Finding My Place in the Aviation World

Student pilot shares journey of inspiration and invaluable networking at WAI Conference.

Francesca Baldi

Thursday, April 02, 2026 at 12:00 PM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

Exhibit hall at the 2026 WAI Conference in Grapevine, Texas [Credit: Francecsa Baldi]

Key Takeaways:

The author, a Western Michigan University aviation student, discovered her passion for flying unexpectedly and is now actively pursuing a pilot certificate while involved with Women in Aviation International (WAI).
Her first WAI Conference was a transformative and inspiring experience, offering valuable networking opportunities with pilots and industry professionals.
Despite being a college sophomore, she received invaluable advice, mentorship, and encouragement, which helped her overcome self-doubt and solidify her career path.
The conference deeply reinforced her belief in her future in aviation, making her feel supported and empowered within the industry.

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Growing up I was not quite sure what I wanted to be.

I threw out ideas occasionally, but nothing made me excited. Not until I was at the beach with my friends and saw a little airplane fly over. I had seen planes fly over the beach hundreds of times as I lived in Maine as a small child and then moved to New Hampshire when I was 8.