions in wartime military air evacuation in three past wars, focusing on flight nurses who provided lifesaving care to their patients en route. The focus will be on the U.S. Army flight nurses who flew in World War II, followed by the U.S. Air Force flight nurses who flew in the Korean War. There will also be a discussion about flight nurse involvement in two lifesaving missions that brought babies and children out of danger to safe locations during wartime – Operation Kiddy Car in 1950 Korea and Operation Babylift in 1975 Vietnam.
11 a.m. | Group Photo | Boeing Plaza
Put on your EAA WomenVenture 2025 T-shirt and help us capture the spirit of community and celebration! Join us for a group photo with all the fellow women who share a passion for aviation. Whether you fly, fix, design, or simply love being a part of the skies, let's come together and memorialize this inspiring moment!
T-shirt Pick-Up Times:
- Monday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
- Tuesday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
- Wednesday, 9 a.m - 10:30 a.m.
11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. | EAA WomenVenture Power Lunch | Barefoot and Booted with Tracy Zedeck | $10 Registration | Theater in the Woods
Join us at Theater in the Woods to enjoy a box lunch and for our keynote speaker, Tracy Zedeck. This is the perfect opportunity to connect, learn, and be inspired by someone who has made significant contributions to the world of aviation. For only $10, you’ll not only indulge in a tasty lunch, but you’ll walk away with valuable knowledge and motivation from an expert in the field.
Register NowTracy Zedeck
I grew up in Berkeley, California. I knew by the age of 10 that I wanted to become a pilot. Coming from a nonaviation family, it took some time to figure out how to reach my goal, but some simple yet solid advice from my older brother to get a job at an airport set the wheels in motion on an adventure I never imagined.
Over the years, my experience has included towing gliders over the Rockies, charter and medevac in California, glacier tours in Alaska, and seaplane flying in the Maldives and Croatia. For the last nine years, I am grateful to have landed my dream job as an aerial firefighter flying the CL-415 Super Scooper.
4:00 - 5:15 p.m. | Ask the AME: How to Preflight Your Flight Physical — Tips to Stay Flight-Ready | Dr. Rachael Ferraro | EAA WomenVenture Center
Dr. Rachael Ferraro
Seminar speaker Dr. Rachael Ferraro, Aviate Medical, is a member of The Ninety-Nines, International Organization of Women Pilots. With more than 20 years of experience in patient care, Dr. Rachael Ferraro is a trusted advocate for pilots' health as a board-certified internal medicine and senior FAA aviation medical examiner (AME). Aviate Medical was born out of Dr. Ferraro’s deep connection to the aviation community and her commitment to being “the pilots'” AME. Before stepping into her role as an AME, she spent years learning about aviation medicine from the pilots' perspective. Now, her goal is to serve as a safe sounding board for the aviation community. Dr. Ferraro advocates for pilots to live healthy lives and continue their careers with the assurance that their medical examiner is in their corner. After years of hospital medicine, Dr. Ferraro transitioned to focus fully on aviation medical services. With connections to top specialists in fields like cardiology and pulmonology, Dr. Ferraro ensures her pilots have access to the best care when needed.
This session is designed to help pilots approach their flight physical with the same precision they bring to every preflight checklist. We'll cover:
- How to prepare in the weeks and months before your exam.
- Common pitfalls that can ground you — and how to avoid them.
- Lifestyle and health strategies to stay sharp, clear-headed, and certified.
Whether you’re a student pilot or a seasoned pro, this is about keeping yourself in the best fighting shape to protect your medical — and your wings.
6:30 - 7:45 p.m. | Rescue Me! | Moderator: Heidi Scott | Theater in the Woods
Heidi Scott
Heidi Scott launched her helicopter career in 2002 with the U.S. Coast Guard, serving eight years as an Avionics Technician and MH-60 Jayhawk Crew Chief. Her passion for rotorcraft led her to flight school at Leading Edge Aviation in Oregon, where she also earned her FAA A&P license and worked as both a mechanic and technician.
She began flying tours in Florida before joining Bristow in 2019, where she flew various helicopters—including the Bell 407, AW119, AW109, and AW139—supporting the Gulf’s Oil and Gas industry.
