This blog was written by Ginger Kelley
On September 20th at Signature Aviation, the newly founded Women in Aviation International chapter for the MidSouth will host its first Girls in Aviation Day. The chapter, named Phoebe Omlie MidSouth, was established with the goal of showing the next generation of young women that aviation can be part of their future in the Memphis-area. Women in Aviation International (WAI) is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to encourage and support women in the aviation and aerospace industries by providing resources, mentorship, scholarships, networking opportunities, and community. The organization has 174 chapters around the world, including 138 in the United States. Phoebe Omlie MidSouth is one of WAI’s newest chapters. In addition to its annual conference, which draws thousands of attendees, Girls in Aviation Day is one of WAI’s largest outreach events.
About the Event
For the MidSouth community, Phoebe Omlie MidSouth is accepting registration for up to 50 girls between the ages of 8 and 18 for a day filled with aviation education, exploration, and fun. The event will take place at Signature Aviation, located at 2488 Winchester Rd in Memphis on September 20th from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. A chaperone is required for each girl attending. Participants will enjoy hands-on activities, educational opportunities, a career panel and live Q&A, and lunch provided during the event.
The event is free to attend, but spots are limited and preregistration is required.
2026 Girls in Aviation Day
The 2026 Girls in Aviation Day will mark the 12th annual celebration hosted by Women in Aviation International. The official date is Saturday, September 19th, when WAI chapters around the world will host events designed to introduce girls to the many opportunities available in aviation and aerospace. Phoebe Omlie MidSouth will continue that celebration locally on Sunday, September 20th, joining WAI chapters around the world in inspiring the next generation of women in aviation.
Girls will have the opportunity to hear directly from women working in aviation about how they got started, what their careers are really like, challenges they have overcome, and what it takes to pursue their own path into the industry. The goal is not only to introduce girls to aviation but also to help them see themselves as future members of the aviation community.
Women in Aviation
While the number of women pursuing careers in aviation continues to grow, women remain underrepresented in technical positions and the pilot workforce. Women in Aviation International emphasizes that there is much more to aviation than becoming a pilot. Girls in Aviation Day highlights the wide range of careers available throughout the industry.
In attendance will be pilots, dispatchers, air traffic controllers, airport operations professionals, instructors, students, and aviation enthusiasts. Girls will have the opportunity to meet aviation professionals, explore interactive exhibits, get hands-on with the science of flight, and learn about careers ranging from pilots and mechanics to air traffic control, airport operations, dispatch, instruction, and beyond.
Phoebe Omlie Board Members in attendance include Alaika Sahni, Tabatha Riquelme, Lenora Kirkpatrick, Brittany Langford, Ginger Kelley, Makayla Shoulders, Sarah Feeney, and Hailey Fairless. The event will be led by Board Member Katherine Murrey, who serves as the Girls in Aviation Day Chair.
Thank you to our Sponsors
This event will be made possible by the dedicated volunteers coming together to inspire and encourage the next generation of aviation professionals. It is also made possible by the support of local businesses acting as sponsors such as: Memphis Shelby County Airport Authority, First Team Pilot Training, Stauf USA, and Air Venture Flight Center. From organizing hands-on activities and educational experiences to sharing their personal stories and career paths, these volunteers are giving their time and expertise to help young girls see the possibilities within the aviation industry. Their commitment reflects the spirit of Women in Aviation International and the importance of mentorship, community, and representation in creating opportunities for the future.
About the Author
Ginger Kelley is the Outreach Chair for the Phoebe Omlie MidSouth Chapter for Women In Aviation International. She is a born-and-raised Memphian and is working on her commercial pilot certificate. When she is not flying, she can be spotted running in Shelby Farms or drinking an iced latte at City & State.
