National conference inspires UND Women in Aviation
Highlights include meeting airline pilots and other distinguished alums, UND graduates all
By Averie Eixenberger
In March, more than 5,000 attendees at the Women in Aviation International Conference gathered in Orlando, Fla., for a weekend of networking, learning and fun. Among the attendees were members of UND’s Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences chapter.
Twenty-four students represented the chapter at UND, and three faculty members also made the trip. The event began on Thursday, March 21, and lasted for three days; it featured educational sessions, tours and career fairs throughout the weekend.
On the evening of March 22, UND Aerospace hosted an alumni and industry reception. The event gave the chapter’s students a chance to meet UND alums already working in the industry, and gave alums the chance to reconnect with peers and reflect on their time at UND.
The event featured attendees from various backgrounds within aerospace. Among them was Margaret Holloway, a 2018 graduate of UND who now works for Horizon Air.
“I loved my time at UND,” said Holloway. “It’s a great program and has really helped me in my career so far. The things that I learned while in school and flight instructing have been a big help.”
Nicole “Niki” Heyd, who graduated in 1995 and is currently employed with Collins Aerospace, also attended the event. She recalled her time at UND fondly.
“I already loved aviation,” said Heyd. “The aviation bug was only reinforced by the program. It’s insane that years later, I’m basically breathing the same air as many of the role models that I had back then.”
Julie Boer, a senior captain at Walmart Aviation who received both a bachelor’s and master’s degree from UND Aerospace, shared stories of her love of flight instruction and gave advice to students on how to proceed with their training.
“The joy is in the journey,” said Boer. “Make sure you are solid in what you are doing before you make the next jump.”
The students attending the event spent time meeting and networking with alumni. Many students remarked that the advice and guidance they received was extremely beneficial.
“Attending the dinner was incredibly inspiring for me as a female flight student,” said Evelyn Jordan, UND Women in Aviation International Chapter 2024-2025 president and student at UND. “I had the opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations with women pilots of various ages, learning firsthand about their successful careers and experiences. Their stories have greatly motivated me and reinforced my aspirations to pursue a successful career in aviation after my time at UND.”
Throughout the evening, talking and laughter could be heard as alums and current students alike gained new connections. The UND Women in Aviation International Chapter looks forward to attending the next Women in Aviation International annual conference, which will be held in March in Denver.
About the author:
Averie Eixenberger is a Commercial Aviation and English major at UND. After graduation, she hopes to pursue a career as an airline pilot and work within aviation journalism.
