September 26, 2022
Report from the: Women in Aviation International – Girl in Aviation Day 2022
Houston, Texas
The Latino Pilots Association was present at the Women in Aviation International - Girls in Aviation Day 2022- Houston on September 24th, 2022, hosted by the Lone Star Flight Museum.
The volunteers set up a booth, which was strategically decorated in a way that would not only appeal to young girls but also show them that it is okay to celebrate every aspect of themselves and still belong in the Aviation industry.
The Nail Painting Station
Girls were allowed to celebrate their heritage and their love of airplanes, all while being girly, tomboy, fashionable, and playful. They do not have to give up any part of themselves to fit in with any narratives. That is why on our booth, among the LPA swag, we offered small wooden airplanes that can be built and played with, and a nail-painting station.
Our nail painting station consisted of different polish colors reflected in many Latin-American Flags, as well as decals related to flying, such as birds, butterflies, dragon flies, stars, and moons. We offered the attendees to have their nails done by a female pilot in the color of whichever flag they wanted to represent.
The DC3 Hangar
At 1:00 pm, all the girls and parents gathered in the DC3 Hangar to eat lunch and ask questions to a group of panelists. Julieta Triana Vásquez, a female Latina pilot working for SkyWest Airlines was the panelist representing the LPA. She shared some of her life experiences as a pilot and her transition from her life in Colombia to Airline Pilot here in the US. She was also interviewed by Fox 26 News where she invited the community to join the Latino Pilots Association. See the Fox 26 News interview at: Fox26Houston-Click Here
In a largely Latino community such as Houston, Latinos are underrepresented in the aviation industry even though Houston is home to the largest aerospace presence in the country. The impact that a little representation could have on the future of Aviation could be revolutionary; that is why on Girls in Aviation Day, it was so important for us to offer representation and support to girls within the LPA community.
Houston LPA volunteers that worked the event were:
Patricia Serrano -Envoy Air
Julieta Triana Vásquez -SkyWest Airlines
Christian Vazquez -Toddcoe Aviation
Luis Prieto - Kalitta Charters II
If at least one girl was inspired to believe that her dreams are attainable, and to follow through despite what others may think, then LPA’s presence made an impact that will be felt long after the day’s closing.
Thank you, Patricia, Julieta, Christian and Luis for your willingness to volunteer your time. Thank you for inspiring and motivating future aviators! Please don’t lose your awesome energy, positive attitude, and your great enthusiasm! We love that at LPA and we are very proud of you all!
Unidos,
LPA Team
