WAI Announces Keynote Speakers for WAI2023

December 15, 2022 – Women in Aviation International members and conference attendees will no doubt be inspired with the stellar roster of speakers scheduled for the 34th Annual Women in Aviation International Conference, February 23-25, 2023, at the Long Beach Convention Center in Long Beach, California.
 
“We are excited that our annual three-day gathering, featuring an inspiring group of keynote speakers, will enable thousands of our members to take advantage of educational opportunities, networking events, and exhibit hall visits with a variety of industry companies and organizations,” Allison McKay, WAI CEO says.

The 2023 roster of speakers includes: 

• Maya Ghazal, first female Syrian refugee pilot
• Candace Givens, Northrop Grumman's vice president of Overhead Persistent Infrared (OPIR) and Geospatial Systems (OGS) business unit
• Dr. Michelle Parker, Boeing Defense, Space & Security vice president and deputy manager for the Space and Launch division
• Sherrexcia "Rexy" Rolle, vice president of operations and general counsel for Western Air
• Col. Merryl, Tengesdal, USAF (ret.), first Black woman to pilot the Lockheed U-2S Dragon Lady reconnaissance aircraft
• Huy Kim Tran, NASA Ames Research Center director of aeronautics
• Paige Stanton Wilson, chief operating officer of Acubed by Airbus
• Dr. Susan Ying, Ampaire senior vice president of global operations
• Stephanie Chung, Wheels Up global ambassador and the first African-American president of an aviation brand, will be the Girls in Aviation Day Long Beach luncheon speaker.

Girls in Aviation Day Long Beach will take place on Saturday, February 25, 2023, where girls ages 8-18 will be introduced to the career and lifestyle possibilities available in aviation. Stephanie Chung, Wheels Up chief growth officer, will be the luncheon speaker. Registration will open in January. 

Register early and save with special pricing through January 17, 2023, at the following rates: Student member - $200 Military member $400 Full Registration Member - $425  Non-Member - $475.

Note to Editors: Review the full schedule at www.WAI.org/2023-conference-overview and apply by January 27, 2023, for media credentials at www.WAI.org/2023-media.