Events

2021

JANUARY – No event due to COVID

FEBRUARY – 18th Annual Fundraiser (virtual)

MARCH – 11th-12th WAI conference (virtual)

APRIL – No event

MAY – Honor the WASP

JUNE – 29th Biannual Board meeting and Social event at Palmer’s

JULY – 28^th WAI Connect Breakfast @OshKosh

AUGUST – Scholarships announced

SEPTEMBER – 25th GIAD, 28^th Resume/Scholarship workshop virtually

OCTOBER – 7th Spirit of Aviation award ceremony in St Charles, Elections

NOVEMBER – Board meeting, Annual membership meeting

DECEMBER – Holiday Party

2020

JANUARY – 24th Safety seminar in conjunction with 99s

FEBRUARY – 20th Fundraiser at Fitz’s Spare Key

MARCH – 5th-7th WAI conference, Orlando

APRIL – Outreach Volunteer month

MAY – (Girl Scout Day at Lewis Canceled due to COVID-19)

JUNE – (Chicago Executive Run/Walk canceled due to COVID-19)

JULY – (Oshkosh canceled due to COVID-19)

AUGUST – Spirit of Aviation award ceremony in DuPage , Michael Haupt “History of Chicago Aviation” (Canceled due to COVID-19)

SEPTEMBER – 26th virtual GIAD, Scholarships announced

OCTOBER – Virtual resume and scholarship workshop via Zoom, Virtual elections via Survey Monkey – October 6

NOVEMBER – Board meeting, Annual membership meeting, date TBA

DECEMBER – Holiday Party, date TBA

2019

January Chapter Meeting

January 26th Safety seminar in conjunction with 99s

February Chapter Meeting

February 21st at 7pm,  Annual Fundraiser at Fitz’s Spare Key

March Chapter Meeting

March 14th-16th WAI conference, Long Beach, California

AeroSTEM – March 30th at ITT 9am-1pm.  Chicago’s Leading Edge Chapter assisting the organization with volunteers.  If you’d like to volunteer for the event, sign-up at www.avioninstitute.org. 

April Chapter Meeting

April is “Outreach Volunteer Month” here at Chicago’s Leading Edge Chapter of Women in Aviation!  We have several opportunities for anyone that is interested in giving back.

• April 13th – STEM-a-Palooza East Aurora school district.
• April 14th – Paper airplane invitational at Hamilton Elementary.
• April 25th – “What It’s Like To Be: Pilot w/ Women in Aviation” at The Bridge Teen Center on Thursday, April 25th from   4:30-5:30pm. 
• April 27th – 1pm-3pm, 40th Annual fly-over and tribute to America’s pioneering and colorful women in aviation at the Bessie Coleman memorial at Lincoln cemetery.

If you’d like to volunteer for any of these events, contact us at chicagosleadingedge@gmail.com.

May Chapter Meeting

May 29th United Airlines NOC tour 11am

June Chapter Meeting

June 27th O’Hare construction tour, June 29th-Chicago Executive Run/Walk,

July Chapter Meeting

July 22nd-28th Oshkosh

August Chapter Meeting

August 14th at 7:30 – The play “Come Away”

August 17-18th Chicago Air and Water show, Tuskegee Airmen anniversary-Scholarships announced.

September Chapter Meeting

O’Hare 5K

October Chapter Meeting

Oct. 5th GIAD, Resume and scholarship workshop Oct. 22 at 7pm

November Chapter Meeting

November 12th – Palmer Place in La Grange

December Chapter Meeting

December 12th – Holiday Party at Pilot Pete’s

2018

January Chapter Meeting – January 10^th
Feed My Starving Children Volunteer Event

February Chapter Meeting – February 22^nd
Fundraiser at Fitz’s Spare Keys, trivia along with a silent auction

March Chapter Meeting – March 22-24^th
Annual WAI conference in Reno, NV

April Chapter Meeting – April 17th
Self Defense class at Lewis University @ 6pm

May Chapter Meeting – May 14th
Bowling & social event at Pinstripes

June Chapter Meeting – June 14th
ORD Tower Tour on June 14th at 7pm

July Chapter Meeting – July 23rd-29th
23^rd – 29^th Oshkosh Air Show

August Chapter Meeting – August 18^th-19^th
Chicago Air and Water show

September Chapter Meeting – September 8th, 11:30-1:30

Exelon and the DuPage Flight Center  traveling exhibit for the WASP WWII Museum.

October Chapter Meeting – October 13^th
Sky’s the Limit/Girls in Aviation Day at Lewis University

November Chapter Meeting – November 15th
Annual membership meeting at Palmer Place in La Grange at 6pm

December Chapter Meeting – December 3rd
Holiday Party at Pilot Pete’s

2017

January Chapter Meeting – January 23rd

Our next meeting will be a volunteer event at Feed My Starving Children on January 23rd at 8pm. We had a ton of fun volunteering with this organization in April, so hopefully we will have another great turnout on January 23rd.  Feed My Starving Children is located at 1072 National Pkwy in Schaumburg, IL. Please click here to learn more about this amazing organization.

If you will be joining this volunteer event, please click here to register for the event. If you need any assistance, please respond to this email so we can confirm your attendance. 

