About Us...
Whether you are joining us for the first time, or a returning member, we're so grateful you're here!
Big picture, Women in Aviation is a resource for people to use to get dialed in to the aviation industry. We provide scholarships (over $11 million worth of scholarships have been awarded since the inception of the organization), networking, a yearly conference that hosts industry leaders in a job-fair/educational environment, a tight-knit community, and much, much more!
Hopefully you've gotten a good idea of who we are, what we do, and what we hope to do in the future, and we would love for you to join us on the journey! There will be no pressure to pay any money, or sign up for any formal membership, if you simply just want to see what we're about, learn something, or contribute in some way, we'd love to welcome you to our 'ohana! Click on the button down below to get involved!
Big picture, Women in Aviation is a resource for people to use to get dialed in to the aviation industry. We provide scholarships (over $11 million worth of scholarships have been awarded since the inception of the organization), networking, a yearly conference that hosts industry leaders in a job-fair/educational environment, a tight-knit community, and much, much more!
Hopefully you've gotten a good idea of who we are, what we do, and what we hope to do in the future, and we would love for you to join us on the journey! There will be no pressure to pay any money, or sign up for any formal membership, if you simply just want to see what we're about, learn something, or contribute in some way, we'd love to welcome you to our 'ohana! Click on the button down below to get involved!
Get to Know Our 2023 Board Members
Kalei Perreira
President Aloha Kakou! I am Kalei Perreira a Native Hawaiian private pilot born and raised on Oahu. I am filled with complete excitement to be your WAI Aloha Chapter President this year. Since I started flying I have served on multiple Hawaii chapter boards for WAI and the 99’s. I earned my private pilot license on Maui during the peak of the pandemic towards the end of 2019. Flying during this time, I saw first hand that our community needed help and we are able to play a role in that. From there I started doing non-profit flights from flying rescue chickens to delivering feminine supplies to shelters on outer islands with the help of some very ambitious women pilots. Now back on Oahu, I am an Operations Manager at Rainbow Helicopters and am continuing to grow non-profit flying to reach even more of our neighbors in need. I hope to one day leave a lasting impression on new wings by mentoring and teaching new students not only how to fly but also how to give back to the community using their own skill sets. |
Tessa Coulter
Vice President Aloha my name is Tess and I can’t wait for an exciting year as VP. I started flying three years ago and got my commercial certificate on Maui. Two years ago I bought my first plane, a little yellow Cessna 150. For the last two years I’ve been flying my 150 with the help of fellow female aviators serving our communities. My passion is in helping others through aviation through donation flights, education, and youth mentorship. We’ve been able to aid our underserved communities, fly countless rescue animals, and introduce the next generation to aviation. I look forward to building what we’ve started on a larger platform and inspiring others to use their skills for community service. |
Bianca Vasquez-Abarca
Web Master Aloha everyone! My name is Aracely Bianca Vasquez-Abarca, you can call me Bianca. I'm from Maui, Hawaii which is where I got my Private Pilot Certificate when I was a Junior in High School. I'm passionate about giving back to the community that raised me because it truly takes a village. Although I just graduated from college (Go Class of 2023!), I'm also currently a Marketing Specialist for Maui Skydiving. My aviation goals includes flying for the Hawaii Air National Guard, and starting my own business! I'm excited to share my developing marketing talents with the Aloha Chapter through my position as Web Master during this upcoming year. |
Caitlin Thomas
Secretary Aloha! My name is Caitlin Thomas and I’m a private pilot working on my instrument rating. I started flight training while living in Seattle, Washington and fell in love with the views and being PIC of a lil Cessna 152. Since then, I’ve made it my goal to fly professionally and make this my career. While in Seattle, I worked at a flight school and learned the importance of community. I moved home to Oahu right before the pandemic in 2020, finished my PPL, got married, had a son and have been working on my instrument rating since. I also serve as Treasurer for the Aloha Ninety-Nines Chapter and I’m passionate about bringing women aviators together, helping to make scholarships available and building community. Let’s get together soon and fly! |
Bethany Duncan
Outreach Chairperson My name is Bethany Duncan and I am a First Officer at Hawaiian airlines. I fly the 717 and LOVE buzzing around the islands and flying friends! I am originally from Seattle Washington but have travelled all around the world as a military wive for most of my adult life thus far. I am the outreach chairperson for WAI ALOHA Chapter and I am very excited to continue to grow the community of women aviators through networking and outreach! |