GSNC and American Airlines Collaborate to Inspire Future Aviators
October 28, 2023
QUEENS, NEW YORK (OCTOBER 2023) —The Girl Scouts of Nassau County recently joined forces with American Airlines for a one-of-a-kind aviation program at LaGuardia Airport. This unique initiative aimed to open young minds to potential careers in aviation while connecting them with female professionals from the industry. More than 150 Girl Scouts from throughout Nassau County had the opportunity to board a plane, taxi the runway, learn how planes work, and speak with women pilots, mechanics, security staff, and flight crews about their careers. The partnership with American Airlines was part of the Girl Scouts of Nassau County's ongoing mission to expose Girl Scouts to science and technology-related careers and connect them with inspirational role models to help empower them as they explore future careers.
“It’s crucial to open girls’ minds about the endless possibilities and career options they have today,” said CEO of Girl Scouts of Nassau County Rande Bynum. “This program supports the initiative of Girl Scouts gaining inspiration from female professionals. Seeing the girls smiling and understanding they can choose their own career paths is one reason why we do what we do. Thank you to American Airlines and all the women aviators who participated and inspired our Girl Scouts”
Each Girl Scout that attended earned an Aviation fun patch, symbolizing their newfound knowledge and aspirations from learning about American Airlines. Over 150 Girl Scouts connected with female pilots, flight attendants, and aviation workers over snacks and lunch. This event exemplified the Girl Scouts’ commitment to introducing girls to inspiring role models in STEM fields.
“Being a Girl Scout, I am always inspired to know that the dreams and goals that I set are achievable. Did you know that I can be a solo glider at just 14 years old?” Said Serenity-Rien S. of Farmingdale. Lily M. from New Hyde Park had never been on a plane before this event. She said, “When the nice pilot named Heather heard I had never been on a plane before, she took me under her ‘wing’. She introduced me to the first female pilot hired by an airline, Bonnie. The whole day was a memorable experience.”
The aviation experience program was one of many events organized by Girl Scouts of Nassau County to encourage Girl Scouts to explore different career paths, including ones that focus on STEM. This includes their annual STEM Conference and STEM-related Journeys. For more information about Girl Scouts of Nassau County, how to join and their calendar of exciting events, visit www.gsnc.org
We Are Girl Scouts: Girl Scouts bring their dreams to life and work together to build a better world. Through programs in Nassau County, across Long Island and from coast to coast, Girl Scouts of all backgrounds and abilities can be unapologetically themselves as they discover their strengths and rise to meet new challenges—whether they want to climb to the top of a tree or the top of their class, lace up their boots for a hike or advocate for climate justice, or make their first best friends. Backed by trusted adult volunteers, mentors, and millions of alumni, Girl Scouts lead the way as they find their voices and make changes that affect the issues most important to them. To join us, volunteer, reconnect, or donate, visit girlscouts.org.
Girl Scout Juniors in the cockpit of an American Airlines plane.
American Airlines employees greeting the Girl Scouts of Nassau County
after being taxied around the airport.