In 2024, Heidi became Chief Pilot at PHI Aviation, the largest Part 135 helicopter operator in the U.S., where she proudly leads with a focus on safety, quality, and service.
A dedicated mentor and leader, Heidi also coordinates the Vertical Aviation International MIL2CIV workshop and is a proud member of the Whirly Girls, helping military aviators transition into civilian careers.Join us at Theater in the Woods for the Wednesday night WomenVenture Panel Honoring the past and present of women in rescue aviation.
- Rachael Stoner - JAARS
- Lacey Pittman - Rescue/Humanitarian missions
- Annie Paya - Fire fighting helicopters pilot
- Bonnie Wilkens - First woman to fly fire-fighting helicopters in CA
- Elizabeth Latshaw - Samaritan’s Purse pilot
- Victoria Bruce - Operation Helo pilot
- Tracy Zedeck - Aerial firefighting pilot
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Thursday, July 24, 2025
7 - 8 a.m. | Pure Barre | EAA WomenVenture Center
Ready for round two? Join us for another Pure Barre session to move, strengthen, and reset your body. This low-impact, energizing workout is the perfect way to stay active and centered during AirVenture. No registration or experience needed—just head to the EAA WomenVenture Center and start your day strong!
9 a.m. | EAA Authors Corner | EAA WomenVenture Center
The Fly Girls Revolt: The Story of the Women Who Kicked Open the Door to Fly in Combat | Eileen BjorkmanThe Fly Girls Revolt: The Story of the Women Who Kicked Open the Door to Fly in Combat
This is the untold story of the women military aviators of the 1970s and 1980s who kicked open the door to fly in combat in 1993 — along with the story of the women who paved the way before them.
Eileen Bjorkman
Eileen Bjorkman loves all things aviation, with a particular passion for military and homebuilt aircraft. She is a retired U.S. Air Force colonel with 700-plus hours of flying time as a flight test engineer in 25 different types of military aircraft, primarily the F-4, F-16, C-130, and C-141. As a civilian pilot, she holds an airline transport pilot rating and is a certificated flight instructor with more than 2,000 hours of flying time. She owns an aerobatic airplane, a Decathlon. When she's not writing or researching, she can usually be found doing some sort of outside activity, especially anything involving an airplane!
Join Eileen Bjorkman as she reads from and signs The Fly Girls Revolt, which shares the powerful, little-known story of the fight for women to fly in combat. Her book highlights the courage, determination, and lasting legacy of the trailblazing women who broke barriers in military aviation.
10 a.m. | EAA Authors Corner | EAA WomenVenture Center
The Flipside: How to Invert Your Perspective and Turn Fear Into Your Superpower | Michelle ‘MACE’ CurranThe Flipside: How to Invert Your Perspective and Turn Fear Into Your Superpower
Former Thunderbird Lead Solo Michelle "MACE" Curran provides a blueprint for converting your fear into a strength based on the hard-earned lessons she learned in the cockpit and beyond.
Michelle ‘MACE’ Curran
Michelle "MACE" Curran is a former United States Air Force fighter pilot with nearly 2,000 hours of F-16 flying time. She flew combat missions in Afghanistan and honed her skills across the globe, becoming the second woman in history to serve as the lead solo pilot for the Thunderbirds, the Air Force's elite demonstration team. Known for her signature upside-down maneuvers, MACE has performed for millions, like at the Super Bowl, Daytona 500, and Indy 500. Today, she channels her unique perspective into relatable storytelling to empower others to make bold choices and find their inner courage.
Join former Thunderbird pilot Michelle "MACE" Curran as she reads from and signs her book, The Flipside, which offers a powerful blueprint for turning fear into strength. Drawing from her experiences, she shares lessons in courage, mindset, and bold desision-making to help others embrace challenges and shift their perspective.
