Join us on September 23rd from 9:30am-noon at the Double Eagle Airport in Albuquerque for a fun filled day of aviation and adventure. This is a free event for girls ages 8-17 with goody bags, scavenger hunt, and positive female role models.
Girls ages 8-17 are invited to join us at the Las Cruces Convention Center in Las Cruces, New Mexico on June 18th from 11am-12:30pm for a fun filled afternoon of aviation activities and education.
We are hosting Girls in Aviation Day (GIAD) in conjunction with the Spaceport America Cup, Intercollegiate Rocket Competition. There are hundreds of teams from colleges around the world who will have their rockets on display at the exhibit hall. Exhibit hall hours are 9am-5pm.
Registration is required for participation. To register on SignUp Genius click HERE!
***Parents or Guardians are required to remain with the girls for the event and activities.***
-Free event for girls 8-17
-Free goody bag for each girl who participates with free Aviation for Girls magazine
-Held at the Las Cruces Convention Center (free admission and parking)
-Arts and crafts project to build a rocket
-Positive female role models in aviation and aerospace careers
-Guest speakers from the rocket teams
-Scholarship information
-Education resources
-When girls are complete with GIAD, they are free to explore the exhibit hall full of real rockets!
From the Alamogordo Daily news:
Holloman Air Force Base is preparing for its 2024 Legacy of Liberty Airshow and the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, the "Thunderbirds," are making a return.
Holloman Air Force Base will host the Legacy of Liberty Air Show Sunday, June 2, 2024.
"The Thunderbirds thrilled a crowd of 28,000 during our air show in 2022," said U.S. Air Force Col. Justin Spears, 49th Wing commander in a news release.
"We are thrilled to add Holloman to our 2024 schedule. In our efforts to recruit, retain, and inspire, we return to Holloman knowing this base is a very special partner to us as the gateway to the F-16 and a cornerstone of the community," said Thunderbird #1, Lt. Col. Nathan Malafa in the release.
The one-day event is free to the public and features aerial performances, food, music, a kid zone, "a variety of aircraft on static display," and a Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) center.
The list of performers and vendors has not been released as officials said it is still being finalized.
"We are so excited to open our gates to the community again and put on a really great event that everyone will enjoy," said Spears.
To learn more about the Thunderbirds, visitors are encouraged to visit the Squadron's website. Information about the Airshow will be updated at the 49th Wing - Holloman Air Force Base website or its Facebook page.
Join us to visit the gravesites of Women Airforce Service Pilots to honor their memories and contributions to our country during WWII.
RSVP and get the virtual link HERE!
Capt. Hiss currently works at Holloman AFB and has C17, MC130, AC130, CV22, MQ9 and F16 maintenance experience and logistics experience for Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) and munitions experience with both the AC130 and the F16.
Maj Teach is a Fighter Pilot, USAFA Admissions Liaison Officer, and Outreach Flight Lead for CO, WY, NM, and W. TX.
If you are between the ages of 17 and 23, find out how to apply to the Air Force Academy HERE!
Captain Kathryn Hiss
Captain Kathryn S. Hiss is the 314th Aircraft Maintenance Unit Officer in Charge at Holloman Air Force Base. She is tasked with educating, training and equipping the aircraft maintainers that work on F-16s. Previously Captain Hiss served as the 27th Special Operations Wing Airstaff A4 Director of Maintenance, Logistics, Force Protection, and Civil Engineering. Within that job she managed the deployment preparation and execution for the Airmen at Cannon Air Force Base. She managed a hour flying-hour program, alert personnel and equipment requirements, and worldwide deployments in support of POTUS and SECDEF contingency and combat operations. Captain Hiss has also been serving as an Additional Duty Admission Liaison Officer for the United States Air Force Academy since 2021 where she mentors and evaluates cadet candidates for the Air Force Academy.
Captain Hiss is from St. Charles, Illinois and commissioned from the United States Air Force Academy in May 2018, where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Behavioral Science. She studied Psychology of Leadership and earned her Master’s in Professional Studies from Pennsylvania State University. Following her commissioning, Captain Hiss graduated from the Aircraft Maintenance Officer Course in December 2018.
Captain Hiss then spent a year working with C-17s at Joint Base Charleston, SC, most notably supporting the Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief efforts after Mozambique was devastated by a cyclone. Following Charleston, Captain Hiss was stationed at Cannon Air Force Base where she went on multiple temporary duty assignments with the CV-22s and MC-130Js in support of MARSOC and AFSOC Special Operator training across the United States. Captain Hiss has deployed with the AC-130Ws in support of combat missions across Iraq and Syria, and with the MC-130Js supporting the Joint Tactical Exfiltration of Bagram Airfield. Captain Hiss has also directly supported the following operations: Operation Allies Refuge with the removal of American allies from HKIA Airport in Kabul Afghanistan, Operation Inherent Resolve in Iraq, and Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.
