Women in Aviation

On a beautiful Tuesday evening in May, 2010 at the Learning to Fly Center in Pompano Airpark (PMP) almost 30 women met to create the Fort Lauderdale Provisional Women in Aviation Chapter. Attending the meeting were women from richly diverse aviation backgrounds including mechanics, an airline flight attendant, a few pilots, aviation management students, an air traffic controller, and an airport manager to mention a just few. What all had in common was a love and enthusiasm for aviation.

The meeting was facilitated by Melissa Grabiec of Fort Lauderdale who was later elected President. She led the meeting where the history of WAI was touched upon and the importance of the WAI organization (networking opportunities, mentoring, and scholarship opportunities to name just a few!).

After discussing the requirements to form a provisional chapter, officers were elected including Jessianna Bartier (Vice-President), Sharon Dreesen (Secretary), Karen Anderson (Treasurer). A few names for the chapter were bantered about, but Fort Lauderdale truly tells the story of who we are.

The meeting was further enhanced by fun stories shared by many members who had attended the recent conference in Orlando. In addition  treats were supplied by Melissa and her father — a WAI supporter and pilot. The FLL WAI chapter has taken off and is flying high!