We’ll have a booth in the STEM hangar at the Holloman Air Show and would love volunteers to join us. It’s a great chance to meet families, students, and future aviators.
Cannon Air Force Base will open its gates to the public on June 6, 2026, for a commemorative air show themed “Normandy to Now.” This event honors the legacy of the D-Day landings while showcasing the evolution of American’s unconventional airpower from WWII to today. General admission to the event is free and open to the public.
As part of the air show, the base plans to host fly-in as well as a car show. Attendees will experience a full lineup of aerial demonstrations, including performances by modern Department of War aircraft, WWII-era warbirds, and aerial performances from civilian pilots as well as Cannon’s own Air Commandos. Historic displays, hands-on activities, and science, technology, engineering and mathematics exhibits will also be included in the day’s events.
Additional information on where to get your ticket and how to register for fly-in and the car show will be coming soon. Stay tuned to our official Cannon Air Force Base Face Book page as well as our cannon.af.mil website for updates!
For more information, contact 27 SOW Public Affairs at (575) 784-4131 or 27SOW.PA.WingsOverCannon@us.af.mil.
Our second year doing this event!!
We’re thrilled to return for our second year participating in the Big Bang event. More details will follow, but mark your calendars now, this one is always a highlight.
If you know a potential guest speaker: aviation, aerospace, STEM, leadership, or anything inspiring, please send their name our way. We’d love to incorporate more voices into our events this year.
We’d also love your help shaping these events. If you have ideas, suggestions, or know of other community activities where you think WAI‑LOE should have a presence, please share them with us, member input is what keeps our outreach strong and meaningful. We’re also looking for volunteers to help staff our booths throughout the year, and even a small amount of your time has a big impact. We’re looking forward to seeing many of you throughout the year and building an outreach program that truly reflects the strength and diversity of our membership. Thank you for being part of the Land of Enchantment chapter and for everything you do to support women in aviation across New Mexico.
The field of the National Championship Air Races is made up of seven thrilling airplane classes. Six of the classes race on a somewhat circular pylon course. “Each heat consists of up to eight planes in competition, flying between 50 and 250 feet in the air, with aircraft reaching speeds up to 500+ mph in flight. The seventh class – STOL Drag – competes in two-plane drag races up and down the ramp.
The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is the world’s largest hot air balloon festival, held each October in Albuquerque. For nine days, hundreds of balloons launch in coordinated “mass ascensions” at sunrise, filling the sky with color. Pilots from around the globe participate, including competition events and special shape rodeos featuring creatively designed balloons. Evening “Balloon Glows” light up the field as inflated balloons illuminate against the night sky. Thanks to Albuquerque’s unique weather pattern known as the “Box,” pilots can navigate predictable wind currents, making the event especially spectacular and safe.
We’re partnering with the New Mexico Museum of Space History to celebrate Women’s History Month! There will be booths, activities, food trucks, and more. Our chapter will be there to support the event and inspire future aviation and aerospace professionals. We’d love for members to join us and help represent our chapter.
Come enjoy a relaxed evening with us to catch up, share ideas for future events, and spend time together. Feel free to bring family and friends. Please RSVP by replying to this email so we can let Tumbleweed know how many to expect.
Our first meeting of the year will be virtual on Google Meet, the meeting link is below. Please tune in to meet other members, hear about our exciting plans for 2026, and learn more about your new board. BONUS: we have an awesome guest speaker, Cindy Strong. See her bio below.
January WAI LOE Chapter Meeting
Wednesday, January 21 · 5:00 – 6:00pm
Time zone: America/Denver
Google Meet joining info
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/dmo-feab-rfc
Or dial: (US) +1 315-795-1060 PIN: 344 164 992#
More phone numbers: https://tel.meet/dmo-feab-rfc?pin=2168801953270
Cindy Strong is an accomplished mechanical engineer with three decades of experience at The Boeing Company. Now retired, she holds B.S.M.E. and M.B.A. degrees and remains firmly committed to engineering and education. She is the president of the Governing Council and Founder of the Sacramento School of Engineering and Science. She also serves as a Global Judge Advisor for FIRST® Robotics, where she trains Judge Advisors worldwide. Lastly, as a past officer and current member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), she actively promotes the profession's advancement.