12 p.m. | EAA Authors Corner | EAA WomenVenture Center
Final Flight Final Fight: My Grandmother, the WASP, and Arlington National Cemetery | Erin MillerLife Takes Wings: Lessons Learned by the World’s First Female 747 Pilot
When Arlington National Cemetery refused to accept my grandmother's last request to be laid to rest there, I refused to let her legacy as a veteran die along with her. My grandmother, Elaine Danforth Harmon, flew as a pilot with the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) of World War II. Despite being part of the first group of women to fly for the United States Army, the WASP remained officially unrecognized as members of the military due to discriminatory thinking about gender on Capitol Hill and beyond. I led our family's campaign on behalf of my grandmother, and all the women of the WASP, across social media, traditional news outlets, and to Capitol Hill to fight for their equal recognition at one of the nation's most well-known cemeteries. Join me in the halls of Congress as I organize support from senators and representatives including Martha McSally, Joni Ernst, Amy Klobuchar, Susan Davis, and more.
My grandmother's final fight came after her final flight — but I was honored to follow in her footsteps to ensure her legacy would not be forgotten.
What Grandma Did: A girl learns about the Women Airforce Service Pilots — nicknamed the "WASP" — who flew during World War II. Grandma explains how she was one of the first women to fly for the United States Army. A story that teaches history, leadership, and courage through intergenerational learning.Erin Miller
Erin Miller is the proud granddaughter of Elaine Danforth Harmon, a member of the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) during WWII. Her grandmother’s last request was to be laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery (ANC).
After she died in April 2015, this request was denied by the U.S. Army which runs ANC. Erin led a successful grassroots, social media, and direct advocacy campaign to fight the decision, culminating in the passage of HR 4336 through Congress and signing of the bill into law by the president of the United States.
The new law recognized the wartime service of the WASP for eligibility for inurnment at Arlington National Cemetery. Erin is the author of two books in honor of her grandmother, Final Flight Final Fight, which details the Arlington campaign and her life with her grandmother, while What Grandma Did is a children’s book based on her grandmother’s story with the WASP.Join Erin Miller as she reads from and signs Final Flight Final Fight, the powerful story of her fight to honor her grandmother, a WWII WASP pilot, and secure her right to be laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery. Through personal reflection and public advocacy, Erin shares a moving journey of legacy, justice, and the enduring impact of the women who served.
1 p.m. | EAA Authors Corner | EAA WomenVenture Center
Nerves of Steel: How I Followed My Dreams, Earned My Wings, and Faced My Greatest Challenge | Capt. Tammie Jo ShultsNerves of Steel: How I Followed My Dreams, Earned My Wings, and Faced My Greatest Challenge
Nerves of Steel is the captivating true story of Tammie Jo Shults’s remarkable life — from growing up the daughter of a humble rancher, to breaking through gender barriers as one of the Navy’s first female F/A-18 Hornet pilots, to safely landing the severely crippled Southwest Airlines Flight 1380 and helping save the lives of 148 people.
Capt. Tammie Jo Shults
Captain Tammie Jo Shults is a Southwest Airlines captain and former naval aviator who received wide acclaim when, on April 17, 2018, she and her crew successfully landed a Boeing 737 after catastrophic engine failure and rapid decompression, saving the lives of 148 people.
Shults’s early interest in flying led her to become one of the first female F/A-18 Hornet pilots in the United States Navy after overcoming several obstacles due to her gender. At the conclusion of her Navy career, Shults became a pilot for Southwest Airlines. Her incredible talent and notable history have made her an inspiration to many.Join Capt. Tammie Jo Shults as she reads from and signs Nerves of Steel, the incredible true story of her journey from a ranch in New Mexico to becoming one of the Navy’s first female F/A-18 pilots—and the heroic pilot who safely landed Southwest Flight 1380. Her story is one of grit, faith, and calm under pressure.
2 p.m. | EAA Authors Corner | EAA WomenVenture Center
Flightpath of Fortitude: Breaking Barriers, Building Horizons | Lt. Colonel Olga Custodio, USAF (Retired)Flightpath of Fortitude: Breaking Barriers, Building Horizons
From a young girl with dreams to a trailblazing aviator who shattered barriers, Flightpath of Fortitude is a memoir of perseverance, courage, and resilience. As the first Latina pilot in the U.S. Air Force and a pioneering Hispanic female captain in commercial aviation, Olga shares her extraordinary journey of overcoming obstacles and defying expectations through global experiences, personal growth, and the challenges of balancing career and family, offering insights on leadership, faith, and the power of never giving up.