February Chapter Meeting – February 23^rd

Fundraiser at Fitz’s Spare Key, trivia along with a silent auction

Women in Aviation Conference – March 4-7

We’re heading to Orlando for the 2017 Women in Aviation Conference, and we want you to be a part of it!  Book your tickets, pack your bags, and plan to be there March 4-7, 2017.  Since 1990, Women in Aviation, International, has been connecting, engaging, and inspiring women at all levels of aviation expertise, and 2017 will be no different. The trademark positive energy found at our annual conference is the foundation we’ve built our programming on, creating more opportunities for you to network, learn, and grow during the three days we’re together in Memphis

April Chapter Meeting – April 12^th

WASP/CAF Speaker Event at DPA and Hamilton Paper Airplane Event

May Chapter Meeting – May 8th at 6pm

Heritage Warbirds, Waukegan Airport

June Chapter Meeting June TBA

ORD Tower Tour and 3-4^th Cavalcade of Planes at Clow Airport, Bolingbrook

July Chapter Meeting – July 1^st

Chicago Executive Run/Walk, 24-30^th Oshkosh Air Show

August Chapter Meeting – August 19-20th

Please join us on August 22nd at 6:30 for a tour of the United Airlines Network Operations Center (NOC) located in the Willis Tower. This is a great opportunity to get a glimpse inside the “mission control” of one of the world’s largest airlines. We will meet in the Willis Tower lobby on the Franklin Street side at 6:15 and then be escorted up to the 27th floor by a United Airlines tour guide. Address and parking details are below.

Address: Willis Tower, 233 S Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60606. (Please use the Franklin Street Entrance)

Parking: Tower Self Park, 211 W Adams St, Chicago, IL 60606. Entrances are located on Adams Street. and Franklin Street. The Willis Tower is right across the street from the Franklin Street entrance.

September Chapter Meeting – September 23rd and 27th

Sky’s the Limit, aviation day camp for teenage girls with various workshops held at Lewis University on September 23rd, 2017.

September, 27th, 2017 – O’Hare 5K

October Chapter Meeting – October 10th at 6:30pm

Resume and scholarship workshop at Lewis University

November Chapter Meeting – November 14th

Annual membership meeting at Palmer Place

December Chapter Meeting – December 6th

Holiday Party at Pilot Pete’s

2016

January Chapter Meeting – January 19th

April 14th – Paper airplane invitational at Hamilton Elementary School

April 25th – Patty Wagstaff visited Chicago’s Leading Edge Chapter and Lewis University to talk about her experiences as an air show pilot.

January Chapter Meeting – January 19th

Envoy Tour at Chicago’s O’Hare Airport.  Join us on an aircraft and in Envoy’s Operations Center to see what happens behind the scenes at a regional airline as well as tour an Embraer 145.

February Chapter Meeting – February 26th

Come one, come all!  All membership as well as friends and families are invited to our 2nd annual Chicago’s Leading Edge Scholarship Fundraising event at Fitz’s Spare Keys!  A large, private space has been donated to our organization.  For a $10 donation to our Scholarship fund you’ll get an evening of trivia, silent auction items, raffle items, avon products, food and drink specials and much more!  All proceeds will benefit and encourage women interested in pursuing careers in aviation.  Donations welcome!

Women in Aviation Conference – March 6th – 8th 

We’re heading to Dallas, Texas, for the 26th Annual International Women in Aviation Conference in 2015, and we want you to be a part of it!  Book your tickets, pack your bags, and plan to be there March 5-7, 2015. Since 1990, Women in Aviation, International, has been connecting, engaging, and inspiring women at all levels of aviation expertise, and 2015 will be no different. The trademark positive energy found at our annual conference is the foundation we’ve built our programming on, creating more opportunities for you to network, learn, and grow during the three days we’re together in Dallas.

Texas has a rich aviation history, and you will have the chance to explore some of that through the exciting tours we have planned with our partners American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and the FAA. We have more than $500,000 in scholarships to award while we’re there, too! The offerings are diverse whether you’re a college student, or well into your career; from managers and dispatchers to pilots, engineers, and mechanics, there’s an opportunity for you.  For more information go to www.wai.org.

 March Chapter Meeting – March 28th

Social gathering at Tipsters to discuss the fun had at the WAI conference earlier in the month.

April Chapter Meeting – April 19th

Join us to see an amazing motivational speaker, Jeff Miller, at our April Chapter meeting.  He was a passenger on the ill-fated United 232.  The crash-landing of this flight is widely regarded as one of the most amazing feats of aeronautical improvisation ever.  The Schaumburg business owner walked away unscathed from the wreckage that claimed the lives of 113 other travelers 19 years ago in Sioux City, Iowa, calling it “a fresh dose of perspective.”  He was seated in seat 16G on the flight from Denver to Chicago, en route to his grandfather’s funeral. The tail engine exploded in mid-flight, sending shrapnel through the tail and shredding the hydraulic and back-up hydraulic lines that control the plane.  He’ll walk us through his experience and what he learned from the accident.

This is a very unique opportunity to hear about a crash from the passenger’s perspective.  Join us at Lewis University in Romeoville on Tuesday, April 14th at 7pm in Harold E. White Aviation Center Room 126.  Click here for directions to campus and here for a campus map.