Join us on September 23rd from 9:30am-noon at the Double Eagle Airport in Albuquerque for a fun filled day of aviation and adventure. This is a free event for girls ages 8-17 with goody bags, scavenger hunt, and positive female role models.
Join us on June 28th from 10am-2pm at Tay’s Event Center in Alamogordo for a fun filled day of aviation, aerospace, and adventure. This is a free event for girls ages 8-17 with goody bags, scavenger hunt, and positive female role models.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/women-with-wings-x-hover-with-hargis-gala-tickets-1108045165919
5:45 PM - 6:15 PM
Meet and Greet
Start off the night meeting and connecting with motivated and inspirational women while, enjoying handcrafted cocktails and snacks!
6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Pageant portion and welcoming speech done by our hosts!
Our lovely Finalist from our Aviator queens' pageant by women with wings will be doing the evening gown and onstage question portion.
7:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Inspirational Speech done several very accomplished women
We are excited to have these brilliant women share their experiences in aviation, and how we can grow as aviators
8:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Crowning and Awards
All awards will be given, and we will crown our new 2025 queens!
8:30 PM - 10:00 PM
Dance the night away!
We will great dancing music, so ladies get ready to dance in though heels, or bring flats!
10:00 PM - 10:15 PM
Goodbye Speech
Learn more about the Land of Enchantment Chapter of Women in Aviation International at our new member interest meeting on Wednesday, February 26th from 5:30pm-6:30pm at the Museum of Space History in Alamogordo. The first 30 people to sign up for a membership will receive a free t-shirt.
Join us on September 23rd from 9:30am-noon at the Double Eagle Airport in Albuquerque for a fun filled day of aviation and adventure. This is a free event for girls ages 8-17 with goody bags, scavenger hunt, and positive female role models.
Girls ages 8-17 are invited to join us at the Las Cruces Convention Center in Las Cruces, New Mexico on June 18th from 11am-12:30pm for a fun filled afternoon of aviation activities and education.
We are hosting Girls in Aviation Day (GIAD) in conjunction with the Spaceport America Cup, Intercollegiate Rocket Competition. There are hundreds of teams from colleges around the world who will have their rockets on display at the exhibit hall. Exhibit hall hours are 9am-5pm.
Registration is required for participation. To register on SignUp Genius click HERE!
***Parents or Guardians are required to remain with the girls for the event and activities.***
-Free event for girls 8-17
-Free goody bag for each girl who participates with free Aviation for Girls magazine
-Held at the Las Cruces Convention Center (free admission and parking)
-Arts and crafts project to build a rocket
-Positive female role models in aviation and aerospace careers
-Guest speakers from the rocket teams
-Scholarship information
-Education resources
-When girls are complete with GIAD, they are free to explore the exhibit hall full of real rockets!
From the Alamogordo Daily news:
Holloman Air Force Base is preparing for its 2024 Legacy of Liberty Airshow and the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, the "Thunderbirds," are making a return.
Holloman Air Force Base will host the Legacy of Liberty Air Show Sunday, June 2, 2024.
"The Thunderbirds thrilled a crowd of 28,000 during our air show in 2022," said U.S. Air Force Col. Justin Spears, 49th Wing commander in a news release.
"We are thrilled to add Holloman to our 2024 schedule. In our efforts to recruit, retain, and inspire, we return to Holloman knowing this base is a very special partner to us as the gateway to the F-16 and a cornerstone of the community," said Thunderbird #1, Lt. Col. Nathan Malafa in the release.
The one-day event is free to the public and features aerial performances, food, music, a kid zone, "a variety of aircraft on static display," and a Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) center.
The list of performers and vendors has not been released as officials said it is still being finalized.
"We are so excited to open our gates to the community again and put on a really great event that everyone will enjoy," said Spears.