This inspiring memoir is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and a call to all who dare to dream big and rise above limitations. Whether you're an aspiring aviator, a barrier-breaker in your own right, or someone seeking motivation to chase your goals, Flightpath of Fortitude will uplift and empower you to fly.
Querer es Poder — "Where there is a will, there is POWER."Lt. Colonel Olga Custodio, USAF (Retired)
America’s First Latina Military and Commercial Airlines Pilot
Lt. Col. USAF (Ret) | Captain American Airlines (Ret)
Olga received her commission through Officer Training School in 1980. She was the first Latina and among the first women to graduate from U.S. Air Force Undergraduate Pilot Training (UPT). Graduating in the top 5 percent, she received her fighter qual to become the first female UPT T-38 instructor pilot at 47th Flying Training Wing at Laughlin AFB, Texas, and the 560th Flying Training Squadron for Pilot Instructor Training (PIT) at Randolph AFB, Texas.
Flying for American Airlines, Olga flew the Boeing 727, Fokker 100, Boeing 757, and Boeing 767 to the Caribbean, Central America, South America, Europe, Mexico, Canada, and U.S. Her education and professional certificates include an air transport pilot certificate with single and multiengine land and instrument ratings, a flight engineer certificate for turbojet powered aircraft.Join Lt. Colonel Olga Custodio, USAF (Ret.), as she reads from and signs Flightpath of Fortitude, her inspiring memoir of resilience, leadership, and breaking barriers. As the first Latina pilot in the U.S. Air Force and a trailblazer in commercial aviation, Olga shares her powerful story of perseverance and purpose.
3 p.m. | EAA Authors Corner | EAA WomenVenture Center
Queen of the Skies: The Inspiring Story of Bessie Coleman | Gigi Coleman & Captain Beth PowellQueen of the Skies: The Inspiring Story of Bessie Coleman
Before our beloved aviators, like Amelia Earhart and Charles Lindbergh soared into our hearts, there was also Bessie Coleman. Bessie Coleman was the first African American and Native American woman to receive her pilot’s license.
Queen of the Skies is an intimate portrait of Bessie Coleman, told in collaboration with the family from their perspective. From her humble upbringing picking cotton in Waxahachie, Texas, at the turn of the century, Bessie never gave up on her aviation dreams despite all the odds against her. She made her way to Chicago and learned French, and then she moved overseas to France to learn how to fly as she faced many obstacles in the U.S.
Her story is an inspiring tale of hope, inspiration, and determination of a woman whose very existence in aviation defied the injustice and racism of the time. Bessie continues to inspire aviators today. Here is the story of her deepest desires, the people she loved, the determination behind each milestone, and how she succeeded in changing aviation forever with her indomitable spirit.Gigi Coleman & Captain Beth Powell
Gigi Coleman is the proud great-niece of aviation trailblazer Bessie Coleman, the first African American and Native American woman to earn an international pilot’s license. Gigi is dedicated to preserving her great aunt’s legacy. Gigi works to introduce young people, especially those from underrepresented communities — to careers in aviation and STEM fields. She believes in empowering the next generation to dream big and achieve greatness in the sky and beyond.
Join Gigi Coleman and Captain Beth Powell as they read from and sign Queen of the Skies, the inspiring story of Bessie Coleman — the first African American and Native American woman to earn a pilot’s license. Told through the eyes of her family, this moving portrait honors Bessie’s courage, perseverance, and groundbreaking legacy in aviation.