 May Chapter Meeting – May 2nd

Please join Chicago’s Leading Edge Chapter and celebrate Women History Month for our 4th Annual Sky’s the Limit: Interactive Aviation Camp for women!  High school age women are invited to explore all of the exciting possibilities available in the field of aviation.  Participants will have the opportunity to:

Fly a flight simulator

• Pre-flight a Cessna 172
• Learn about aerodynamics
• Try the new air traffic control simulation
• Experience the excitement of air racing

Date:  Saturday, May 2nd,  Time:  8:30AM-2:00PM,  Location:  Lewis University, Romeoville at the Harold E. White Aviation Center.   Women in Aviation, International is dedicated to the advancement and encouragement of women in the field of aviation.  Chicago’s Leading Edge is hosting this educational outreach event in hopes of inspiring young high school females to develop an interest in aviation.  This event is sponsored and supported by Lewis University.  There is no cost to participants!  RSVP to www.chicagosleadingedge@gmail.com no later than April 1st, 2014.   Chapter members, if you’d like to volunteer for the event, contact volunteer coordinator, Megan Zahos at chicagosleadingedge@gmail.com.   Please see our Outreach page for frequently asked questions about the event!

June Chapter Meeting – June 15th

Tour at Palwaukee, Signature Support operations and chapter picture

July Chapter Meeting – July 25th

Social gathering at Palmer’s Place in La Grange, Oshkosh 20-26th

August Chapter Meeting – August 15th and 16th

Scholarships announced and we’ll be attending the Chicago Air and Water show!

September Chapter Meeting – September 15th

Join us for a HR and Resume workshop at Lewis University September 15 at 6:30pm in preparation for both Chicago’s Leading Edge Chapter Scholarships due in December and the Women in Aviation International Scholarships due in November!  Good luck with applications!

We are also be participating in the O’Hare 5K on September 27th at 8:00am

October Chapter Meeting – October 20th

Our Annual Membership meeting will be held October 20th at 6:00pm at the Chicago Marriott in Naperville, 1801 North Naper Boulevard.  This is your opportunity to find out more about Chicago’s Leading Edge.  We will have the Treasurer’s report, President’s address, and give out our Volunteer of the Year award among other things.   Come enjoy an informative and fun dinner with your fellow aviation professionals.  The cost is just $10 for members.  Please RSVP to chicagosleadingedge@gmail.com.

Lewis University will be hosting the 2015 Regional Flight Team Competition at Lewis University in Romeoville, IL.  If you are interested in judging, contact chicagosleadingedge@gmail.com.  No experience required!

November Chapter Meeting – November 5th at 6:30pm

Women in Aviation, International Scholarship due this month!  Also, we’ll be touring the UAL Operations facility at the Willis Tower on Thursday, November 5th at 6:30pm.  Additionally, the 2015 Scholarships are due postmarked by November 16th, 2015!

December Chapter Meeting – December 7th at 6:30pm

Join us for our 7th annual Holiday Party at Pilot Pete’s!  Each year our chapter donates aviation related toys to Toys for Tots.  This will hopefully not only bring others joy but also encourage kids to love aviation as much as we do.  Please bring one unwrapped toy to spread a little holiday cheer.  Additionally, we’ve decided to add a little deliciousness to our evening by having a cookie exchange.  If you’d like to participate, bring six of your favorite cookies together in a bag or container with recipe attached and swap for another member’s favorite!  Looking forward to seeing you all there!  Additional guests are welcome and encouraged so invite your friends!  For directions, please click here.

2014

Monday, January 28, 2014 – January Chapter Meeting

American Eagle Tour at Chicago’s O’Hare Airport at 6:30pm.  Hello everyone!  We have a great tour of American Eagle Operations and an aircraft planned for the 11th at 6:30pm.  We will meet in Terminal 3, upper level (departures), inside door 3C.  We’ll be sure to keep it under three hours for short term parking.  Looking forward to seeing you all there!  Please email chicagosleadingedge@gmail.com if you’d like to attend.

Tuesday, February 20, 2014 – February Chapter Meeting
Come one, come all!  All membership as well as friends and families are invited to our 2nd annual Chicago’s Leading Edge Scholarship Fundraising event!  A large, private space has been donated to our organization.  For a $10 donation to our Scholarship fund you’ll get an evening of trivia, silent auction items, raffle items, avon products, food and drink specials and much more!  All proceeds will benefit and encourage women interested in pursuing careers in aviation.  Donations welcome!

Additionally, our 2013 scholarship winners will be announced!  Stop by to say congrats!  Fitz’s Space Keys is located at 119 N. York Road in Elmhurst.  www.fitzssparekeys.come.  More details to come in evite form.  Spread the word!

Monday, March 6th, 2014 – March Chapter Meeting

Women in Aviation World Wide Week and the Women in Aviation Conference in Orlando Florida!  The 25th Annual International Women in Aviation Conference will be held from Thursday, March 6 through Saturday, March 8, 2014, in Orlando, FL, USA. This year’s Conference will take place at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort.

Participants in the 2014 WAI Conference will be immersed in the tactics and strategies necessary for successful aviation careers. More than 3,000 women and men from all segments of the aviation industry are expected to attend.