Outside of work, Capt Hiss enjoys photography, hiking and playing with her two Airedale Terriers, and playing video games with her husband and friends. She and her husband are expecting their first child in August.
Major Adam Teach
Major Adam Teach is an active member of the Air Force Reserves and Instructor Pilot for United Airlines. He served on active duty for 13 years as an MC-130H pilot in Air Force Special Operations Command. This included 6 deployments, and assignments ranging from Albuquerque, New Mexico to Okinawa, Japan. Currently, Major Teach is the Outreach Director for the US Air Force Academy’s Colorado, New Mexico, Wyoming and W. Texas regions. As a 2009 graduate himself, Maj Teach loves acting in this role and is humbled to see the outstanding young volunteers who are stepping up to serve their country.
In his flying career, Maj Teach has served as a military flight instructor and evaluator as well as a civilian CFI and MEI. This has transitioned him into his current role as 737 Flight Instructor at United’s flight training center in Denver, CO. He has flown close to 4,000 total hours, with over 1,000 in combat.
In his free time, Maj Teach loves snowboarding with his 3 young children and woodworking in his home shop. As a college baseball player, he also can’t help sneaking away for Rockies games on occasion!
Come experience our trademark positive energy found at our annual conference. You will network with aviation industry professionals and continue your career development at education sessions, professional development seminars, and industry briefings.
Mark your calendar as you won't want to miss the inspiring keynote speakers, professional development seminars, education sessions, exhibit hall, scholarship awards, and 2024 Pioneer Hall of Fame inductions.
There's no better place to be inspired, share your enthusiasm, and connect with others who share your passion for the aviation industry. We look forward to gathering to connect, engage, and inspire with our valued members.
From your President, Jacquelyne Nichols…
The WAI Conference is the best event of the year. The positive energy radiates from the building. In a male dominated industry, it’s easy to feel overlooked and overwhelmed as women. This conference will fill your head with knowledge, fill your phone with contacts, and fill your heart with joy and inspiration from all of the incredible women you will meet and network with. It’s hard to put into words how incredible this conference is…so you’ll just have to go and experience it for yourself.
In 2022, not only did I meet many of my real life hero’s either casually walking the halls or at the celebration events, but I also interviewed for and got hired by American Airlines. It is a wonderful opportunity to job search or to find out what jobs exist in the aviation industry that might be right for you.
In 2023 and again this year I will be a presenter and give back to this amazing community that has given me so much. For my graduate degree capstone project, I focused on the policy changes that need to occur surrounding family planning in the military, specifically as it pertains to the high rates of infertility experienced by servicemembers, and especially those who work in the medical and aviation fields. I will also address the lack of assisted reproductive technology options and offer suggestions for the way forward. To learn more about my presentation, click here.
Whether you are military or civilian, this brief will have some useful information for you or for you to pass on to others. I would love to see some of your faces in the audience as I give this presentation.
RSVP Here
Danita Macon, Vice President of the WAI Land of Enchantment Chapter, will host a panel of Black Women in various careers and aspirations in aviation and aerospace.
These incredible women will share their experiences, dreams and barriers, and how they’ve overcome them. Scroll down to meet the panelists.
Danita Macon
With over 30 years as an information technology professional, Danita Macon has worked in the cable, sport and fitness apparel, higher education, and commercial aerospace industries. She is currently the Virgin Galactic (VG) Director, IT Vendor and Performance Management where she is responsible for developing and maintaining successful relationships with the technology vendor network, and gathering, interpreting, and using complex data to develop actionable steps to improve processes and optimize results. Additionally, she sits on VG’s Inclusion Council which helps to shape and drive the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging strategy.
Shonesha Rogers
Shonesha Rogers lives and works in Albuquerque, New Mexico where she is an Air Traffic Controller for Albuquerque Tower/TRACON with six years of experience. She is also an on-the-job training instructor and is in her second year as the Union Representative for the facility. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family.
Anthea Meiners
Anthea Meiners was born to a British and Dutch-Ghanaian parents in a small town called Hoorn, in the Netherlands, near Amsterdam. She graduated from Webster University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree and a minor in Human Resource Management. She worked as an Administrative Specialist III for the State of Maryland for the Medicaid Transportation department prior to becoming a Flight Attendant for American Airlines.
After work as a Flight Attendant for a year, Anthea realized that it was time to pursue her dream of becoming a pilot. She was accepted into the American Airlines Cadet Academy last year and aims to become a commercial pilot for American Airlines.