4 p.m. | EAA Authors Corner | EAA WomenVenture Center
The Women with Silver Wings: The Inspiring True Story of the Women Airforce Service Pilots of World War II | Katherine Sharp LanddeckQueen of the Skies: The Inspiring Story of Bessie Coleman
When the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor in December 1941, Cornelia Fort was already in the air. At 22, Fort had escaped Nashville’s debutante scene for a fresh start as a flight instructor in Hawaii. She and her student were in the middle of their lesson when the bombs began to fall, and they barely made it back to the ground that morning. Still, when the U.S. Army Air Forces put out a call for women pilots to aid the war effort, Fort was one of the first to respond. She became one of just over 1,100 women from across the nation to make it through the Army’s rigorous selection process and earn her silver wings.
The brainchild of trailblazing pilots Nancy Love and Jacqueline Cochran, the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) gave women like Fort a chance to serve their country — and to prove that women aviators were just as skilled as men. While not authorized to serve in combat, the WASP helped train male pilots for service abroad and ferried bombers and pursuits across the country. Thirty-eight WASP would not survive the war. But even taking into account these tragic losses, Love and Cochran’s social experiment seemed to be a resounding success — until, with the tides of war turning, Congress clipped the women’s wings. The program was disbanded, and the women sent home. But the bonds they’d forged never failed, and over the next few decades they came together to fight for recognition as the military veterans they were — and for their place in history.Katherine Sharp Landdeck
Katherine Sharp Landdeck has spent more than 30 years studying and working with the WASP of WWII. She is a professional historian and is a professor of history at Texas Women's University.
Her book follows the WASP from the 1920s, through the war years, their fight for veteran recognitions, and through the final effort to be interred in Arlington National Cemetery.Join Katherine Sharp Landdeck as she reads from and signs The Women with Silver Wings, the remarkable true story of the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) of WWII. From training male pilots to ferrying military aircraft, these women defied expectations and risked their lives in service to their country.
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Friday, July 25, 2025
7 - 8 a.m. | Yoga | EAA WomenVenture Center
Start your morning with movement, mindfulness, and fresh air. Join Carrie Field from Blue Lotus Yoga for another uplifting yoga session designed to help you reset, recharge, and take on the day ahead. No need to sign up—just come to the EAA WomenVenture Center and head to the back patio. All experience levels welcome!
8:30 - 9:45 a.m. | Freedom Aviation Network: How Volunteer Pilots Are Combatting Human Trafficking | Stephanie Lamar | EAA WomenVenture Center
Stephanie Lamar
Stephanie began flying in 1996 and is currently a captain with GoJet Airlines/United Express. In 2020, Stephanie started a volunteer pilot program flying for Rescue 1 Global which has now grown into Freedom Aviation Network. She flies and organizes flights that transport survivors of human trafficking, along with their rescue volunteers, who are taking their first important steps to recovery.
In this inspiring and impactful presentation, Stephanie Lamar, co-founder of Freedom Aviation Network, shares the story of how she — a woman in a male-dominated field — launched a national nonprofit that provides free flights for survivors of human trafficking. By partnering with a network of volunteer pilots, the organization removes one of the greatest obstacles survivors face: safe and immediate transportation. Learn how Freedom Aviation Network is breaking geographic and logistical barriers to help individuals rebuild their lives — and how aviation can be a powerful force for justice and hope.
1:00 - 2:15 p.m. | Aviation: A Dream Without Fences or Borders | Tammie Jo Shults and Aveen Khalaf | EAA WomenVenture Center
Tammie Jo Shults
Tammie Jo Shults possessed an early interest in flying, but she faced various obstacles on her path to becoming a military pilot. Applying her lifelong trait of perseverance, she eventually became one of the first female F/A-18 Hornet pilots in the United States Navy. Her duties, before women were allowed into combat roles, encompassed teaching out of control flight as well as serving as an aggressor pilot against TOPGUN students, other squadrons, ships, and/or entire carrier groups. After concluding her Navy career, she flew over forest fires one summer then became a pilot for Southwest Airlines. Tammie Jo's incredible history and talent received wide acclaim on April 17, 2018, when she successfully landed a Southwest Boeing 737 after an engine exploded at high altitude, causing multiple system failures and rapid depressurization. The successful landing of Flight 1380 in Philadelphia saved 148 total lives including passengers and crew. Tammie Jo’s memoir, Nerves of Steel, is a national best seller in which she encourages others to find what they are suited for and get started. She serves on the Angel Flight Southcentral Board and Pearl Harbor Aviation Board as well as in her church. Tammie Jo started a program, “Navigating Life,” nine years ago with local high-risk elementary age children. She has been awarded the Southwest Airline Flight and Winning Spirit award, the Wings Award of New York, and Outstanding Aviator award, among others. Captain Shults most recently was inducted into the Texas Aviation Hall of Fame.