Tuesday, April 8th – April Chapter Meeting

Happy spring Chicago’s Leading Edge!  This month we have a great tour set up of Chicago Center on Tuesday, April 8th at 6:00pm.  If you’d like to attend this event, please RSVP to Lisa Ehn at lee811@comcast.net.  Attendance may be limited, so RSVP soon!  For directions, please click here.  The address is as follows:  Chicago Center ARTCC, 619 Indian Trail, Aurora IL 60178.
Parking is prior to the guard booth on the left.  You will not be able to enter past the guard booth without escort.  Our tour guide will meet us at the guard booth and bring us in.  We’ll see you in a few weeks!  Thanks for your continued support and I hope it gets warm soon!

Saturday, May 3rd – May Chapter Event
Please join Chicago’s Leading Edge Chapter and celebrate Women History Month and Women in Aviation Worldwide Week for our 3rd Annual Sky’s the Limit: Interactive Aviation Camp for women!  High school age women are invited to explore all of the exciting possibilities available in the field of aviation.  Participants will have the opportunity to:

Fly a flight simulator

• Pre-flight a Cessna 172
• Learn about aerodynamics
• Try the new air traffic control simulation
• Experience the excitement of air racing

Date:  Saturday, May 3rd,  Time:  8:30AM-2:00PM,  Location:  Lewis University, Romeoville at the Harold E. White Aviation Center.   Women in Aviation, International is dedicated to the advancement and encouragement of women in the field of aviation.  Chicago’s Leading Edge is hosting this educational outreach event in hopes of inspiring young high school females to develop an interest in aviation.  This event is sponsored and supported by Lewis University.  There is no cost to participants!  RSVP to www.chicagosleadingedge@gmail.com no later than April 1st, 2014.   Chapter members, if you’d like to volunteer for the event, contact volunteer coordinator, Megan Montgomery at chicagosleadingedge@gmail.com.   Please see our Outreach page for frequently asked questions about the event!

Saturday, June 8th – June Chapter Meeting

Cavalcade of Planes in Clow and Air Classics Museum Open House volunteer opportunities!  Help give back and share your love of aviation at 2 great events!

July 28th – August 3rd- July Chapter Meeting

EAA AirVenture Oshkosh is an annual gathering of aviation enthusiasts held each summer at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh Wisconsin. The airshow is sponsored by the EAA, an international organization based in Oshkosh, and is the largest of its kind in the U.S.  During the gathering, the airport’s control tower is the busiest in the world.  Join us for the Women in Aviation picture on Wednesday at Aeroshell Square!

Monday, September 15th – September Chapter Meeting

This month we’ll host a great opportunity to protect yourself with a Self-Defense class taught by Ed Bilski, an expert in martial arts.  We’ll be at Lewis University in room HW 107 from 7:00-9:00pm.  Hope to see you there!

Also, join us for the O’Hare 5K!  Proceeds benefit the Wounded Warrior Project!

Monday, October 27th – October Chapter Meeting

On Monday, October 27th at 6:00pm Chicago’s Leading Edge Chapter of Women in Aviation will be hosting our annual membership meeting at Mon Ami Gabi in Oakbrook.  At this meeting we will be voting for the new leadership that will take us forward for the next two years.  If you are interested in nominating an individual for the October ballot or have any questions about the process, please email chicagosleadingedge@gmail.com and we’d be happy to help.

Voting will be done via email, and the polls will be open from 10/22/2014 through 12PM on 10/27/2014. You may also vote in person at our Annual Membership Meeting which will be held on 10/27/2014 at 6:00PM at Mon Ami Gabi (260 Oakbrook Center Oak Brook, IL 60523). Please RSVP to Jen Melvin at jenmelvin83@yahoo.com.  For directions to Mon Ami Gabi, please click here.  Hope to see you all soon!

Tuesday, November 11th – November Chapter Meeting

The November Chapter meeting was hosted at Lewis University in the Harold E. White Aviation Building room 126 at 6:30pm on Tuesday, November 11, 2014.  It featured former American Airlines Captain and current Lewis University Professor Bill Parrot.  He spoke to the group about the very interesting topic of accident investigation.  It was a great meeting with lots of insights!  Thank you all for coming!  Plenty of parking will be available in lots E, G and F.  For directions to the Lewis University campus, please click here.  For a campus map, please click here.

Tuesday, December 9th – December Chapter Meeting

Join Chicago’s Leading Edge Chapter of Women in Aviation for our 6th Annual Holiday Party!

• Place:  Pilot Pete’s
• Date:  Tuesday, December 9th (also the 110th anniversary of the Wright Brothers Flight!)
• Time:  6:00PM
• Cost:  $22

Each year our chapter donates aviation related toys to Toys for Tots.  This will hopefully not only bring others joy but also encourage kids to love aviation as much as we do.  Please bring one unwrapped toy to spread a little holiday cheer.  Additionally, we’ve decided to add a little deliciousness to our evening by having a cookie exchange.  If you’d like to participate, bring six of your favorite cookies together in a bag or container with recipe attached and swap for another member’s favorite!  Looking forward to seeing you all there!  Additional guests are welcome and encouraged so invite your friends!  For directions, please click here.  Please RSVP to chicagosleadingedge@gmail.com by December 5th if you’d like to attend.  Friends and family are welcome!

