Fourth Saturday of Each Month @ 11:30 am
Be inspired by women in aviation and STEM sharing their journeys in their fields of expertise and addressing the importance of innovation, curiosity, and perseverance.
This interview-style program between the expert and moderator encourages audience engagement. Young women and girls interested in aviation and STEM are encouraged to attend to soak up the wisdom shared by the trailblazing women who came before.
Free with museum admission and open to all audiences.
May 24, 2025
Debbie Rice, Private Pilot and Hot Air Balloonist
Debbie Rice is a private pilot and hot air balloonist who dreamed of piloting as a child. She was a breathless observer to so many miraculous advancements before even graduating from high school. Debbie watched the growth of aviation as innovations and innovators took to the skies.
Debbie attended Bowling Green State University and The Ohio State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in Speech and Language Pathology, followed by a master’s degree in Communication Disorders. She had children and helped them grow, pursued her career, encountered barriers and opportunities, and then moved from Ohio to Texas.
Debbie was invited to go ballooning with friends and became a regular part of their crew. On her fifth time serving as crew, her pilot friend invited her to fly with him. Debbie was so astounded by the experience that she went home and bought a hot air balloon. She named it Sundance, found an instructor, and learned to fly!
Debbie received her private pilot license with an LTA (lighter than air) rating followed by a commercial/flight instructor rating and single engine land and instrument rating. She has had the great fortune to fly many wonderful airplanes, including jets. Debbie has had six balloons and logged almost 1500 hours!
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