WAI 2020 Education Sessions
Education Sessions by Date and Time
Follow your interests while at WAI2020, and pick the education sessions that will help further your dreams and goals. Topics include: Careers, Flying, History, Innovation, Maintenance, Military, and Personal Development.
Friday Education Sessions sponsored by Piedmont
Saturday Education Sessions sponsored by The Boeing Company
Careers
Yes, You Can Be an Airline Pilot!
Friday, March 6
1:45 – 2:45 p.m.
Durango 1
Moderated by Costas Sivyllis
Panelists: Sara Baer, Jade Lubinski, Susan White, TBD
There is no “one size fits all” approach to becoming an airline pilot. Once you have all the requirements, preparing and interviewing for a pilot job can be a daunting experience. Talk with pilots who have been there and about the various options, and get advice for your next steps.
Mentorship Pro Tips for Mentors and Mentees
Friday, March 6
1:45 – 2:45 p.m.
Monterrey 1
Moderated by Veronica Delgado
Panelists: Jo Damato, Alex Ferullo, Nelda Lee, Tanisha Neely
Industry mentors and mentees in various career stages share their pro tips for creating mentor/mentee relationships and making the most of those relationships.
From Imagination to Reality: What is Business Aviation?
Friday, March 6
1:45 – 2:45 p.m.
Coronado C
Moderated by Kali Hague
Panelists: Lee Brewster, Erin Croop, Julia Harrington, Jessica Naor
We will focus on identifying the misconceptions of business aviation, while providing insight into its reality. This guided tour will take the audience through the little-known, but important facets, of business aviation and the influence a few bold women have made.
What is Dispatch?
Friday, March 6
3 – 4 p.m.
Fiesta 4
Presented by Elizabeth Hunt
United States scheduled airlines are required to have FAA licensed aircraft dispatchers. What does an aircraft dispatcher do? Come learn about the profession, how dispatchers keep you safe, and ask questions.
Using Scholarships and Local Resources to Get Your Aviation Training
Friday, March 6
3 – 4 p.m.
Coronado F
Presented by Shana Bartell
See how a single mother of 5 children who is working toward pilot and A/P mechanic certificates does it. She will share her experience funding aviation training, explaining how to find, organize, and apply for these scholarships.
We Can Do It! Increasing the Number of Women in Aviation and Identifying the Greatest Gender Gaps
Friday, March 6
3 – 4 p.m.
Fiesta 9
Presented by Dr. Becky Lutte
This session will review the Women in Aviation Workforce report and the Women in Aviation International survey to identify what draws us into aviation and what makes us want to stay (or leave).
Career Opportunities in the Business/Corporate Aviation Industry
Friday, March 6
3– 4 p.m.
Monterrey 1
Moderated by Ava Shubat
Panelists: Alexandra Ferullo, Helen Hagg, Katherine Hilst, Nora Jacobsen, Megan O’Conner, Amy Voss
Learn about the exciting and rewarding career opportunities in business/corporate aviation. This interactive discussion will feature each panelist’s path to their current career, quality of life and work/family balance, job satisfaction and why they chose business aviation.
WAI2020 Diversity and Inclusion Workshop: WAI, Let’s Do It Together!
Friday, March 6
3 – 4 p.m.
Coronado C
Moderated by John Espinosa
Panelists: Kelly Boodell, Joyce Davis, and Doug Lane
Embracing and leveraging diversity through an inclusive culture fosters innovation, new ideas, and broad perspectives both in understanding a dynamic workforce and our approach to challenges and opportunities. This session will engage in an open dialogue for development of next level approaches to improve female participation in the aviation industry.
Transparency in Leadership: Sign of Weakness or Authenticity?
Friday, March 6
4:15 – 5:15 p.m.
Coronado F
Presented by Sarah Broaten, Julie Spencer, & Pati Mosier
Hands-on personal development workshop utilizes storytelling, group discussions, and activities to take the audience on a journey of discovering what it means to lead with transparency, what the benefits of transparent leadership are, and how they can cultivate transparency to achieve personal and business goals and objectives. Transparency is a key building block of efficient and successful teams and organizations.
Careers in the Helicopter Industry: Jobs for Pilots, Mechanics and Military Transitionals -We Need You Now!
Saturday, March 7
3 – 4 p.m.
Durango 1
Moderated by Karen Gebhart
Panelists: Kelly Brant, Stacy Sheard, Michelle Dina, Janie Foster, Candise Tu
This forum will consist of experienced panelists women to discuss flying helicopters professionally in the U.S. and internationally, military to civilian helicopter transition, helicopter maintenance, and the unmanned aviation industry.
Enduring Values- Education and the Pursuit of Scholarships
Saturday, March 7
3 – 4 p.m.
Fiesta 5
Presented by Katharine Langland, Brandi Cobbs
Our competitive landscape requires continuing education, but at a cost-both financially and emotionally. Discuss how to offset those costs with a team that actively reviews and selects scholarship recipients.
Women in Leadership Inspiring Leadership
Saturday, March 7
3 – 4 p.m.
