BATTLE CREEK, MICHIGAN – The Women’s Aviation Career Symposium (WACS) will be held for the eighth year on February 28, 2026. This event is a professional career conference for women from high school through retirement and will be held at Western Michigan University’s College of Aviation in Battle Creek, Michigan. The WACS event will award over $50,000 in scholarships for aviation education, flight and maintenance training, and professional development. Attendees will hear from keynote speaker Sarah Kalmeta, a sought-after professional speaker, facilitator, performance coach, and aerospace emcee. Sarah is a leadership catalyst and aviation strategist who blends 20-plus years of global aviation experience with human performance science to help leaders adapt, communicate, and thrive under pressure.
The details for the event are as follows:
February 28, 2026
9:00 AM to 3:00 PM EST
Western Michigan University College of Aviation
237 Helmer Road North
Battle Creek, MI 49037
WACS will feature time for meeting and networking with local industry companies, organizations, schools, and professional women in aviation. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about the everyday life of panelists representing many different aviation careers. Sponsors and exhibitors are invited to discuss current industry topics and ways to connect with the future generation of aerospace. Sponsors also have the opportunity to connect with a pipeline of top talent in the region. The event will feature hands-on workshops, aircraft simulator sessions, and professional development workshops. Attendees are encouraged to bring printed resumes to be reviewed by industry professionals. The workshops will provide valuable information to attendees on numerous topics including scholarship application tips, internship and mentorship programs, and airline pilot career paths, as well as careers in engineering and aerospace manufacturing.
To learn more or to register for the event, visit the following link: Women’s Aviation Career Symposium (WACS) 2026
ABOUT WACS
WACS was founded in 2018 and its mission is to create a pipeline for the aviation and aerospace industry in Michigan and surrounding states by providing opportunities for companies and those pursuing aviation to network and connect. This is done by promoting local companies, organizations, resources, and schools in an effort to keep talent in the region. Through scholarships, recipients are able to further their training, and companies looking to hire have the ability to tap into a great resource of candidates. Since its inception, WACS has awarded $215,700 in scholarships to 82 women to pursue aviation education, flight training, maintenance training, and professional development.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Helen Hagg
