WAI2026 On-Demand - 2. Early Career - Find Your Footing

Empowering Your Inner Gatekeeper - Overcoming External Opinions to Achieve Personal Success

Ever struggle with criticism or self-doubt? In this empowering session, Sharon Preszler—the first woman to fly the F-16 during politically tumultuous times when debates over women in combat reshaped U.S. law—shares how she overcame judgment by developing a “mental gatekeeper” to filter feedback and protect her confidence. Sharon blends her experience as a fighter pilot, Southwest Captain, certified life coach and psychology professor into powerful stories, practical tools, and interactive exercises.

You’ll build your own gatekeeper so you can rise above criticism, own your worth, and stay focused on your goals in aviation and life. 

Featuring: Sharon Preszler (737 Captain at Southwest Airlines F-16 Instructor Pilot)

49m 59s

WCA's Corporate Aviation Career Panel

Join us for an engaging and interactive discussion that brings together professionals from across the business aviation industry. This moderated panel will explore the unique career journeys of each panelist, offering candid insights into their day-to-day roles, quality of life, and work-life balance.

Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of job satisfaction in the field, the pros and cons of working in business aviation, and the pivotal mentors and colleagues who influenced their paths. Designed to spark meaningful dialogue, this session will include audience participation throughout and conclude with an open Q&A and a brief overview of helpful industry resources. 

Featuring Kim Kissh, Gulfstream G600 pilot Jodie Adrian Gawthrop, A&P; IA; Commercial Pilot ASEL, AMEL; AGI; IGI Melanie Elyse Hight, Chief Pilot and Director of Safety at OpenAir, Kara Wolf, MSP Sales Manager at Honeywell Aerospace

1h 4m 3s

Beyond the Horizon - Aviation Outreach with Real Altitude

Discover how one flight or airport tour can change a life. Join Carley Walker, Director of Development at STEM Flights, to learn how you can inspire the next generation through aviation mentorship. This session offers practical tools, real-world stories, and a free Mentorship Toolkit to help you connect with students, whether in the cockpit, classroom, or hangar. No matter your role in aviation, you’ll leave empowered to turn your passion into purpose.

Learn how to mentor with impact, expand girls in STEM, and join a national movement making aviation more accessible one flight at a time. 

Featuring: Carley Walker (Director of Development at STEM Flights)

38m 37s

Airline Pilot Panel

The Airline Pilot Panel is comprised of five female pilots encompassing the regional, major, and cargo carriers. The first half of this education session we will be sharing our own personal aviation journey to the flight deck.

 The purpose of our education session is to encourage and inspire other female pilots, as well as help them realize they, too, can achieve the career of their dreams!

Featuring: Ann Marie Nicholas, Pilot - American Airlines Kelly McConnell Jennifer Meiners, CFI, MEI, ATP, First Officer Southwest Krissie Katte, United Airlines 787 Captain Kally Hansen, First Officer at Endeavor Air

1h 1m 6s