Technical Sgt. Anastacia Rodriguez, Aviation Inspiration Mentor, speaks with an attendee at the Women in Aviation International conference in Orlando, Fla. on March 22, 2024. Women from all over the world attended WAI to network and engage with other aviation enthusiast. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Staff Sgt. Alexis Suarez)

An Aviation Inspiration Mentor assists a young girl with the virtual reality flight simulator during the Girls Day at the Women in Aviation Internation conference held in Orlando, Fla. on March 23, 2024. The WAI conference set aside one day of the event and dedicated it to young girls who have a desire and passion to one day be part of the aviation industry. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Staff Sgt. Alexis Suarez)

2nd Lt. Graciela Hernandez, Gold Bar Recruiter and Aviation Inspiration Mentor, informs women about the various opportunities the Air Force provides during the Women in Aviation International conference held in Orlando, Fla. Marvh 22, 2024. The WAI conference had thousands of attendees of all ages in attendance to network and engage with many other aviation enthusiasts. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Staff Sgt. Alexis Suarez)

U.S. Air Force Aviation Inspiration Mentors, engaging with attendees at the Women in Aviation International conference in Orlando, Fla. on March 22, 2024. Women from all over the world attended WAI to network and engage with other aviation enthusiast. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Staff Sgt. Alexis Suarez)

Establishing Women with Wings

Published March 29, 2024
By Staff Sgt. Alexis Suarez
Air Force Recruiting Services Detachment 1

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --

Air Force Recruiting Service (AFRS) Detachment 1 along-side Gold Bar Recruiters and Aviation Inspiration Mentors (AIM) participated in the Women in Aviation International conference held in Orlando, FL during March 21-23, 2024.

The WAI conference was a three-day event held for women and young girls to share their enthusiasm and network with others who share the same passion for the aviation industry.

“I enjoyed being among a diverse field of aviation enthusiast from young to seasoned,” said Technical Sgt. Anastacia Rodriguez, Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge of Programs and Resources, Isochronal Inspections Support Section, 6th Maintenance Squadron and AIM mentor. “I gained so much insight and knowledge on what barriers others may be experiencing good and bad.”

“Attending the WAI conference was one of the best experiences I’ve had in my Air Force career,” said 2nd Lt. Ella Skinkis, Gold Bar Recruiter. “Being surrounded by incredible women, I found not only inspiration and mentorship, but the energy I needed to pursue my career in aviation.”

With March being Women’s History Month it was essential to have an exhibitor booth at the WAI conference. AFRS Det 1 provided a virtual reality flight simulator for attendees to practice their flight skills on a fighter jet, along with Air Force swag and ample amounts of knowledge to share.

“Having the presence of the U.S. Air Force was proven critical due to the amount of engagement we had during and even after the event,” said Rodriguez. “We are here to inspire not only the next generation but current as well. When women see other women doing amazingly hard things they get inspired, our goal is to build a safe, strong and diverse industry to thrive in this new dynamic aviation world.”

The diversity amongst the AIM mentors alone made it possible to reach a wide range of different types of aviation enthusiast, from air traffic controllers, maintenance, to pilots of all varieties. Along with the general booth in the exhibitor hall, AFRS Det 1 held education sessions available to attendees. Aviation takes a team to make flight possible. The goal is to inspire the next generation, increase diversity, and attract the best talent for our Air and Space Forces.