Aveen Khalaf
Aveen Jasim Khalaf, a young yazidi girl from Iraq, witnessed her family’s harrowing escape from ISIS. Pursued up a mountain, they found refuge in an unfinished building with a family among twenty-eight other families for a year. The building lacked windows, doors, and electricity, and the conditions were extreme, characterized by scorching heat, freezing cold, hunger, and fear. Aveen harbored a secret fear that her opportunity for education in Iraq would never be fulfilled.
A year later, Aveen embarked on a new journey, walking a steep mountain road for forty minutes to and from school, accompanied by her twin younger sisters, who were in first grade, as she transitioned to third grade.
Despite enduring the shadows of ISIS’s atrocities, Aveen nurtured an unwavering dream that would not be deterred by external threats: to become a pilot. With the exceptional guidance of an English teacher and a virtual meeting with Captain Tammie Jo Shults, Aveen began to envision a path towards aviation. They facilitated her membership with Women In Aviation International, and Aveen diligently sought and applied for scholarships.
Initially, her family dismissed her aspiration to become a pilot as mere youthful fantasy, lacking the practicality of traveling abroad. However, their perspective gradually shifted, and they became her most ardent supporters. Her dream had transcended their own, becoming a shared aspiration. During this period, her family continued to relocate at a moment’s notice to evade ISIS’s presence. Despite the challenges, Aveen remained steadfast in her academic pursuits, consistently achieving first place in her class year after year.
After four consecutive applications to the United World College scholarship program, Aveen was finally accepted. The news was met with overwhelming joy and celebration, as if her family had been the recipients of the scholarship themselves.
Aveen embarked on an educational journey from Iraq to New Mexico, joining the United World College (UWC). During the Christmas break, she was invited to spend the holidays with Dean and Tammie Jo Shults, who warmly welcomed her into their extended family. Notably, she achieved a remarkable milestone by piloting an airplane, her second day of her Christmas holiday—it surpassed her wildest expectations.
To start the new year in 2025, Aveen spent time with her amazing English teacher, Miss Pat, who had been instrumental in opening many doors for her throughout her academic journey.
As Aveen concludes her inaugural year of her six-year education in the United States, where she has dedicated herself to rigorous academic pursuits. Since the commencement of summer break, she has engaged in daily studies, flying, and additional ground school activities. As hard as she is working she feels this is a great summer break!Tammie Jo Shults recalls a memorable moment or two in her career and the people who were more important than the airplanes… leading into the significance a single conversation can have in life. For example, a Zoom to a school room in an Iraqi refugee camp, followed by backpacks filled with aviation information, results in a life with a different trajectory. Aveen Khalaf, who now has a six-year scholarship, began her ground school earlier this year and has been airborne this summer — working hard on her private pilot certificate. She came from a place of no opportunity (for her people, the Ysidi of the Kurdish tribe, or her sex, females need not apply in Iraq) to a country ready and eager to teach anyone ready to learn.
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Saturday, July 26, 2025
10:00 - 11:15 a.m. | Learning to Fly Recreationally: Sport Pilot/Light-Sport Aircraft 2.0 | Madison Nortz and Margaret Colwell | EAA WomenVenture Center
Madison Nortz
Madison Nortz has been with EAA’s Government Advocacy team for four years, focusing on safety, airport operations, and UAS integration. A Bowdoin College graduate with a bachelor’s degree in government and legal studies, she played a key role in advancing the MOSAIC rulemaking package. Madison is an instrument-rated commercial pilot pursuing her CFI, with plans to earn CFII and MEI ratings, and eventually become an airline pilot.
