Be inspired, find your voice in STEM and learn about careers in aviation and aerospace. During this one day event, hear from inspirational women, get hands-on with fun, interactive activities and attend a ”Fly Fair” with local and regional clubs, schools, aerospace industry reps and more.


Sharon Caples McDougle holding her book "Suit U for Launch with Shay!"

2024 Keynote Speaker: Sharon Caples McDougle

Retired Spacesuit Technician, Air Force Veteran and Author

Sharon McDougle began her aerospace career as an Aerospace Physiology Specialist at Beale Air Force Base in 1982 supporting SR-71 and U2 pilots. In 1990, McDougle began her work with NASA as a Boeing Suit Technician responsible for processing launch and reentry suits worn by NASA Space Shuttle astronauts. She was promoted to Crew Chief in 1994, becoming the first female and first African American Crew Chief over Shuttle Crew Escape Equipment and led the first and only all-female suit tech crew as part of STS-78. In 2004, McDougle became Manager of the Crew Escape Equipment Processing Department, overseeing the team that managed aspects from suiting up to landing recovery. McDougle was involved with Shuttle missions from STS-37 to STS-135 and retired in 2012 after the end of the Space Shuttle Program the prior year.

McDougle is also the author of Suit Up for Launch with Shay!, a book about what it takes to prepare a spacesuit for space. Suit Up for Launch with Shay! will be available for purchase in the Museum Store.


Open to middle and high school students.
Students under age 14 must be accompanied by an adult.

The Museum is committed to creating a more diverse and inclusive aviation and aerospace industry. We are devoted to enriching the future by welcoming all young women regardless of their race, national origin, ethnicity, disability, gender or sexual orientation. 

Event Details

Women Fly 2024 was held on Saturday, March 30. Thank you to everyone who attended the event and a big thank you to our Keynote Speaker, Sharon Caples McDougle, our Sponsor Alaska Airlines, and all our Fly Fair partners. To be notified for next year's event, please sign up for our mailing list below.

Women Fly Mailing List

If you would like to receive information and communications regarding Women Fly, please sign-up below.


Questions? Please contact us at WomenFly@museumofflight.org

Thank you to Alaska Airlines for their generous support of Women Fly.

Alaska Airlines Logo


Interested in sponsoring Women Fly?

Please contact Mary Batterson, Corporate Partnerships Officer at 206.764.5879 or MBatterson@museumofflight.org.