Dynamic Group of Keynote Speakers Set for WAI2024 Conference

Women in Aviation International members and conference attendees will no doubt be inspired with the stellar roster of speakers scheduled for the 35th Annual Women in Aviation Conference, March 21-23 at the Orlando World Center Marriott in Orlando, Florida.

“Our annual three-day gathering is a unique opportunity to meet an inspiring group of keynote speakers representing a wide range of aviation and aerospace interests,” Lynda Coffman, WAI CEO said. “We are thrilled to enable thousands of our members to take advantage of educational opportunities, networking events, and exhibit hall visits with nearly 200 industry companies and organizations.”

The 2024 roster of speakers includes:

  • Nicole Battjes, Rainbow Helicopters Founder/CEO/Owner
  • Erica Brand, Google Research’s Applied Science Division Head of Strategy & Operations
  • Teri Bristol, Former FAA Air Traffic Organization COO
  • Dr. Patty Chang-Chien, Boeing Research & Technology Vice President and General Manager
  • Rear Admiral Nancy Hann, NOAA Office of Marine and Aviation Operations Director
  • Pam Melroy, NASA Deputy Administrator
  • Dr. Sian Proctor, Geoscientist and Astronaut

Girls in Aviation Day Orlando will take place on Saturday, March 23 where girls ages 8-18 will be introduced to the career and lifestyle possibilities available in aviation. Nicole Battjes, Rainbow Helicopters Founder/CEO/Owner, will be the luncheon speaker. Registration will open on January 31 at www.WAI.org/2024-girls-in-aviation-day-orlando.

Kim Stevens

Kim Stevens is the publisher of State Aviation Journal, which he founded in 2009. A longtime commercial-rated pilot, he was introduced to state aviation in 1992 as Director of the Nebraska Department of Aeronautics, later serving as Deputy Division Director for the Arizona Department of Transportation's Aeronautics Division. From 2013 to 2018, he was Director of Communications and Operations for the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO) in Washington, D.C. Relocating to North Carolina, Kim worked for the Raleigh-Durham International Airport for two years and now concentrates solely on the Journal. Prior to his aviation career, Kim spent a decade in the newspaper and magazine business.