Coronado F
Presented by Nicole Bennett
Have you noticed a lack of women in leadership positions? Do you look around the room and you are the only woman in the meeting? Do you have an advocate that will make sure your ideas are heard? You are not alone, but change is happening. You can be a leader and be wildly successful!
Flying
Checkride-Itis; How to Overcome Fear and Anxiety
Saturday, March 7
1:45 – 2:45 p.m.
Coronado F
Presented by Dr. Janette McMurtrie
This session will outline tools to strengthen confidence and lower anxiety for checkrides. Educational aids for pilots and future aviators will be provided to prepare for a checkride, aviation stressors, negative talk vs. positive talk, and how to have a successful checkride.
General Aviation Aircraft Accident Investigation: An Industry Perspective
Saturday, March 7
1:45 – 2:45 p.m.
Fiesta 7
Presented by Jennifer Barclay
Ever wonder what happens after a general aviation aircraft accident? Learn the steps in the investigation process, how and why the manufacturer is included, and the resulting safety improvements.
From 500ft to FL450: Lessons Learned Along the Way
Saturday, March 7
1:45 – 2:45 p.m.
Coronado C
Presented by Lindsey Norman
A NOAA Hurricane Hunter shares how to use the risk management process in dynamic flight regimes ranging from 500 feet in mountainous terrain to FL450 above and around tropical cyclones.
History
Visiting Greatness: Interviews with American Fliers
Friday, March 6
4:15 – 5:15 p.m.
Fiesta 7
Presented by Irv Broughton
Author of 20 books, Irv is a major chronicler of American life. He will talk about his experiences interviewing fliers and others, and read and show several clips from interviews from Where the Wings Grow: Conversations with Pioneering Women Pilots (Amazon/Kindle).
Influential Women in Aviation and Aerospace History
Saturday, March 7
1:45 – 2:45 p.m.
Fiesta 4
Presented by Erin Goycochea, Julia Lee, Chelsea Lotz, Cheryl Watts
Aviation history is largely told as an accomplishment of men, but this history includes remarkable women who have made significant contributions, in the face of cultural and social barriers.
History of the WASP
Saturday, March 7
1:45 – 2:45 p.m.
Fiesta 5
Presented by Dr. Kate Landdeck
Join historian Kate Landdeck as she shares the challenges and joys the women of the WASP lived through during the war and after. She will share rarely seen photos of the women as part of her talk.
Innovation
Don't "Drone" Out: Make a Difference
Friday, March 6
1:45 – 2:45 p.m.
Coronado F
Presented by Lindsey Dreiling
Explore the power to improve our communities through new technology and strategic engagement. Hear how Kansas leads the integration of UAS, and leave with tools to apply to your region.
Commercialization of Human Space Flight
Friday, March 6
4:15 – 5:15 p.m.
Fiesta 4
Presented by Melanie Weber and Louis Atchison
Learn about the return of the human space flight launch capabilities on Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner. Hear from two engineers who not only helped design this spacecraft, but plan to launch with astronauts aboard.
To Space and Beyond: Launching Humans into Space
Saturday, March 7
3 – 4 p.m.
Monterrey 1
Moderated by Nirvana Deck
Panelists: Zulaideth Casanova, Britney Coffey, Brenda Isaza, Kelly McGuire
Come explore a behind-the-scenes perspective of the new space race with women working in Boeing’s Space Exploration division. Join this session to learn about current programs and the daily challenges that accompany this uncharted territory.
Maintenance
Dream Take Flight: Why You Should Build an Airplane
Friday, March 6
1:45 – 2:45 p.m.
Fiesta 9
Presented by Dr. Lisa Turner
Ever thought about building or restoring your own aircraft? Hear Lisa Turner’s life-changing story about building her Pulsar in the 1990s and the steps to reach your own dream.
Understanding How Human Factors Impact Aviation Maintenance
Saturday, March 7
1:45 – 2:45 p.m.
Durango 1
Panelists: Judith Grigsby, Bill Russo, Lynette Ashland, Laura Mancevich, Stephanie Morris, Cindy Rodina
Join this interactive discussion panel focusing on and understanding the role of human factor issues as outlined within the 12 “dirty dozen.” Learn how self-awareness and lessons-learned approaches can help to build and improve our maintenance safety culture.
Military
The Road to Air Force Wings
Friday, March 6
1:45 – 2:45 p.m.
Fiesta 7
Presented by Major Monica Riggs
Aiming for silver wings, but overwhelmed by the process? This session will discuss the three main options of active duty, Air National Guard, and Air Force Reserve; including similarities, differences, and the process of each.
Striking a Balance
Friday, March 6
3– 4 p.m.
Durango 1
Moderated by Meaghan Camp
Panelists: Brandi Bernard King, Maroc Fassel George, Heather Kelly, Tara Traynor Cook
Balancing military aviation, a civilian career, and a family is difficult; it is not impossible. During this session, women who are juggling all three will answer questions and share the tools they use to perform this balancing act. Happy, healthy headspaces are what we all strive for and through this panel you may come to realize you can have it all.
Military to Airline Pilot Transition - For Helo, Non-Current and Current FW Pilots
Friday, March 6
3 – 4 p.m.