2013

Monday, January 28, 2013 – January Chapter Meeting

This meeting will be held at Lewis University in Romeoville at 6:30PM and will involve planning for our February 19th Fundraiser for our 2013 Scholarships at Fitz’s Spare Keys in Elmhurst!  We’d love for everyone to attend to help out.  If you have any ideas for raffle and silent auction items, please let us know.

Tuesday, February 19, 2013 – February Chapter Meeting

Come one, come all!  All membership as well as friends and families are invited to our 1st annual Chicago’s Leading Edge Scholarship Fundraising event!  A large, private space has been donated to our organization.  For a $10 donation to our Scholarship fund you’ll get an evening of trivia, silent auction items, raffle items, avon products, food and drink specials and much more!  All proceeds will benefit and encourage women interested in pursuing careers in aviation.  Donations welcome!

Additionally, our 2013 scholarship winners will be announced!  Stop by to say congrats!  Fitz’s Space Keys is located at 119 N. York Road in Elmhurst.  www.fitzssparekeys.come.  More details to come in evite form.  Spread the word!

Monday, March 4th, 2013 – March Chapter Meeting

This month’s meeting will consist of finish up items for our 2nd annual Sky’s the Limit Camp and will be held at Lewis University at 6:30PM.  This is a great opportunity for us to give back as a chapter and help expose high school age girls in the Chicago area to aviation.  Volunteers are needed for this event!  If you are able to volunteer, please contact our volunteer coordinator, Megan Zahos at montgome@lewisu.edu for more details.

Saturday, March 9th, 2013 – The Sky’s the Limit: 2nd Annual Interactive Aviation Camp

Please join Chicago’s Leading Edge Chapter and celebrate Women History Month and Women in Aviation Worldwide Week for our 2nd Annual Sky’s the Limit: Interactive Aviation Camp for women!  High school age women are invited to explore all of the exciting possibilities available in the field of aviation.  Participants will have the opportunity to:

• Fly a flight simulator
• Pre-flight a Cessna 172
• Learn about aerodynamics
• Try the new air traffic control simulation
• Experience the excitement of air racing

Date:  Saturday, March 9, 2013, Time:  8:30AM-2:00PM, Location:  Lewis University, Romeoville at the Harold E. White Aviation Center.  Women in Aviation, International is dedicated to the advancement and encouragement of women in the field of aviation.  Chicago’s Leading Edge is hosting this educational outreach event in hopes of inspiring young high school females to develop an interest in aviation.  This event is sponsored and supported by Lewis University.  There is no cost to participants!  RSVP to www.chicagosleadingedge@gmail.com no later than March 1st, 2013.  Chapter members, if you’d like to volunteer for the event, contact volunteer coordinator, Megan Montgomery at chicagosleadingedge@gmail.com.  Please see our Outreach page for frequently asked questions about the event!

March 14-16, 2013 – March Chapter Meeting

The 24th Annual International Women in Aviation Conference will be held from Thursday, March 14 through Saturday, March 16, 2013, in Nashville, TN, USA. This year’s Conference will take place at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel.

Participants in the 2013 WAI Conference will be immersed in the tactics and strategies necessary for successful aviation careers. More than 3,000 women and men from all segments of the aviation industry are expected to attend.

Monday, April 15th, 2013 – April Chapter Meeting

Join us for a tour of ExpressJet and their facilities at O’Hare Airport.  More details TBA

Wednesday, May 22nd, 2013 – May Chapter Meeting

Eclipse Aviation Tour at Chicago Executive!

Monday, June 3rd – June Chapter Meeting

Potential tour of Science and Industry Museum or Adler Planetarium.  Looking for volunteers for our June community service events including Cavalcade of Planes at Clow and Air Classics Museum Open House at Aurora.

July 29th – August 4th, 2013 – July Chapter Meeting

EAA AirVenture Oshkosh is an annual gathering of aviation enthusiasts held each summer at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh Wisconsin. The airshow is sponsored by the EAA, an international organization based in Oshkosh, and is the largest of its kind in the U.S.  During the gathering, the airport’s control tower is the busiest in the world.  Join us for the Women in Aviation picture on Wednesday at Aeroshell Square!

Monday, August 5th, 2013 – August Chapter Meeting

Join Chicago’s Leading Edge Chapter as we see Disney’s Planes on Wednesday, August 21st!  We’ll meet at the AMC Yorktown 17 in Lombard.  Click here for directions.   The movie starts at 7:05 — we’ll meet in the lobby at 6:30, and make our way in from there.  Please feel free to invite your friends and family, all are welcome!

Thursday, October 17th – October Chapter Meeting

Mark your calendars for Thursday, October 17th – The Adler Planetarium hosts an “Adler after Dark” event.  From 6-10pm the planetarium is open to guests 21 and over with unlimited shows, entertainment and a great view of the city!  We plan on pre-ordering tickets, so we’ll be sending out an Evite when we get closer – keep your eye open for that!

At the event you’ll enjoy cocktails and entertainment against the award winning view of the Chicago skyline seen only from Adler.  Amble around the Adler’s exhibitions or take in a sky or space show.  See Saturn’s rings or Jupiter’s great red spot with you own eyes using the Adler telescopes.

