September 30, 2015

Girls in Aviation Day: Minneapolis, Minn.

In Minneapolis, Minn., pilots from Delta, Sun Country, Alaska, and Compass joined forces with other professionals to treat the 800-plus attendees to a day they’ll likely never forget. F/O Cassie Schroer (Delta) reported that they had a host of great activities, from flights to display aircraft to a panel of aviation greats. And the importance of the event can’t be understated. “I wouldn’t be where I am today without the help of others volunteering at events just like this, encouraging and inspiring youth,” Schroer explained. “Volunteering at events like this truly helps shape the present and future of this great field.”

Girls in Aviation Day helps make sure that “future” gets a great head start. “Getting a chance to meet people in this field and talk to them one-on-one, and realize they all started from the same place” is an amazing opportunity for today’s youth, explained F/O Deanna Kimball (Delta). “This gives kids a pressure-free opportunity to get undivided attention and all the time in the world to ask questions.”

F/O Caidy Thompson (Alaska) said it was an “amazing experience” just as a volunteer. “I hope it inspires more girls to join our ranks in the future,” she added. “And to hear the heartfelt appreciation from the participants and their parents was reward enough for volunteering.”

F/O Barb Howell (Delta) speaks to a potential future pilot. ©2015 Larry Grace Photography

See ALPA’s Flickr page for photographs of the various Girls in Aviation Day events submitted by pilots. Did you attend an event and want to share your own photos? Share with us using #girlsinaviation, or send to Communications@alpa.org and we’ll add them to the collection.

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