To learn more about the Thunderbirds, visitors are encouraged to visit the Squadron's website. Information about the Airshow will be updated at the 49th Wing - Holloman Air Force Base website or its Facebook page.
Join us to visit the gravesites of Women Airforce Service Pilots to honor their memories and contributions to our country during WWII.
RSVP and get the virtual link HERE!
Capt. Hiss currently works at Holloman AFB and has C17, MC130, AC130, CV22, MQ9 and F16 maintenance experience and logistics experience for Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) and munitions experience with both the AC130 and the F16.
Maj Teach is a Fighter Pilot, USAFA Admissions Liaison Officer, and Outreach Flight Lead for CO, WY, NM, and W. TX.
If you are between the ages of 17 and 23, find out how to apply to the Air Force Academy HERE!
Captain Kathryn Hiss
Captain Kathryn S. Hiss is the 314th Aircraft Maintenance Unit Officer in Charge at Holloman Air Force Base. She is tasked with educating, training and equipping the aircraft maintainers that work on F-16s. Previously Captain Hiss served as the 27th Special Operations Wing Airstaff A4 Director of Maintenance, Logistics, Force Protection, and Civil Engineering. Within that job she managed the deployment preparation and execution for the Airmen at Cannon Air Force Base. She managed a hour flying-hour program, alert personnel and equipment requirements, and worldwide deployments in support of POTUS and SECDEF contingency and combat operations. Captain Hiss has also been serving as an Additional Duty Admission Liaison Officer for the United States Air Force Academy since 2021 where she mentors and evaluates cadet candidates for the Air Force Academy.
Captain Hiss is from St. Charles, Illinois and commissioned from the United States Air Force Academy in May 2018, where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Behavioral Science. She studied Psychology of Leadership and earned her Master’s in Professional Studies from Pennsylvania State University. Following her commissioning, Captain Hiss graduated from the Aircraft Maintenance Officer Course in December 2018.
Captain Hiss then spent a year working with C-17s at Joint Base Charleston, SC, most notably supporting the Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief efforts after Mozambique was devastated by a cyclone. Following Charleston, Captain Hiss was stationed at Cannon Air Force Base where she went on multiple temporary duty assignments with the CV-22s and MC-130Js in support of MARSOC and AFSOC Special Operator training across the United States. Captain Hiss has deployed with the AC-130Ws in support of combat missions across Iraq and Syria, and with the MC-130Js supporting the Joint Tactical Exfiltration of Bagram Airfield. Captain Hiss has also directly supported the following operations: Operation Allies Refuge with the removal of American allies from HKIA Airport in Kabul Afghanistan, Operation Inherent Resolve in Iraq, and Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.
Outside of work, Capt Hiss enjoys photography, hiking and playing with her two Airedale Terriers, and playing video games with her husband and friends. She and her husband are expecting their first child in August.
Major Adam Teach
Major Adam Teach is an active member of the Air Force Reserves and Instructor Pilot for United Airlines. He served on active duty for 13 years as an MC-130H pilot in Air Force Special Operations Command. This included 6 deployments, and assignments ranging from Albuquerque, New Mexico to Okinawa, Japan. Currently, Major Teach is the Outreach Director for the US Air Force Academy’s Colorado, New Mexico, Wyoming and W. Texas regions. As a 2009 graduate himself, Maj Teach loves acting in this role and is humbled to see the outstanding young volunteers who are stepping up to serve their country.
In his flying career, Maj Teach has served as a military flight instructor and evaluator as well as a civilian CFI and MEI. This has transitioned him into his current role as 737 Flight Instructor at United’s flight training center in Denver, CO. He has flown close to 4,000 total hours, with over 1,000 in combat.
In his free time, Maj Teach loves snowboarding with his 3 young children and woodworking in his home shop. As a college baseball player, he also can’t help sneaking away for Rockies games on occasion!
Come experience our trademark positive energy found at our annual conference. You will network with aviation industry professionals and continue your career development at education sessions, professional development seminars, and industry briefings.
Mark your calendar as you won't want to miss the inspiring keynote speakers, professional development seminars, education sessions, exhibit hall, scholarship awards, and 2024 Pioneer Hall of Fame inductions.
