SHELBYVILLE, Tenn. — Middle Tennessee State University’s chapter of Women in Aviation International, the WAI Air Raiders, will host its inaugural “Girls in Aviation Day” event Saturday, Sept. 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Shelbyville Municipal Airport.

The free event includes activities in science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM, aircraft displays and women in aviation happy to chat about their experiences in the industry. Organizers hope to show younger generations just how many paths are available to them.

“There are all kinds of things you can do in aviation,” said MTSU senior aerospace major and WAI Air Raiders outreach chair Kaylee Bausman, of Jackson, Tenn., explaining that piloting, a highly popular aviation career path, is only one option. “I really hope to get a job (in) crew dispatching or flight scheduling.”

The event is free, but participants are asked to register in advance: https://bit.ly/4rpOL5g.

Making connections

For Bausman, Women in Aviation International provides “a sense of community.”

“I think it’s a good way to make friends,” she said. “Especially with people you’ll be in class with eventually.”

The Air Raiders regularly meet for things like pumpkin carving or craft nights to build campus camaraderie. There is also an annual conference to connect with members of other WIA chapters and aerospace professionals and learn more about industry opportunities.

“You get to meet the people you could be working with,” said Bausman. “You can see if you vibe well with them. … Networking really goes a long way.”

It’s one reason the Air Raiders are determined to invest in the next generation of aerospace professionals through initiatives like Girls in Aviation Day. Everyone wants to lend a hand to the next generation of aviation professionals.

For more information, contact Bausman at 731-693-8183 or email [email protected].

— Cat Curtis Murphy ([email protected])