Speaker Roster for WAI 2017 as Diverse as WAI Membership

Top-level executives and aviation industry veterans join champions and pioneers as each connects, engages, and inspires attendees at the 28th annual International Women in Aviation Conference, March 2-4, 2017, at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida.

Speakers at Friday’s and Saturday’s general session include:

Vernice "FlyGirl" Armour" leveraged her inspirational "Breakthrough Mentality" mindset and propelled herself from beat cop to combat pilot in a record-breaking three years and became the United States Marine Corps' first African-American female pilot. Shortly after, she was recognized as America's first African-American female combat pilot by the U.S. Department of Defense.

Mark Baker is the fifth president and chief executive officer of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association and a long-time GA pilot. An aircraft owner, Baker enjoys flying everything from light seaplanes to turbines to helicopters, but his favorite airplane continues to be his Piper Super Cub.

Jenette E. Ramos was named vice president and general manager of Boeing Fabrication in April 2014. In this role, Ramos leads 17,000 employees in operations at 11 sites that are dedicated to engineering and manufacturing composite, metal, electrical and interior aerospace parts, tools and assemblies.

Catherine Fish has taught thousands of entertaining aviation safety courses throughout the United States and Europe. Flying since 1973, she is a certified single engine, multiengine, and instrument flight instructor. With more than 6,000 hours of flight time, her diverse background includes glider tow pilot, USDA contract pilot, and commuter airline captain.

For Friday’s lunch, the speaker is David Bronczek, a 40-year FedEx employee, who is president and CEO of Memphis-based FedEx Express. Effective January 1, 2018, he will become president and COO of FedEx Corporation. David is chairman of the revenue management committee and serves on the strategic management committee of FedEx Corporation, a $60-billion enterprise.

Girls in Aviation Day Orlando will take place on Saturday with approximately 200 girls ages 8 to 17 from the local area being introduced to the career and lifestyle possibilities available in aviation. World Aerobatic Champion Patty Wagstaff will share her experiences and inspire the girls and their parents during the Girls in Aviation Day lunch.

This year's International Women in Aviation Conference culminates on Saturday night with the closing banquet where over $600,000 in scholarships will be awarded and new inductees will be welcomed into WAI's International Pioneer Hall of Fame.