There's no better place to be inspired, share your enthusiasm, and connect with others who share your passion for the aviation industry. We look forward to gathering to connect, engage, and inspire with our valued members.
From your President, Jacquelyne Nichols…
The WAI Conference is the best event of the year. The positive energy radiates from the building. In a male dominated industry, it’s easy to feel overlooked and overwhelmed as women. This conference will fill your head with knowledge, fill your phone with contacts, and fill your heart with joy and inspiration from all of the incredible women you will meet and network with. It’s hard to put into words how incredible this conference is…so you’ll just have to go and experience it for yourself.
In 2022, not only did I meet many of my real life hero’s either casually walking the halls or at the celebration events, but I also interviewed for and got hired by American Airlines. It is a wonderful opportunity to job search or to find out what jobs exist in the aviation industry that might be right for you.
In 2023 and again this year I will be a presenter and give back to this amazing community that has given me so much. For my graduate degree capstone project, I focused on the policy changes that need to occur surrounding family planning in the military, specifically as it pertains to the high rates of infertility experienced by servicemembers, and especially those who work in the medical and aviation fields. I will also address the lack of assisted reproductive technology options and offer suggestions for the way forward. To learn more about my presentation, click here.
Whether you are military or civilian, this brief will have some useful information for you or for you to pass on to others. I would love to see some of your faces in the audience as I give this presentation.
RSVP Here
Danita Macon, Vice President of the WAI Land of Enchantment Chapter, will host a panel of Black Women in various careers and aspirations in aviation and aerospace.
These incredible women will share their experiences, dreams and barriers, and how they’ve overcome them. Scroll down to meet the panelists.
Danita Macon
With over 30 years as an information technology professional, Danita Macon has worked in the cable, sport and fitness apparel, higher education, and commercial aerospace industries. She is currently the Virgin Galactic (VG) Director, IT Vendor and Performance Management where she is responsible for developing and maintaining successful relationships with the technology vendor network, and gathering, interpreting, and using complex data to develop actionable steps to improve processes and optimize results. Additionally, she sits on VG’s Inclusion Council which helps to shape and drive the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging strategy.
Shonesha Rogers
Shonesha Rogers lives and works in Albuquerque, New Mexico where she is an Air Traffic Controller for Albuquerque Tower/TRACON with six years of experience. She is also an on-the-job training instructor and is in her second year as the Union Representative for the facility. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family.
Anthea Meiners
Anthea Meiners was born to a British and Dutch-Ghanaian parents in a small town called Hoorn, in the Netherlands, near Amsterdam. She graduated from Webster University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree and a minor in Human Resource Management. She worked as an Administrative Specialist III for the State of Maryland for the Medicaid Transportation department prior to becoming a Flight Attendant for American Airlines.
After work as a Flight Attendant for a year, Anthea realized that it was time to pursue her dream of becoming a pilot. She was accepted into the American Airlines Cadet Academy last year and aims to become a commercial pilot for American Airlines.
Anthea is also proud to serve in United States Air Force Reserves working in Logistics.
Chasity Anderson
Chasity Anderson, is currently based in Houston, Texas as a Flight Attendant. She speaks English and German. She is enrolled in college courses pursuing a degree in veterinary Medicine and is also pursuing her Private Pilots License, attending ground school at McKinney Airfield in Texas.
Chasity balances life as a single parent, full time student and working as a flight attendant, all with aspirations of becoming a pilot. She dreams of one day having wings and making her home in the sky.
Elf-mas Holiday Party
Bring your best "Elf" to the 2023 Women in Aviation International Land of Enchantment Chapter holiday party! Come for networking, connection, holiday food and fun, and a contest to find the best dressed Santa's helper in attendance.
We look forward to celebrating the holiday season with you!
RSVP HERE!
Join the Leadership Team!
Are you passionate about sharing your love for aviation and aerospace with your community?
Are you looking for an opportunity to connect with other members of the industry throughout New Mexico?