Fiesta 7
Presented by Andi Sue Phillips
Learn about rotor transition programs, negotiating funding for currency, and airline pilot life. Andi Sue is a regional airline pilot, flying the CRJ550/700/900 and former Navy MH-60S helo pilot.
Women in Combat Operations
Saturday, March 7
1:45 – 2:45 p.m.
Monterrey 1
Moderated by Kerry Sheridan
Panelists: Aubrey Bennett, Valerie Knight, Caitlin Reilly, Kristina Sofchak
Ladies from all military services representing fighters, bombers, attack, rotary wing, and drone aircraft will share their real-world combat experiences in this panel discussion. Learn about the training, aircraft capabilities, mission planning, command and control, mission execution, and family and social issues they face.
Personal Development
Perception vs. Perspective: You Didn't Hear What I Said I Meant
Friday, March 6
1:45 – 2:45 p.m.
Fiesta 5
Presented by Dr. Tim Lewis
Learn how social, political, cultural, and emotional diversities distort communication in a global environment, and three simple steps to overcome; includes interactive learning and take-away tools to help prevent miscommunication.
Money and Relationships: A Flight Plan for Financial Harmony
Friday, March 6
1:45 – 2:45 p.m.
Fiesta 4
Presented by Katherine Schraeder, CFP® and Dr. Janette McMurtrie
This presentation explores three different types of money personalities, what makes them unique, and how partners or family members can best work together to resolve conflict arising from challenges involving careers, finances, and/or the aviation lifestyle based on their personalities.
An Aviation Marriage
Friday, March 6
3 – 4 p.m.
Fiesta 5
Presented by Dr. Janette McMurtrie
Learn the effects an aviation career can have on a marriage. Acquire tools to strengthen common marital discord. Gain insight to the stressors of aviation, pilot personality, and marriage.
The Importance of Allies in the LGBTQ and Women Communities
Friday, March 6
4:15 – 5:15 p.m.
Monterrey 1
Panelists: Natascha Fuller, Kiersten Orrick, Susan White, Melissa Ward
An interactive and empowering discussion facilitated by four prominent women in aviation; sharing their stories and answering questions highlighting how they’ve been impacted and supportive of the LGBTQ community. Which are pillars to their success in aviation. Learn how to be an ally to the LGBT, women, and all minority communities. You won't want to miss this session!
Let Your Career Take Flight through Coaching
Friday, March 6
4:15 – 5:15 p.m.
Fiesta 9
Presented by Lisa Callahan
This session will help you identify your behavior style and the behavior style of others to provide meaningful motivation and developmental feedback. Look at the concept of building beliefs and how your beliefs about yourself influence your achievements. Learn how to expand our belief boundaries to allow personal growth through coaching.
Strategies for Work-Life Balance as an Airline Pilot
Friday, March 6
4:15 – 5:15 p.m.
Durango 1
Moderated by Kandy Bernskoetter
Panelists: Samantha English, Jessica Meier, Kaori Paris
This panel will focus on real life examples of women who are successfully balancing family obligations and enjoying a career they are passionate about. Integral to the discussion is recognizing that the support of a partner, family, and the community helps to create a positive synergy.
Developing True Grit
Friday, March 6
4:15 – 5:15 p.m.
Fiesta 5
Presented by Susan Bartlett and Roshanda Ronco
On the other side of struggle is satisfaction and inner strength. The best version of yourself is buried deep inside, and is only revealed by facing challenges and developing grit. Learn that all of us are afraid sometimes, and we all feel lonely, but those feelings can be overcome.
Aviation Leadership Communication: A Philosophy Change and Safety Net for Getting It Right
Saturday, March 7
1:45 – 2:45 p.m.
Fiesta 9
Presented by Linda Tavlin
There is a basic formula that helps leaders faced with communicating in difficult situations, whether its large-scale, global tragedy, or a workplace situation, is just one in a toolkit that can be useful to any business. This 3-6-4 philosophy, used by leaders who have gotten it right, is a 180-degree change from those who have not. Find out what this formula and some of the other tools for aviation leaders are.
Wheels Up Wellness!™
Saturday, March 7
3 – 4 p.m.
Fiesta 9
Presented by Dr. Mary Warren
Work-related flying and travel are stressful. Understand how to improve your self-care and reduce stress while staying healthier and more productive. Feel sharper, look better, and live healthier!
Developing Your Authentic Presence and Influential Communication
Saturday, March 7
3 – 4 p.m.
Fiesta 7
Presented by Stephanie Goetz
Hone your communication style, body language, and presence to come across more effectively and influential in every interaction to be a more effective pilot, professional, leader, and influencer. Learn the impact of your body language and appearance, and how you can adjust and refine it to suit you and the situation.
Finding Your Voice
Saturday, March 7
3 – 4 p.m.
Coronado C
Presented by Seika Martin
Whether it’s on a stage in front of hundreds of people or in a small conference room amongst your peers – finding your voice can prove to be your greatest obstacle to overcome. This workshop evaluates some common barriers that cause people to shy away from empowerment through their “voice.”