Adler After Dark includes:

• Admission to all exhibitions – must be 21 and older to enter
• Unlimited shows
• Special lecture or performance
• Telescope viewing
• Hands on activities
• Musical entertainment

Monday, November 4th – November Chapter Meeting
We had a blast at the Adler after Dark last week!  It was great seeing everyone – check out our Facebook page for some fun photos of the night!  Our next meeting will be Monday, November 4th at 6:30pm. The meeting will be held at the Microsoft Store in Woodfield Mall.  We’re going to have a presentation given by a survivor from the United Flight 232 crash in Sioux City, Iowa.

The address for Microsoft is J-106 Woodfield Mall, Schaumburg, IL 60173 – park on the south side of the mall, enter through the entrance next to Red Robin & turn left at Forever 21.  The store is right next to Brookstone.  (Maybe knock out some of your Christmas shopping too!)  If you’re planning on coming (or even thinking about it) shoot Lisa Ehn a quick reply at lee811@comcast.net so we can have a rough estimate of a headcount. You are still more than welcome to come even if you don’t RSVP though!

Tuesday, December 17th – December Chapter Meeting
Join Chicago’s Leading Edge Chapter of Women in Aviation for our 5th Annual Holiday Party!

• Place:  Pilot Pete’s
• Date:  Tuesday, December 17th (also the 110th anniversary of the Wright Brothers Flight!)
• Time:  6:30PM
• Cost:  $25-$30.  Exact price TBA when we have final number of attendees.

Each year our chapter donates aviation related toys to Toys for Tots.  This will hopefully not only bring others joy but also encourage kids to love aviation as much as we do.  Please bring one unwrapped toy to spread a little holiday cheer.  Additionally, this year we’ve decided to add a little deliciousness to our evening by having a cookie exchange.  Bring six of your favorite cookies together in a bag or container with recipe attached and swap for another member’s favorite!

Looking forward to seeing you all there!  Additional guests are welcome and encouraged so invite your friends!  For directions, please click here.  Please RSVP to chicagosleadingedge@gmail.com by December 10th if you’d like to attend.  Friends and family are welcome!

2012

December 3rd, 2012 – December Chapter Meeting

Join Chicago’s Leading Edge Chapter of Women in Aviation for our 4th Annual Holiday Party!

• Place:  Pilot Pete’s
• Date:  Monday, December 3rd
• Time:  6:30PM
• Cost:  $25-$30.  Exact price TBA when we have final number of attendees.

Each year our chapter donates aviation related toys to Toys for Tots.  This will hopefully not only bring others joy but also encourage kids to love aviation as much as we do.  Please bring one unwrapped toy to spread a little holiday cheer.  Additionally, this year we’ve decided to add a little deliciousness to our evening by having a cookie exchange.  Bring six of your favorite cookies together in a bag or container with recipe attached and swap for another member’s favorite!

November 5th, 2012 – November Chapter Meeting

Our November meeting will be held at Lewis University in Romeoville, IL in the Harold E. White Aviation Building room 126 at 6:30PM on Monday, November 5th.  Click here for directions.  Click here for a campus map.

We’ll be starting the planning for our 2013 2nd Annual Spring Outreach Event!  Stop by if you’re interested in helping out or just learning more about our organization. Additionally we’ll be discussing our December Holiday Party at Pilot Pete’s!  Hope to see you all there!

October 1st, 2012 – October Chapter Meeting

On Monday, October 1st at 6:30PM we will be holding our October Chapter meeting at Edelweiss Restaurant in Norridge, IL.  Join us for  a fun dinner during Oktoberfest followed by some brief announcements and elections.  Remember, you must be a current chapter member to vote, so email chicagosleadingedge@gmail.com if you’d like to join or renew.  For directions, click here.  Hope to see you all there!

September 10th, 2012 – September Chapter Meeting

Our September chapter meeting is Monday, September 10th at 6:30PM in the Harold E. White Building Room 126 and will feature a resume workshop at Lewis University to assist in planning for the 2013 Women in Aviation International Scholarships.  For more information on the WAI Scholarship, click here.  We will also announce our Chapter Scholarships that will be due in December.

In addition to all of the great scholarship opportunities, we’ll also discuss our chapter’s partnership with Girls4Science, a local nonprofit organization dedicated to encouraging young women in the STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) fields.  Our November meeting will assist this wonderful organization in a fundraising event.  More details to come…

August 6, 2012 – August Chapter Meeting

Our August Chapter meeting will be held on Monday, August 6th at 6:30PM at Lewis University in the Harold E. White Aviation Center.  For directions, please click here.  It will feature Jackie Lomax, Founder and Executive Director of Girls4Science.  Join us to learn more about the organization and our upcoming events!

July 2, 2012 – July Chapter Meeting

Our July meeting was held at O’Hare airport on July 2nd at 6:00PM.  One of our members kindly set up a tour of American Eagle Airlines Operations Center as well as a tour of one of their aircraft.  We met at passenger check-in, Terminal 3, door 3A.  A tour guide will escorted us through security to the Ops Center.

If you weren’t able to join us this time, we’ll do it again soon.  It was a fantastic experience.  To the right is our group in one of their CRJ700?s.  Very fun!

May 7th, 2012 – May Chapter Meeting

Our Next Chapter meeting will be on Monday, May 7th at 6:30PM at Lewis University in Romeoville.  We we be discussing our Sky’s the Limit: Interactive Aviation Camp outreach event. Specifically what we did well and should build on next year as well as what we can improve on.

