Local Youth Introduced to Aviation in Free Program

Women in Aviation Tampa Bay Chapter hosts Girls in Aviation Day 2024

Girls In Aviation Day, The Tampa Bay Chapter of Women in Aviation's annual event, will take place in Tampa,
Florida, on Saturday, September 21st. 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 2:00 pm local time.

Over forty sponsors are set to attend to provide guests with displays and fun
learning activities. The event’s 10+ static displays include the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office's helicopter,
Tampa General Hospital's Aeromed helicopter, the Airport Fire Department's Fire Truck, the Commemorative
Air Force Aircraft, and various other planes and helicopters. Sarah Koehler & Danielle Fuller, both Pilots for
Tampa General Aeromed, are set to take the stage together as the keynote speaker with 500+ people
already signed up to attend the event. The US Coast Guard will perform a flyover at approximately 11am
pending Coast Guard Activity.
"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
21, 2024, 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 21,
2024 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 forty-plus sponsors include Sheltair, Alaska Airlines, Hertz, Tampa General Hospital Aeromed,
Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office Aviation, The Hillsborough County Aviation Authority, Kiwanis Club of
Tampa, Air Ambulance Worldwide, 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 2024!

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Girls in Aviation Day Media Contact:
WAI Tampa Bay Chapter President
Mariah Blackmon
813.940.0476
mariahblackmon.avi@gmail.com