Nominate yourself or another WAI member for a Leadership Team position by Wednesday, December 10th.
It's an exciting time for our chapter. So many wonderful things are happening and nothing makes us happier than giving away money to help make aviation dreams become a reality.
Join us on Saturday November 4th at 10:00am where we have an inspiring virtual meeting planned. We will be announcing our 2023 Scholarship Recipients, we will be thanking our Sponsors, whose generosity makes our scholarship program possible, and finally we will wrap up the meeting with Professional Development with Renee Farrar of Checked and Set, an aviation application and review company.
Renee offers invaluable advice on how to build a winning resume that will stand apart from the rest of the crowd. I can personally attest to this because she helped me with my resume when I submitted my application to American Airlines!
RSVP here to have access to the Microsoft Teams link for the meeting.
Join us on September 23rd from 9:30am-noon at the Double Eagle Airport in Albuquerque for a fun filled day of aviation and adventure. This is a free event for girls ages 8-17 with goody bags, scavenger hunt, and positive female role models.
The Women in Aviation Land of Enchantment Chapter is offering multiple monetary scholarship awards to be used to further educational advancement in the fields of aviation and aerospace.
Join us on Thursday, August 31st at 5pm for a virtual tour of the WASP WWII Museum in Sweetwater, TX. The tour will last approximately 30-45 minutes, followed by a chance to ask questions to a staff member of the museum.
Girls ages 8-17 are invited to join us at the Las Cruces Convention Center for this FREE event on Tuesday, June 20th from 11am-noon.
The event includes:
-Free merchandise bags filled with goodies
-Positive female role models with careers in Aviation and Aerospace
-Rocket craft activity
Join us to visit the gravesites of Women Airforce Service Pilots to honor their memories and contributions to our country during WWII.
Take part in a once in a lifetime opportunity to recreate an iconic photo of the Women Airforce Service Pilots of WWII in front of a B-17 Flying Fortress!
Spend Memorial Day under the wings of WWII aircraft - the B-17 and the B-25. Enjoy time networking with Women in Aviation, Land of Enchantment chapter members and spread the word about our chapter at our booth!
Chapter member, and Air Traffic Controller, Shonesha, has generously offered to give us a tour of the TRACON and Tower facilities in Albuquerque. The tour is expected to last 30-40 minutes.
The tour will be followed by the option to grab lunch, network, and hang out with fellow chapter members at a local restaurant. Location TBD.
-All participants must sign up prior to the tour so that Shonesha knows how many guests to accommodate.
Sign up HERE <—————
-You must bring your drivers license. If you are a junior member, and don’t have one, it’s ok, just stick with your guardian or parent for the tour.
-Meet in the parking lot of the Truman Gate Visitors Center at 12:30pm. Shonesha will be sponsoring the group to gain access to Kirtland AFB for the tour.
What does Tower do?
Air Traffic Control Towers (ATCT) have windows! ATCTs monitor aircraft that are on the ground or airborne within 5 miles of the airport. Due to the close proximity and range of service, these controllers use line of sight to help aid in the safe flow of traffic.
What is TRACON?
TRACON or Terminal Radar Approach Control Facilities are U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) facilities that house air traffic controllers who guide aircraft approaching and departing airports. TRACON controllers generally handle within a 30- to 50-mile radius of an airport and up to 10,000 feet, as well as aircraft flying over that airspace.
Join Virgin Galactic for an inside look at their Gateway to Space operational facility at Spaceport America set to begin commercial service later this year.
WAI LOE President, Jacquelyne Nichols, will give an education session presentation at the WAI 2023 conference on Saturday, February 25th at 4pm MST.
The Women in Aviation Conference for 2023 will be held February 23-25 in Long Beach, CA. It is the most amazing event of the year, and you don’t want to miss it! Register today to secure your spot.
Michelle “Mace” Curran former USAF Thunderbirds lead solo pilot, and combat veteran F-16 pilot joins us virtually on Jna 31st at 5pm.
Carol Ann Garret, who has flown around the world three times, will be a guest speaker on Jan 23rd at 5pm (MT).