Thank you very much to everyone for all their help and support through the planning process and the event itself.  I was very impressed by at the amount of time and effort that everyone donated and I know that the girls involved had a wonderful time.  Hopefully we were able to encourage and inspire some young people to select careers in the aviation industry!

April 2nd, 2012 – April Chapter Meeting

The April chapter meeting will be focused on planning for our Saturday, April 28th outreach event entitled, “The Sky’s the Limit: First Annual Aviation Camp.”  This is a great opportunity for us to give back as a chapter and help expose high school age girls in the Chicago area to aviation.  Volunteers are needed for this event!  If you are able to volunteer, please contact our outreach chair, Jen Alicz at outreach@chicagosleadingedge.org.

The meeting will take place on Monday, April 2nd at 6:30PM at Lewis University in the Harold E. White Aviation Center, Flight Planning Room.  We hope to see you at the meeting!

March 8-10 – 2012 Women in Aviation, International Conference in Dallas, TX

The 23rd Annual International Women in Aviation Conference will be held from Thursday, March 8 through Saturday, March 10, 2012, in Dallas, Texas, USA. This year’s Conference will take place at the Hilton Anatole.  Participants in the 2012 WAI Conference will be immersed in the tactics and strategies necessary for successful aviation careers. More than 3,000 women and men from all segments of the aviation industry are expected to attend.  This is the perfect conference to network, learn about the latest industry
trends, hear top-notch speakers, find that perfect job, enjoy an extensive exhibit hall and so much more.

We have several chapter members attending the event.  If you’d like to join the group or meet up at the conference, email www.chicagosleadingedge.com for more information.

Due to the March Conference, there is no March membership meeting!

February 6th, 2012 – February Chapter Meeting at Lewis University

The February chapter meeting will be held at Lewis University in Romeoville at 6:30 PM and will include a presentation by chapter members Pam Brophy and Pat Tiner on their time as Air Traffic Controllers at Aurora Airport.  These two woman are great examples of leaders in the aviation industry.  Join us as we listen to their presentation, especially if you are interested in the field of air traffic control.  For directions to Lewis University, click here.

January 22nd, 2012 – Red Tails Movie Showing

A crew of African American pilots in the Tuskegee training program, having faced segregation while kept mostly on the ground during World War II, are called into duty under the guidance of Col. A.J. Bullard.  Join Chicago’s Leading Edge Chapter as we watch this epic story unfold at AMC Hodgkins Theater at 11:15 am on Sunday, January 22nd.  For directions, click here.

January 9th, 2012 – Air Classics Museum

Our January meeting will be held at Air Classics Museum at Aurora Airport.  Join us on January 9th, 2012 at 6:30PM as we plan our Women in Aviation display for the museum’s open house in summer 2012.  We currently have a temporary exhibit on display and will use this meeting to create a more permanent display.  This is an opportunity for us to create something that will be enjoyed by museum visitors for years to come.  For directions to Air Classics Museum, click here.  To donate or for more information about the museum, visit their website at www.airclassicsmuseum.org.

2011

December 4th, 2011 – December Meeting and Third Annual Holiday Party

This year’s Holiday Party will be held at Maggiano’s Little Italy at Oakbrook Center and will be followed by a little holiday shopping.  As in previous years we will collect an aviation related toy from each attendee and donate to a Chicago area charity.  Additionally, we will have an ornament exchange, so bring an aviation related ornament and take a new one home!  It will cost approximately $25 per person and includes lunch.  There are only 24 spots available and they will go first come first serve.  Contact Megan Montgomery at montgome@lewisu.edu if you are interested in attending.  More details to come…

November 7th, 2011 – November Chapter Meeting

To meet community and student demands for newer programs and to be at the forefront of ever-changing training regulations and increasing requirements for Criminal Justice, the Suburban Law Enforcement Academy and Fire Science/EMS training programs, the College of DuPage has constructed a new 60,000 square-foot building. A feature element to this building is an Immersive Training Lab, which will be utilized by all programs. This unique training lab is a realistic environmental space with streets and building facades.  One of our members, Laurie Jorgensen, was kind enough to set up the event and tour.  We will meet at the Homeland Security Education Center in Room 1007 and parking will be available in Fawell Lot E.  Click here for directions to the College of DuPage.  Click here for a campus map.  Click here for a building floor plan of the Homeland Education Center.

October 3rd, 2011 –  October Chapter Meeting

Join us for “Oktoberfest 2011”, an evening of socializing and good food! The purpose of this meeting is to connect and have a wonderful time learning new things about those we know and meeting new members. If you ask those involved in any aspect of the aviation industry, they will tell you that networking and creating sustainable friendships is the key to success, especially for women! Join us and share your insight as we celebrate Oktoberfest 2011! Edelweiss German-American Restaurant is located at 7650 W. Irving Park Road, Norridge, IL 60706. Click here for directions. We have made reservations for 20, so please RSVP to Megan Montgomery, Chapter Secretary at montgome@lewisu.edu with the number of guests attending. Separate checks are not allowed during Oktoberfest, so please plan accordingly and bring cash.

September 12th, 2011 – September Chapter Meeting

Join us for our September Chapter Meeting at Lewis University where Megan Montgomery, Chapter Secretary will host a Scholarship Application Workshop to assist members in the application process for Women in Aviation International Scholarship due November 14th, 2011.

