EAST GRANBY, Conn—From flight simulators, hands-on activities, and even speaking with industry professionals, the annual Women Take Flight event at the New England Air museum is a tradition embedded not only in education but history. This event, hosted this year on Saturday, March 14, aims to introduce young people to the wide range of careers in aviation and STEM through conversations with military members, pilots and engineers that work behind the scenes. The 103d Airlift Wing has been involved in the event for almost 10 years, becoming the cornerstone to inspire the next generation to see how military service can be a path to both opportunity and purpose. The goal is to spark the interest of young adults who may not have considered aviation or the military to be careers for them, and to open their eyes to the multitude of options that are out there.
“Getting to inspire a younger generation and show them the positive sides of military service and the cool things we get to do is what makes events like this special,” said Master Sgt. Kaitlin Cardello, an evaluator loadmaster with the 118th Airlift Squadron. “It gives young adults a different perspective on the military and aviation and shows them opportunities they might not have known existed.” Cardello has played an integral part of the Women Take Flight event for several years, serving as one of this year's coordinators for the 103d Airlift Wing’s involvement.
“It’s important to celebrate how far women have come and how much more we’re capable of than previous generations may have been allowed to pursue,” mentioned Cardello. “Women are still a minority in aviation, so seeing women in those roles helps younger generations realize it’s an option for them too.” Although this event highlights the milestones and achievements made by women, it is open to everyone who may be interested.
With over 17 exhibitors from aerospace and STEM companies attending along with the 103d, the Women Take Flight event bolsters the ability to network and learn more about the various career paths one can take within aviation. “Everyone thinks if you love aviation you must be a pilot, but there are so many different roles in the aviation community,” noted Lt. Col. Cheryl Mead, the senior Inspector General officer at the 103d Airlift Wing. “You can work in engineering, logistics, maintenance, and many other fields that keep aircraft in the air.” Mead has been part of Women Take Flight since it began in 2016 as a small gathering centered around informational pamphlets. Since then, the event has expanded into a full-day program at the New England Air Museum, where participants can explore exhibits, view historic aircraft and network with all those involved.
“These events help people realize that the military and aviation community are made up of regular people doing extraordinary work,” said Mead. “ When we get the chance to interact with the community, it builds understanding and excitement about what we do.” By giving young people the chance to speak with aviation professionals and learn about the various career options that are out there, the Women Take Flight Event helps open doors that many young people have not previously considered. Although women remain underrepresented in many areas of aviation, events like this aim to encourage the next generation to pursue those careers.
“You belong there,” said Lt. Col. Cheryl Mead. “Don’t let anyone tell you your dreams are too big.”