ABOUT
WAI: GREAT SALT LAKE
WAI: Great Salt Lake is a volunteer-run 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to the encouragement and advancement of women in all aviation career fields and interests.
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As a chapter, our goal is to be a positive force for change in our community. Since re-organizing as a community chapter in 2021, we have served the local community and fulfilled our mission through organizing and participating in various initiatives, including hosting annual Girls In Aviation Day events, participating in STEM events at local elementary schools, coordinating aviation-related tours for local youth groups, and participating in charitable projects.
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Our membership is composed of individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and expertise levels. We welcome anyone, regardless of gender, who shares our passion for aviation, STEM, and making a difference in our community. We believe that diversity strengthens our community and our mission.
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WAI: Great Salt Lake values collaboration and partnerships. We are always looking to work with like-minded organizations, schools, and local businesses to maximize our impact and create a supportive network for our community.
WAI GREAT SALT LAKE CHAPTER
BOARD MEMBERS
NUSHEAN LOWDER
Chapter President
"It has been a great pleasure to be a part of the Great Salt Lake chapter of WAI. I have met amazing women who motivate and inspire me every day. One of the most impactful experiences I have had with Women In Aviation was attending the annual conference in Long Beach. Walking through the exhibitor hall, seeing so many powerful, formidable women following their dreams was a true inspiration!
My passion for aviation started with my introductory flight when I was 14 years old.
When I became a pilot over 30 years ago, women made up only 5% of pilots. Today, that number has only increased by 2%. We need more women in aviation! Aviation can be a great career choice for any woman who wants it. You can do it!"
ABBEE CAMPBELL
Chapter Vice President
Abbee started flying in Georgia as a child, inspired by her dad who helped foster a passion for aviation. She then pursued aviation in Utah during college, and transitioned to bush flying in Alaska to gain experience. She is currently a CRJ airline pilot for a regional airline in Salt Lake City.
NIKKI SANDHOFF
Secretary
Nikki's works for the Forest Service, overseeing aviation operations in the Intermountain Region. Her career started over 20 years ago, when she joined the Army to become a Blackhawk Helicopter pilot. After 9 years and 2 deployments, she left service and worked as helicopter pilot engaged in wildland firefighting, as an aviation safety manager, and recently added commercial airplane ratings to her ticket.
"I love the support and mentorship this chapter provides and I am committed to growing this amazing community."
STACIE WHITFORD
Treasurer
Stacie has spent her entire life in aviation, literally. Born into an airline family she had a career in the regional airline world as a inflight manager. After raising her kids she has re-entered aviation on the education side of things. She is currently the Education Coordinator for Cornerstone Aviation and the Treasurer for the Salt Lake Chapter of Women in Aviation. Her favorite part of what she does now is helping people, young and old, get started on fulfilling their aviation dreams.
SARAH SMITH
Outreach & Membership Coordinator
"My favorite part of WAI is connecting with other women in the industry. Working on the board has been a rewarding experience, as I’ve enjoyed helping connect others through social events and getting to work with different fields within aviation. I have always been interested in flying, and not knowing where to start, I first became a flight attendant before working on becoming a pilot. I am currently a First Officer with SkyWest Airlines."
CAREE HEID
Assistant Outreach &Â Membership Coordinator
"I grew up in Fayetteville, GA and became a student pilot in high school. After graduation I moved to Utah. There I explored different career paths, and eventually I returned back to aviation. I earned my aviation degree from Utah Valley University. Although I got my CFI and CFII, I built time flying Part 135 in Saipan and Alaska. Today, I proudly fly as a First Officer at a regional airline based in SLC on the CRJ. When I'm not flying, I indulge in my love for hiking, skiing, and playing the piano."
