RELATIONSHIP VALUE
MEMBER CENTRAL
Giving Girls Wings
EAA Women Soar program
LIVING ON HER GRANDFATHER’S airport as a child, Mackenzie
Ross has grown up immersed in the world of aviation. Recalling
her first flight, she said, “From the moment the plane’s wheels
left the ground, I knew that I wanted to become a pilot. My
mind was set, and nothing could change it.”
Mackenzie is one of 100 high school girls who will attend
EAA AirVenture in 2011 to participate in Women Soar You Soar.
During the annual program, these excited youth will have the
chance to revel in their passion, meet others who share their
enthusiasm, and explore all the industry has to offer firsthand.
Kim Seiter also became interested in aviation because of
family ties. After her grandfather took her for her first plane
ride as a child, she remembered the impact it had on her goals
for the future.
Attending Women Soar helped corporate pilot Katrina Avery (left) launch her career.
Jill Long, Lt. Col., USAF, was one of the volunteers who mentored Katrina.
“When I was in school, the teachers would ask us what we
wanted to be when we grew up,” Kim recalled. “My answer was
always along the lines of, ‘I want to fly.’ … I have a passion for
aviation, and my goal is to follow in my grandfather’s steps.”
Women Soar offers young women the chance to learn more
about airplane mechanics as well as other potential aviation
career paths. With more than 35 female pilots, engineers, and
other aviation professionals in attendance, opportunities for
mentorship will be aplenty.
Corporate pilot Katrina Avery began her aviation career
path by attending Women Soar five years ago and continues her
involvement today as a mentor.
“I always tell the girls, don’t let anyone tell you ‘no,’ and
don’t let anyone crush your dreams,” she said. “This program is
a great way to give them a head start for success down the road.
It helps them learn how to go out and get what they want!”
Emma Anderson plans to attend Women Soar this summer
for both mentorship and education. “I want to find role models
who can teach me what I need to do to join the ranks of female
pilots,” she said. “I’ll also get a much closer look at what’s going
on inside a plane, and that will be really exciting!”
In addition to the exciting learning opportunities, building
friendships is another reason many girls choose to attend
Women Soar. For them, it’s ultimately a place to share their
interests with others who understand the need to belong in the
skies above.
Jillian Dauscher, a high school junior, looks forward to
this camaraderie. “It will be great to have friends who will
understand the excitement of your first solo, a great landing, or
finally getting your license!”
For more information on Women Soar’s 2011 programming and how you can
get involved, visit
www.AirVenture.org/WomenSoar.
PROGRAMS LIKE WOMEN SOAR have
grown from within the network of EAA
volunteers, people who are passionate not
only about aviation but also about sharing
their love of flight with others. This has
been the program’s strength. Volunteers
serving as mentors have motivated
thousands of young people over the years to
define, pursue, and achieve their dreams.
Five years ago, Katrina Avery was a Women
Soar participant; today, she is a corporate
pilot. Her journey was empowered by
the input of the many mentors who have
volunteered their time to support EAA and
Women Soar.
