12th Annual girls in Aviation Day
Join us Saturday, September 19, 2026
** Registration Opens July 27, 2026 **
What is Girls in Aviation Day?
Girls in Aviation Day is a high-flying day of discovery, inspiration, and hands-on fun for youth ages 8–17. Presented by ExxonMobil, this free event introduces girls to the exciting world of aviation, aerospace, and STEM through interactive activities, aircraft experiences and career exploration. Participants will also enjoy an inspiring luncheon and Q&A with industry professionals.
Every registered participant receives a t-shirt, swag bag and access to a day filled with unforgettable experiences designed to inspire achievement and the endless possibilities in aviation.
Activities and Experiences
New for 2026
- LIVE ILC Dover Space Suit Demo (presented by ExxonMobil) – Watch a presenter suit up in a real space suit and learn how astronauts live and work in space
- Drone Soccer – Observe high flying fun while pilots race through the air to score goals
- Maker! Circuit Flashlights – Make your own flashlight with a paper circuit
- Stemonstration: Wind Tunnel – Get blown away when you test your own airplane against the wind
- 3D Print a Plane – Put pen to paper to design your own aircraft
- Robot Live Airport – Code a robot to navigate taxiways and runways
Returning Fan Favorites
- Aircraft Tours – Get up close to a variety of aircraft, from military and medical to private and business travel on our ramp (weather permitting)
- Pilot Experience: Pre-flight inspection, fundamentals of flight & flight simulators
- Visit the Flight Academy & Texas Aviation Hall of Fame – Permanent Museum Exhibits
- Career & College Fair – Connect with colleges, organizations, and aviation professionals
- Luncheon and Q&A Panel– Hear from women with careers in aviation and aerospace during an inspiring panel discussion. (Lunch provided for registered participants only)
Event Schedule:
- 8:00 am – Arrival & Check-in, Morning Refreshments
- 8:30 am – Welcome Message from President & CEO, Anna Hawley
- 8:40 am to 9:00 am – Featured Program, ILC Dover Space Suit Demo – Presented by ExxonMobil
- 9:00 am – 11:30 am
- Aircraft Tours on the Ramp
- Career & College Fair
- STEM Activities
- Visit Flight Simulators, Exhibits & Galleries
- 11:30 am – Luncheon & Panel Discussion
- 1:00 pm – Group Photo, Event Concludes
2026 Panelists
Meet the Women Leading the Way! Click below for their full bios.
2026 Moderator
Marcela White
Marcela White is the co-owner of Tavaero Jet Charter, Corp., an aircraft charter company based at Houston Hobby Airport. White has almost 40 years of aviation industry experience.
Her aviation career began in 1986 when she joined her sister’s private jet charter company, which she bought in 1989. In 1995, White earned her private pilot’s license and obtained cabin attendant certifications. Equipped with this training, White gained a better understanding of the roles, responsibilities, challenges and time constraints of flight crews in their quest to meet their private charter clients’ needs and expectations.
White is a member of the National Business Aircraft Association, the South Texas Business Aviation Association, and Women in Corporate Aviation. She frequently serves as a speaker and panelist for aviation industry conferences and events. She also serves as a mentor for women and young professionals who are interested in pursuing a career in aviation and other STEM related fields.
White, along with her husband and business partner, resides in Friendswood and enjoys spending quality time with their two adult daughters.
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
Subscribe to our Newsletter for updates.
Become an Exhibitor!
Share information about your aviation-related degree program or the exciting aviation and STEM career opportunities within your organization. Space is limited, and all exhibitor applications will be reviewed. Selected exhibitors will be notified upon acceptance.
thank you to our sponsors!
Thank you for providing hundreds of girls in Greater Houston the fuel for their aviation and aerospace dreams!
Changemaker
Catalyst
Patricia Jayne Keefer Foundation
Connector
Linda & Barry Hunsaker
Become a sponsor
Help girls take flight! This event spotlights opportunities in aviation and STEM, and your support fuels the endless possibilities open to them.