Anthea is also proud to serve in United States Air Force Reserves working in Logistics.
Chasity Anderson
Chasity Anderson, is currently based in Houston, Texas as a Flight Attendant. She speaks English and German. She is enrolled in college courses pursuing a degree in veterinary Medicine and is also pursuing her Private Pilots License, attending ground school at McKinney Airfield in Texas.
Chasity balances life as a single parent, full time student and working as a flight attendant, all with aspirations of becoming a pilot. She dreams of one day having wings and making her home in the sky.
Elf-mas Holiday Party
Bring your best "Elf" to the 2023 Women in Aviation International Land of Enchantment Chapter holiday party! Come for networking, connection, holiday food and fun, and a contest to find the best dressed Santa's helper in attendance.
We look forward to celebrating the holiday season with you!
RSVP HERE!
Join the Leadership Team!
Are you passionate about sharing your love for aviation and aerospace with your community?
Are you looking for an opportunity to connect with other members of the industry throughout New Mexico?
Nominate yourself or another WAI member for a Leadership Team position by Wednesday, December 10th.
It's an exciting time for our chapter. So many wonderful things are happening and nothing makes us happier than giving away money to help make aviation dreams become a reality.
Join us on Saturday November 4th at 10:00am where we have an inspiring virtual meeting planned. We will be announcing our 2023 Scholarship Recipients, we will be thanking our Sponsors, whose generosity makes our scholarship program possible, and finally we will wrap up the meeting with Professional Development with Renee Farrar of Checked and Set, an aviation application and review company.
Renee offers invaluable advice on how to build a winning resume that will stand apart from the rest of the crowd. I can personally attest to this because she helped me with my resume when I submitted my application to American Airlines!
RSVP here to have access to the Microsoft Teams link for the meeting.
Join us on September 23rd from 9:30am-noon at the Double Eagle Airport in Albuquerque for a fun filled day of aviation and adventure. This is a free event for girls ages 8-17 with goody bags, scavenger hunt, and positive female role models.
The Women in Aviation Land of Enchantment Chapter is offering multiple monetary scholarship awards to be used to further educational advancement in the fields of aviation and aerospace.
Join us on Thursday, August 31st at 5pm for a virtual tour of the WASP WWII Museum in Sweetwater, TX. The tour will last approximately 30-45 minutes, followed by a chance to ask questions to a staff member of the museum.
Girls ages 8-17 are invited to join us at the Las Cruces Convention Center for this FREE event on Tuesday, June 20th from 11am-noon.
The event includes:
-Free merchandise bags filled with goodies
-Positive female role models with careers in Aviation and Aerospace
-Rocket craft activity
Join us to visit the gravesites of Women Airforce Service Pilots to honor their memories and contributions to our country during WWII.
Take part in a once in a lifetime opportunity to recreate an iconic photo of the Women Airforce Service Pilots of WWII in front of a B-17 Flying Fortress!
Spend Memorial Day under the wings of WWII aircraft - the B-17 and the B-25. Enjoy time networking with Women in Aviation, Land of Enchantment chapter members and spread the word about our chapter at our booth!
Chapter member, and Air Traffic Controller, Shonesha, has generously offered to give us a tour of the TRACON and Tower facilities in Albuquerque. The tour is expected to last 30-40 minutes.
The tour will be followed by the option to grab lunch, network, and hang out with fellow chapter members at a local restaurant. Location TBD.
-All participants must sign up prior to the tour so that Shonesha knows how many guests to accommodate.
Sign up HERE <—————
-You must bring your drivers license. If you are a junior member, and don’t have one, it’s ok, just stick with your guardian or parent for the tour.
-Meet in the parking lot of the Truman Gate Visitors Center at 12:30pm. Shonesha will be sponsoring the group to gain access to Kirtland AFB for the tour.
What does Tower do?
Air Traffic Control Towers (ATCT) have windows! ATCTs monitor aircraft that are on the ground or airborne within 5 miles of the airport. Due to the close proximity and range of service, these controllers use line of sight to help aid in the safe flow of traffic.
What is TRACON?
TRACON or Terminal Radar Approach Control Facilities are U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) facilities that house air traffic controllers who guide aircraft approaching and departing airports. TRACON controllers generally handle within a 30- to 50-mile radius of an airport and up to 10,000 feet, as well as aircraft flying over that airspace.
Join Virgin Galactic for an inside look at their Gateway to Space operational facility at Spaceport America set to begin commercial service later this year.
WAI LOE President, Jacquelyne Nichols, will give an education session presentation at the WAI 2023 conference on Saturday, February 25th at 4pm MST.