July 25-31st, 2011 – July Chapter Meeting

WAI breakfast on Friday, July 29th 8:00-9:00, “Women Soar You Soar” July 28-31, Volunteers are needed Tuesday through Sunday – July 25-31  at the WAI Booth.  Contact Chapter Relations Manager Betty Huck bhuck@wai.org.

June 25th, 2011 – June Chapter Meeting

Keynote Speaker Maj. Tammy Duckworth, Assistant Secretary, U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs, Former U.S. Army Helicopter Pilot, Women in Aviation 2011 Pioneer Hall of Fame Inductee.  Read more about Maj. Tammy Duckworth…

June 4-5th, 2011 – Cavalcade of Planes at Clow International Airport

For directions and more information on Clow Airport, please visit http://www.bbclowairport.com/events.htm

May – 1st, 2011  – May Chapter Meeting

Join us for a hands on instructor lead workshop and fly state of the art flight simulators so generously provided by Lewis University.  Lewis University, the City Colleges of Chicago, and the City of Chicago Department of Aviation recently announced a partnership for students interested in pursuing a career in aviation in the City of Chicago. Students complete an associate’s degree from one of the seven City Colleges of Chicago and also complete a bachelor’s degree from Lewis University on site at De La Salle Institute in Chicago.  This partnership allows easy access for Chicago students to pursue a bachelor’s degree in either Air Traffic Control Management or Aviation Administration. All courses required for the degree programs will be offered at De LaSalle Institute, 3434 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago IL.

April 2011 – April Chapter Meeting

A special event for our Chapter.   Due to FAA restrictions, a limited number of  reservations will be available, first preference will be given to chapter members.   RSVP to chicagoareawai@gmail.com

March 8th – 10th, 2011 – March Chapter Meeting

Thursday, March 8 through Saturday, March 10, 2012, in Dallas, TX

February 6th, 2011 – February Chapter Meeting

Featured presenters Pam Brophy and Pat Tiner will speak about their time as Air Traffic Controllers at Aurora Airport

January 10th, 2011 – January Chapter Meeting

Monday, January 10th 7:00pm meeting at Microsoft, Oakbrook IL. Tour the new store to see all of the new technology that Microsoft has to offer.  There will be a presentation on the new Windows Phone 7 that just launched and an overview of Cloud Computing. Refreshments will be provided by Microsoft. Due to limited seating, you must R.S.V.P. to Chicagoareawai (at) gmail.com.

2010

December 5th, 2010 – December Chapter Meeting

It’s Holiday Party time!  Join us at Pilot’s Pete’s for an evening of fun!

November 29th,December 1st, December 4th, 2010 – Holiday Shop & Share

Eye4Style Gallery, 60 Shore Drive, Burr Ridge, IL 60527. Proceeds will be applied to the WAI Chicago’s Leading Edge Scholarship Fund.

November 1st, 2010 – November Chapter Meeting

November Meeting at Lewis University features speaker Capt. Dave Koch of The Aerospace Trust

October 4th, 2010 – October Chapter Meeting

Please join us for an evening of socializing, complimentary wine & cheese, soft drinks, hors d’oeuvres and shopping. This open house style event starts at 7pm in the Eye4Style Gallery. Boutique and specialty shop jewelry, handbags and accessories will be offered at wholesale prices.  Major credit cards and cash only are accepted for merchandise purchases. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the American Cancer Society in the battle against breast cancer.  For more information or to R.S.V.P, click here.  View 190 North Feature Video click here.

September 13th, 2010 – September Chapter Meeting

Business Meeting at Lewis University at 6:00pm.

July 29-30th, 2010  – July Chapter Meeting

Women Venture will expand to two days for 2010 and kicks off with an evening in Theater in the Woods on Thursday, July 29th at 7:00 pm. WAI President Dr. Peggy Chabrian will host a panel of accomplished and inspiring women including NASA Astronaut Bonnie Dunbar and Space Station Commander Peggy Whitson.  The activities continue on Friday morning at 9 a.m. with a breakfast for all Women Venture participants in the EAA Nature Center. Tickets for this breakfast are available by calling WAI at (937) 839-4647 or at the Women in Aviation, International booth at EAA AirVenture

June 7th, 2010 – June Chapter Meeting

7:00pm Coffee & Social, 7:30pm presentation and book signing by Barbara Sellers and meeting at Flight World at Chicago Executive Airport, 1061 S. Wolf Road, Hangar 9, Suite 200 North, Wheeling, IL 60090.   Seating is limited, R.S.V.P to chicagoareawai@gmail.com  Directions…

May 15th, 2010 – May Chapter Meeting

Co-Sponsored by J.A. Air Center and WAI Chicago’s Leading Edge Chapter at Aurora Airport.  Registration and more info…

Purchase tickets at www.airventuremuseum.org/fordtrimotor

April 5th, 2010 – April Chapter Meeting

Special presentation by Capt. Rick Siegfried, President of EAA Warbirds of America.   This meeting will be held at Chicago’s Midway Airport Maintenance Building.

March 1st, 2010 – March Chapter Meeting

Business meeting

January 11th, 2010 – January Chapter Meeting

Featured Speaker Erin O’Donnell, Midway Airport