Women in Aviation 2026 GaLA

May 15th, 2026

The Thursday Club

1224 Santa Barbara St, San Diego, CA 92107

We have lots of great gifts in our Silent Auction and raffle (including but still growing)…Autographed baseball Ramon Laureano…one-of-a kind custom carved padres bat...$600 wine class for party of 20…Aviation Jewelry…Discovery Flights…Tory Burch Purse…Miguels Cocina gift cards…(2) $125 Gift cards for Wine…(4) Extreme Acrobatic Flights…Michael Kors Airplane Purse…Ruth Chris gift certificate…Flower arrangement e- course… Ninox flying eye optics sunglasses…Discovery Flights…Zephyr Aviation Pilot Wallet…Sunbum gift basket…Wine kit w/2 bottles of wine…Pilot’s wife gift box…San Diego Air and Space Museum 4 pack…Tea Bazaarca gift basket…Nicholas Wilton for United framed “California Poster”…Discovery Flight…Wine Tasting for 4…

We have lots of great gifts in our Silent Auction and raffle (including but still growing)…Autographed baseball Ramon Laureano…one-of-a kind custom carved padres bat...$600 wine class for party of 20…Aviation Jewelry…Discovery Flights…Tory Burch Purse…Miguels Cocina gift cards…(2) $125 Gift cards for Wine…(4) Extreme Acrobatic Flights…Michael Kors Airplane Purse…Ruth Chris gift certificate…Flower arrangement e- course… Ninox flying eye optics sunglasses…Discovery Flights…Zephyr Aviation Pilot Wallet…Sunbum gift basket…Wine kit w/2 bottles of wine…Pilot’s wife gift box…San Diego Air and Space Museum 4 pack…Tea Bazaarca gift basket…Nicholas Wilton for United framed “California Poster”…Discovery Flight…Wine Tasting for 4…

Join us for an inspiring evening celebrating the women who are shaping, leading, and advancing the aviation industry.

About the evening

Guests will enjoy an elegant dinner, inspiring program, and the opportunity to connect with aviation professionals, industry leaders, and community supporters who share a commitment to advancing opportunities for Women in Aviation.

Proceeds from the evening directly support scholarships, mentorship, and outreach programs that empower the next generation of aviators.

This event will bring together: Aviation Professionals, Industry Executives, Corporate Partners, Community Leaders & Media Representatives

The details

Cocktail Hour: 5pm-6pm

Event: 6pm-9pm

Parking: Complimentary Valet

Attire: Formal

2026 Gala
$120.00

Secure your seat with a $120 donation for an inspiring evening of celebration, connection, and impact. Together we will honor aviation pioneer Martha King and raise vital support for programs advancing Women in Aviation.

Guest of honor

This year, we are proud to recognize Martha King, co-founder of King Schools and one of the most influential educators in modern aviation.

As one of the first female airline transport pilots and a pioneer in aviation education, Martha has dedicated her career to expanding access to flight training and empowering thousands of pilots around the world.

Her legacy continues to inspire generations of aviators and leaders across the aviation industry.

Ways you can support

Impact of Your Support

Sponsorship proceeds support

  • Aviation Scholarships (30k to be awarded this year!)

  • Community aviation education events

  • Professional development workshops

  • STEM outreach programs

  • Youth mentorship initiatives; Girls in Aviation Day (GIAD)

Sponsorship Opportunities

Your sponsorship directly supports scholarships, mentorships initiatives and outreach programs designed to elevate Women in Aviation.

Platinum Sponsor-$5000

  • Premier Visibility

  • Prominent logo placement on all event materials

  • Logo featured on WAI San Diego for one year

  • Verbal recognition from the stage during the event

  • Social media spotlight - six posts over the course of one year

  • One VIP Table (10 seats) with proximity seating

    Best for: Organizations seeking maximum visibility and long-term brand alignment with Women in Aviation

Gold Sponsor-$3500

  • Logo on WAI website for one year

  • Recognition from stage

  • Recognition in printed and digital event program

  • Social Media-Thank You post

  • Eight event tickets seated together, with proximity seating

    Best for: Companies wanting strong brand exposure and meaningful event participation

Silver Sponsor-$2000 - SOLD OUT

  • Recognition in event program and materials

  • Recognition from stage

  • Social Media thank you post

  • Six event tickets seated together, with proximity seating

    Best for: Organizations committed to supporting Women in Aviation while gaining event visibility

To inquire about table sponsorship, please contact Melissa Tarkett by clicking the button below.