WAI Announces the 2026 Pioneer Hall of Fame Inductees
WAI Announces the 2026 Pioneer Hall of Fame Inductees
Ceremony and Celebration in Dallas on Friday, March 20, 2026
November 18, 2025 – Women in Aviation International (WAI) has selected the 2026 inductees for its international Pioneer Hall of Fame. These three female trailblazers will be honored at the 37th Annual Women in Aviation International Conference during a ceremony and celebration dinner at the Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center in Dallas, Texas, on Friday, March 20, from 6:30-8:30 p.m.
The 2026 Pioneer Hall of Fame inductees are:
Olga Custodio
As the first Latina pilot in the U.S. Air Force and a pioneering Hispanic female captain in commercial aviation, Olga Custodio defines her success through three principles: overcome self-doubt, stay open to possibilities, and see yourself as an equal. After flying the T-38 as an instructor pilot, she served 24 years in the Air Force and retired as a lieutenant colonel. Olga then flew with American Airlines on the Boeing 727, Fokker 100, Boeing 757 and 767, accumulating over 11,000 hours of flight time and retiring as a captain. As a STEM advocate, Olga is a speaker serving as a role model for aspiring aviators. She is a tireless volunteer to inspire and educate students, especially from underserved communities. Her memoir Flightpath of Fortitude includes Olga’s essential life insights on how to overcome barriers and achieve your dreams.
Joan Sullivan Garrett
Joan Sullivan Garrett began her medical career as a flight nurse who envisioned a worldwide solution for travel safety on air, land, and sea, anywhere in the world, after losing a young patient in the remote Arizona mountains. She founded MedAire in 1985 and pioneered global telemedicine through radio, teletype, and satellite communications. She personally trained flight crews and corporate pilots in emergency response, bringing a hands-on approach to a challenge the industry had largely overlooked. But her most transformative innovation came with the creation of MedLink, a 24/7 air-to-ground response center staffed by emergency physicians. Serving as CEO until 2008, Joan details her journey in her autobiography One Life Lost, Millions Gained. She has received numerous awards and accolades as a visionary healthcare leader and aviation safety pioneer and served on various aviation boards.
Nadine Berniece Ramsey
The late Nadine Berniece Ramsey was a pioneering female pilot of military aircraft and a member of the Women Air Force Service Pilots (WASP) during World War II. As the first woman in the United States to fly military aircraft, she helped pave the way for today's women military aircraft pilots. Nadine's flying achievements came early and often, including being the first Kansas woman to earn a commercial pilot license, among the earliest women to fly the U.S. Air Mail, as well as a successful aircraft businesswoman, stunt flier, and racer. She was also a first squadron commander for the Civil Air Patrol Program and one of only about 50 women to provide wartime service training instruction during the war. Her legacy to the nation is detailed in the book Taking Flight.
“We want to ensure that the rich history of women’s accomplishments in aviation is not lost in time,” says Lynda Coffman, WAI CEO. “Our international Pioneer Hall of Fame honors women who made remarkable contributions to aviation, as well as open doors for future generations of women who choose aviation as a career. This year’s inductees reflect their unique contributions to aviation, and we look forward to celebrating their accomplishments.”
The Women in Aviation International Pioneer Hall of Fame was established in 1992 to honor women who have made significant contributions as record setters, pioneers, or innovators. Special consideration is given to individuals or groups who have helped other women be successful in aviation or opened doors of opportunity for other women. Each year, WAI solicits nominations from throughout the industry for its Pioneer Hall of Fame. To learn about the more than 130 inductees over the past 30+ years, visit WAI.org/pioneers.
This event is a registration-required event with an additional fee. Guest tickets can be purchased through WAI2026 registration here. Space is limited for this special celebration with attire cocktail, business formal, or military formal.
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