WOMEN IN AVIATION TAMPA BAY CHAPTER
Saturday, September 20, 2025
10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Sheltair Tampa
4751 Jim Walter Blvd, Hangar 5
Tampa, Florida
Girls in Aviation Day is an annual event put on by various chapters of Women in Aviation International with the goal of inspiring young people to expand their interest in aviation and explore the opportunities available in the industry.
We are so excited to announce our keynote speaker this year, Sharon Preszler. Sharon Preszler was the first woman to fly the F-16 (a single-seat, single-engine fighter also known as the Viper) and the first woman to fly combat missions and instruct in the F-16. She has over 1300 hours in the Viper, including over 50 combat hours in Iraq and one ejection due to electrical failure. In her 20+ years of service in the US Air Force, she was also a navigator, piloted a Lear Jet, and spent time in North American Aerospace Defense Command, writing our homeland defense plans after the terrorist attacks on 9/11 – plans that are still in use today. Her years in the Air Force taught her what it takes to be personally successful in often unwelcoming environments where she was often the “only” woman on the team. Sharon retired as a Captain from Southwest Airlines in 2020 and now enjoys speaking and sharing her lessons and insights to empower others to achieve success.
Girls in Aviation Day FAQs
Do I need to bring my ticket to the event?
Please bring your email confirmation, a printed ticket or the confirmation from your Eventbrite app.
Is there a fee to attend this event?
This event is $5. Kids 3 years of age and younger can attend for free.
Do I need a ticket to attend this event?
Yes. We want to know who is attending and request that you complete the Eventbrite ticket form and answer all the questions to the best of your ability. We do not share personal data and you will not be spammed.
Will this event be held outdoors?
Aircraft will be on static display both in the hangars and outside. Please wear UV protective clothing, a hat, and sunscreen. There will be a limited supply of bottled water available, please bring your filled water bottle. Refill station available.
Will food be provided?
There will be a food truck available for guests to purchase lunch.
Where will I park?
Signage for parking will be obvious. Enter 4751 Jim Walter Boulevard, Tampa, FL in your GPS to arrive at Sheltair. Parking will be near Hangar 5.
How can I learn more?
To learn more about Women in Aviation Tampa Bay Chapter, go to our website WAITB.org. Here you can sign up for our monthly newsletter or become a member.