The Women in Aviation Conference for 2023 will be held February 23-25 in Long Beach, CA. It is the most amazing event of the year, and you don’t want to miss it! Register today to secure your spot.
Michelle “Mace” Curran former USAF Thunderbirds lead solo pilot, and combat veteran F-16 pilot joins us virtually on Jna 31st at 5pm.
Carol Ann Garret, who has flown around the world three times, will be a guest speaker on Jan 23rd at 5pm (MT).
Get involved! Vote for your next Land of Enchantment Chapter Leadership Team! Network and meet other chapter members!
We will have a Grinch themed get together, so wear your greenest, grinchiest items to get into the spirit of the holidays. The holiday party will be from 12pm-2pm at Cutter Aviation located at the Albuquerque International Sunport. We will celebrate the holiday season together and finalize our 2023 elections. There will be light hors d'oeuvres, lots of festive fun, and a small gift for each chapter member that attends.
To RSVP to the holiday party click here
All of our chapter leadership positions are available for any member to run, including positions that are already held such as President, Vice President, Treasurer, Membership Chair and Outreach Chair.
We have permanent positions that need to be filled, such as Secretary and Social Media Coordinator.
We also have seasonal positions, that do not require an election, such as Elections Coordinator, Volunteer Coordinator, Scholarship Committee, Girls in Aviation Day Committee, and Fundraising Team. These positions are a great way to give back to the community if you are not able to commit to a permanent position.
If you have questions about the roles and responsibilities of any position you are interested in running for or volunteering for please email us at info@wainewmexico.com.
If you would like to nominate yourself or someone else for a WAI LOE Leadership Team Position, please click here
On Monday, November 7th from 5:30pm-7:00pm (MDT) we will join, via zoom, the Fargo, North Dakota WAI chapter for their very first meeting!
They have invited us, and a few other chapters to join them to discuss our experiences as a chapter, and to share some words of encouragement for anyone that is thinking of joining their chapter!
Please help us welcome them to the WAI family.
To RSVP for this meeting, please email our Vice President, Jessi Rowden at jrowden80@outlook.com
Girls in Aviation Day is a free event for girls ages 8-17 with aviation activities, free stuff, guest speakers, and lots of fun!
Join us for our End of the Summer Social at the U.S. Southwest Soaring Museum in Moriarty! Network with other women in aviation, tour the museum, learn about glider flying, recognize our sponsors, celebrate our scholarship and essay contest winners, and enjoy free food! You can drive or fly in to the Moriarty Municipal Airport (transportation will be provided from the airport to the museum).
Join us for a virtual professional development session with special guest speakers from Spitfire Elite Consulting.
Spitfire Elite is a team of professionally trained interview coaches, and current major airline pilots, who have helped aviation and industry professional successfully navigate the most difficult interview processes at Fortune 500 companies.
Spitfire Elite specializes in interview prep, flight deck leadership, military transition, airline specific content, application and resume review, Hogan assessment, and more.
As a member, when you attend this session, Spitfire Elite will give you an exclusive discount code for their services.
You must RSVP for the zoom link to this event. Please send your RSVP to info@wainewmexico.com.
To learn more about Spitfire Elite Consulting click here
***This event has been cancelled due to lack of interest. We understand that many chapter members have prior obligations during the holiday weekend.***
Join us for a fun time at the Roswell UFO Festival!
This is a special year for the Roswell UFO Festival. In 2022, we mark the 75th anniversary of the Roswell Incident.
There are so many things to see and do, but as a chapter we will meet up for fun, food and fellowship at the Galaxy Fair on Saturday, July 2nd from 11am-1pm.
The Galaxy Fair is a free event at the Roswell Convention Center and will have live music, a beer garden, children’s entertainment, craft activities, educational speakers, art, circus camp, bounce house and more. There is no charge for the activities taking place in the parking lot or the Kids Zone inside the convention center. There will be lots of vendors and fun for the whole family!
There is also a Galaxy Cantina that will have beer and wine from local New Mexico breweries and wineries as well as food vendor and live music.
To learn more about the Galaxy Fair and UFO Festival click here
The Women in Aviation Land of Enchantment Chapter is offering multiple monetary scholarship awards to be used to further educational advancement in the fields of aviation and aerospace.
These scholarships will provide financial assistance to be divided to recipients based on need and will be paid directly to the institution of the award winner’s choice to apply to their account. The scholarships can be applied towards an educational program or vocation training that is related to aviation or aerospace, or can be applied to flight training.
We will begin accepting application on July 1st. Scholarship entry deadline is midnight on July 17th.
Go to our Scholarship Page for more information and to download the scholarship application.
