Four female Sailors from across the fleet were selected to represent the Navy at the 17th annual Women in Aviation International (WAI) Conference at the Gaylord Opryland in Nashville, Tenn., March 23-25.

WAI is a nonprofit organization that encourages the advancement of women in all aviation career fields and interests.

Selected were Lt. Cmdr. Tamara K. Graham, assigned to Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron 8, and Aviation Warfare Systems Operator 1st Class (AW/SW) Leticia L. Anderson, assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Weapons School, Pacific, both based at Naval Air Station North Island; Lt. Laurie N. Coffey, assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron 94 at Naval Air Station Lemoore, Calif., and Chief Aviation Structural Mechanic (AW/NAC) Sarah G. Beahan, assigned to Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 120, based at Naval Station Norfolk, Va.

The theme of the conference is “Reaching New Heights of Success.” The selected participants will attend seminars focusing on necessary skills for successful aviation careers.

“I’m excited to talk to other women about their experiences in the aviation field and share mine with them,” said Anderson. “I hope I can help pave the way for other women by letting them see that it’s possible to work in a demanding job and still raise a family.”

Participants are also scheduled to visit with kids at local Tennessee schools to speak about their jobs and the opportunities available in the Navy.

“The community outreach aspect of this opportunity will help the Navy recruit a diverse and capable pool of young people to ensure the future strength of the Navy,” said Beahan.

Commander, Naval Air Forces selected the four Navy representatives from more than 40 applicants in aviation career fields Navywide. The participants were selected based on their current job, career path and experience.

This is the first year CNAF selected participants to attend the WAI conference and represent the Navy.

More than 3,000 women and men from all segments of the aviation industry are expected to attend the conference. The conference will include a trade show with an estimated 120 aviation-related companies, a job fair exhibit area, and more than 40 aviation educational seminars. [ANN Salutes Journalist Seaman Jennifer S. Kimball, Fleet Public Affairs Center, Pacific]

FMI: www.navy.mil