Florida-based FBO operator Sheltair partnered with Women in Aviation International (WAI) this past weekend to celebrate the 8th annual Girls in Aviation Day. WAI launched Girls in Aviation Day in 2015 with a mission to educate young girls about possible careers in the aviation industry.

Saturday’s events at Sheltair facilities in Florida and Georgia attracted more than 1,200 guests, who were able to interact with flight crews, tour aircraft, engage in STEM activities, and find mentorship opportunities. Among the guest speakers were former NASA astronaut Nicole Stott, Air Race Classic pilot Bunnie Ambrose, Lakeland air traffic controller Chelsie Baskins, and Shelter president Lisa Holland.

“We know that introducing the next generation to positive female models in all areas of aviation will help move the needle to break barriers for women in all aviation and aerospace careers,” said WAI CEO Allison McKay. “With the generous support of WAI corporate sponsors, dedicated WAI chapters, and corporate members, we are delivering an experience of a lifetime, opening doors of previously unimagined opportunities in aviation and aerospace for girls around the globe.”

At the session held at Sheltair’s Tampa FBO, the Tampa Bay Aviation Association awarded its first Betty Skelton Scholarships, which were first announced in March at the Girls Achieving Leadership in Aviation event. Five young women were each awarded $4,000 to help pursue their career goals within the industry.