FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Local Youth Introduced to Aviation in Free Program
Women in Aviation Tampa Bay Chapter hosts Girls in Aviation Day 2023

 

Girls In Aviation Day, The Tampa Bay Chapter of Women in Aviation's annual event, will take place in Tampa,
Florida, on Saturday, September 23rd. Girls In Aviation Day is a free event offered with the goal of introducing
youth of all genders to aviation and the opportunities it has to offer.
The event activities will take place at Sheltair Tampa, located at 4751 Jim Walter Blvd. in Tampa, FL, from 10:00
am to 1:00 pm local time. Over thirty sponsors are set to attend to provide guests with displays and fun learning
activities. Static displays include the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office's helicopter, Tampa General Hospital's
Aeromed helicopter, the Airport Fire Department's Fire Truck, Skyway Aviation's private jet, and many more.
Niloofar Rahmani, the first female pilot in Afghanistan’s Air Force, is set to take the stage as the
keynote speaker with 200+ people already signed up to attend the event. The US Coast Guard will
perform a flyover at approximately 11am.
"We strive to provide new and exciting opportunities to Tampa Bay youth, allowing them to discover the exciting
careers and opportunities available to them in the aviation industry. We want the next generation to discover the
possibilities beyond being a pilot. This industry requires dispatchers, mechanics, engineers, astronauts, flight
attendants, air traffic controllers, pilots, and more," says WAI Tampa Bay Chapter President and Event Manager
Mariah Blackmon. "Our motivation is to inspire youth while educating them in a fun and interactive atmosphere.
Everyone is welcome!"
The Tampa Bay Chapter will join Women in Aviation International's chapters around the globe on September
23, 2023, on this outreach event to inspire the next generation of youth in aviation. Local Women in Aviation
Chapters are throwing their own unique programs, in which some U.S. states are proclaiming September 23,
2023 as Girls in Aviation Day in their state.
"The world of aviation offers many opportunities, and I am excited to share them with the next generation,"
states Lisa Holland, President of Sheltair. "Across the Sheltair network, each of our FBOs is hosting or
participating in a Girls In Aviation Day event, giving back to the communities that we work in. Sharing the joy of
flight with tomorrow's aviators is a privilege."
This year's thirty-plus sponsors include Sheltair, Alaska Airlines, Tampa Bay Aviation, Southwest Airlines,
Tampa General Hospital Aeromed, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, MacDill Airforce Base, Hillsborough
County Sheriff's Office Aviation, The National Aviation Academy, Hillsborough County Aviation Authority, the
Federal Aviation Administration, and many more. Attendees of all ages and media are welcome. There will be
free parking and food for purchase via food trucks. You must RSVP to attend. Tickets are free. For more
information, visit waitb.org. See you at GIAD 2023!
Girls in Aviation Day Media Contact:
WAI Tampa Bay Chapter President
Mariah Blackmon
813.940.0476
mariahblackmon.avi@gmail.com