Women in Aviation International Gulf Coast Chapter and the Naval Aviation Museum Foundation are thrilled to present the fourth annual Girls in Aviation Gulf Coast 2026! This fun-filled and inspiring event will take place on October 17, 2026, at the National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola, Florida.
What to Expect:
Prepare for a day of exploration and inspiration as female role models from across the aviation industry come together to highlight the diverse opportunities this field offers. Attendees will meet and interact with accomplished women representing careers in air traffic control, piloting, aviation maintenance, manufacturing, and the United States Armed Forces. Information on local aviation education programs will also be available, providing a valuable resource for those looking to take flight in their future careers.
Guest Speakers:
KEYNOTE SPEAKER: Ashlee Leppert
Ashlee is a proud U.S. Coast Guard veteran who served as an avionics electrical technician and helicopter rescue flight crew member. Today, she is a passionate encourager dedicated to inspiring others through her experiences and story.
SPECIAL GUEST: Emily Shelton
Emily is a Certified Flight Instructor with more than 1,300 flight hours. Earlier this month, she demonstrated extraordinary skill and composure when engine trouble forced her to land a Piper PA-28 on busy I-10 in Pensacola, safely avoiding traffic and an overhead highway sign with no injuries.
We can’t wait for our Girls in Aviation Day participants to hear from Ashlee and Emily and learn from their incredible experiences in aviation!
Interactive STEM Stations:
Engage with hands-on STEM activities designed to spark curiosity and creativity. The event will feature a variety of interactive stations, including:
Straw Rockets and Airplane Launches: Experience the fundamentals of aerodynamics with fun, hands-on experiments.
Simulator Flights: Take to the skies with flight simulators guided by female aviators, offering a taste of what it’s like to command an aircraft.
From young dreamers with their eyes on the skies to parents encouraging those ambitions, Girls in Aviation Gulf Coast 2026 offers an unforgettable day of hands-on learning, inspiring stories, and meaningful connections. Discover how a passion for flight can open the door to endless possibilities—because in aviation, the sky is only the starting point.
Save the date—October 17, 2026—and get ready to take off on an adventure like no other!
Parents and Guardians DO NOT need to register.
Registration is required. All participants ages 8 – 18 must register to attend.
Girls in Aviation Day Gulf Coast is a partnership between Women in Aviation Gulf Coast Chapter and the Naval Aviation Museum Foundation.