Margaret Colwell
Margaret Colwell recently joined the EAA Government Advocacy team after earning a degree in human factors psychology with a minor in aviation safety from Embry-Riddle Prescott. A former EAA WomenVenture intern, she now focuses on aviation safety, airspace, UAS integration, and airport compliance while also pursuing a master’s degree in human factors.
Madison Nortz and Margaret Colwell from EAA’s Government Advocacy team will take you through the existing options for learning how to fly, as well as the future pathways through the MOSAIC rulemaking effort. This rule change will provide more affordable, accessible opportunities for anyone interested in learning to fly recreationally.
2:30 - 3:45 p.m. | THIS IS YOUR CAPTAIN SPEAKING | Laura Savino | EAA WomenVenture Center
Laura Savino
Captain Laura Savino was a pilot on the B777, B767, B757, B747, B737, A319 and A320 with United Airlines, and is the author of JET BOSS: A Female Pilot on Taking Risks and Flying High.
From underestimated outsider to captain of one of the most complex machines on Earth, Captain Savino lays out a bold blueprint for defying expectations. Step into the flight deck for a candid, and often comical, journey to becoming an airline pilot, and the headwinds women still face at 35,000 feet.
5:30 - 7 p.m. | Bingo | Register Free | EAA WomenVenture Center
Participate in a chance to win a free designer bag through a relaxing round of bingo, surrounded by a vibrant community of women who have impacted the world of aviation. It’s a fun and laid-back environment that provides the perfect chance to connect with friends and meet new inspiring individuals. Whether you’re looking to unwind, celebrate achievements, or simply enjoy a little friendly competition, this is an event you won’t want to miss.
Register Now
WomenVenture Center 2025 Exhibitor List
- Air Race Classic, Inc
- Asian Women in Aerospace and Aviation Inc.
- A-WING
- Bessie Coleman Foundation
- EAA Programs & Services
- Freedom Aviation Network
- International Society of Women Airline Pilots
- Latino Pilots Association (LPA)
- National WASP WWII Museum
- Ninety Nines, Inc (The)
- Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals
- Women Military Aviators
- Air Race Classic, Inc
- Asian Women in Aerospace and Aviation Inc.
- A-WING
- Bessie Coleman Foundation
- EAA Programs & Services
- Freedom Aviation Network
- International Society of Women Airline Pilots
- Latino Pilots Association (LPA)
- National WASP WWII Museum
- Ninety Nines, Inc (The)
- Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals
- Women Military Aviators
T-shirt registration is now open — order yours today before supplies run out!
We encourage you to wear your shirt on Wednesday, July 23, and join us for our annual group photo at 11 a.m. on Boeing Plaza. We can’t wait to see you all there showcasing the EAA WomenVenture 2025 T-shirt!
Pick up your shirt at the new EAA WomenVenture Center Location on Knapp Street between EAA Press Headquarters and the Forums and Workshops area (presented by Piper Aircraft).
Your shirt will not be mailed even if you choose Regular Mail as a Delivery Method.
T-shirts will be ready to pick up beginning Monday, July 21 and need to be picked up by 10 a.m. on Wednesday, July 23.
T-shirt Pick-Up Times:
- Monday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
- Tuesday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
- Wednesday, 9 a.m - 10:30 a.m.
Congratulations to Katie Bromschwig for creating the winning EAA WomenVenture 2025 T-shirt design!
Katie, while not a pilot, is very plugged into the aviation community.
Her husband’s family has been part of the aviation community forever — they have attended EAA AirVenture Oshkosh for as long as she can remember. Her husband flies for an airline as did her father-in-law, and her husband’s grandfather flew fighters in World War II.
Katie has always enjoyed crafting, making fun shirts and signs for family and friends. When she saw this year’s WomenVenture theme was lifesaving missions, Katie was inspired to create a shirt in honor of Asheville, North Carolina.
Hurricane Helene devastated the region in the fall of 2024. Many came to aid the community and continue to help residents rebuild. Katie worked with her husband to identify the runways and landmarks in Asheville, which she incorporated into the design.
Past EAA WomenVenture Media
EAA WomenVenture Presenting Sponsor
EAA WomenVenture Sponsors
