Thank you Event & Programming Partners

Thank you to everyone who joined us for Take FLIGHT at ILG! While our 2025 event has wrapped up, the excitement continues.

📢 A full recap will be shared in the coming weeks, and with additional funding, we look forward to opening even more scholarship opportunities in STEAM and aviation training, education, and certification.

Our Hosts
A heartfelt thank you to Atlantic Aviation ILG and the Wilmington Airport for ensuring we had the very best venue and infrastructure to bring an event of this size to life.

Our Presenting Sponsor - LIMITLESS PARTNER
We are especially grateful to flyGATEWAY. Their generosity and commitment made it absolutely possible for Take FLIGHT to soar. You provided such a unique 'GATEWAY' for youth to explore this great industry!

Our Presenting Partner Organization
We were proud to partner with the Civil Air Patrol, represented by three wings — Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Their presence and engagement brought invaluable inspiration to attendees.

Dr. Alma Elizabeth Bailey – Tuskegee Nurse, age 101
We were deeply honored to welcome Dr. Bailey, a living link to history whose service embodies the courage and legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen and Nurses. She was part of the Philly Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen exhibit, bringing history to life and inspiring future generations of aviators and leaders.

Keynote Speaker: Jamail Larkins
From soloing a powered aircraft at 14, to becoming the youngest aerobatic performer in the U.S., to testifying before Congress, Jamail’s story is one of passion, leadership, and impact. Recognized globally as a World Economic Forum Young Global Leader, a Forbes 30 Under 30, and a Goldman Sachs Top 100 Most Innovative Entrepreneur, Jamail embodies what it means to inspire the next generation.

InspirED Experience Presenters & Emcees
Our InspirED Experience sessions brought meaningful conversations to life, thanks to the leadership of our emcees Lyndse Costabile and Samantha Mitchell. They were joined by Rancel Garcia and Alina Gagliola, who shared their stories and energy to inspire the next generation of leaders in aviation and STEAM.

Capt. Barrington Irving – Flying Classroom
We were proud to welcome Captain Barrington Irving, record-setting pilot and founder of the Flying Classroom. As the youngest person and first Black pilot to fly solo around the world, Capt. Irving continues to break barriers and inspire youth worldwide through hands-on STEM and aviation learning. His participation as both an exhibitor and honored guest brought an unforgettable dimension to Take FLIGHT.

Lady Liberty Aircraft
On display was our symbolic aircraft Lady Liberty, flown in by 20-year-old commercial pilot Ryan Matter. Ryan’s journey reflects the opportunities available when young aviators are given the chance to learn, grow, and take part in programs like ours.

The Next Generation at Work
Several members of our AVi team brought their energy and vision to the event:

• Branden Thomas, Program Manager for Take FLIGHT
• Nifemi Odetuyi, our lead intern, just 17 years old, leading a team of peers with professionalism beyond his years

Our Leadership
We extend our gratitude to our entire Board of Directors for their vision, service, and guidance in advancing AVi’s mission.

Special thanks to those who came to serve and support onsite at Take FLIGHT: Bruce Ganger, Arun Ayyagari, Tim Cwik, Aidan-Rock Arnarson, and Dave Krause (co-founder).

We are grateful to the outstanding organizations that exhibited at Take FLIGHT at ILG. Each played a role in inspiring future aviators, celebrating history, and connecting our community to opportunities in aviation, STEAM, and beyond.

• The Boeing Company
• Leonardo Helicopters
• General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA)
• Avelo Airlines
• Philadelphia International Airport
• Wilmington Airport (ILG)
• Boeing Employees' Flying Association

• flyGATEWAY
• Delaware State University
• Polytech School of Aviation Maintenance & Polytech Adult Education
• Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology
• NJ Aviation Education Council
• WTS TrYOU

• Flying Classroom (Capt. Barrington Irving)
• AVi’s InspirED Experience (Rancel and Alina)
• Erin Murphy Books
• Grand Dames of Aviation
• Master Your Drone

• Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
• Delaware Air National Guard
• United States Air Force Academy
• Delaware Employer Support for the Guard and Reserve (ESGR)
• Civil Air Patrol – Delaware Wing, New Jersey Wing, and Pennsylvania Wing

• Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals (OBAP)
• OBAP Aircraft Display by Ramone Thomas
• Black Women in Aviation (BWIA)
• Roscoe Draper Chapter (RDC) of Black Pilots of America (BPA)
• Philly Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen
• DC-3 Society

• Corporate Angel Network
• National Business Aviation Association (NBAA)
• Aerial Systems Group International
• Aviation Influence, Inc. (AVi)

We are thrilled to announce that planning is already underway for our 2026 Take FLIGHT event!

📍 Hosted by Signature Aviation at Atlantic City International Airport (ACY)
📅 Date TBD – stay tuned!

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💙 If you’re in a position to give back, please consider supporting future opportunities in aviation and STEAM:
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