Newly Established Grand Dames of Aviation Nonprofit Aims to Celebrate, Educate, Inspire with New Scholarships, Sponsored Programming

The Grand Dames of Aviation (GDoA) announces it has earned its 501(c)3 nonprofit designation, providing growth opportunities for the organization to advance its mission. Founded by a group of dedicated women in professional aviation, the GDoA celebrates extraordinary achievements in aviation, educates through scholarships and inspires through mentorship and networking.

“Cultivating the talent, innovation and leadership of women is critical for the future of aviation and aerospace,” says Grand Dames of Aviation founder, Carol Dean. “It’s so important to give back to our amazing industry by providing opportunities to inspire the next generation of aviation and aerospace industry leaders.”

Grand Dames will offer mentorship and networking opportunities as well as scholarships in areas such as career goals, professional development and return to service.

GDoA's news coincides with National Aviation Month celebrations occurring this November, as well as the launch of the new Grand Dames of Aviation Abingdon watch, available for purchase. Proceeds aid the organization’s scholarships and programming. The GDoA offers special pricing for certified Grand Dames of Aviation members. Availability is limited. To purchase or see details on the Grand Dame Watch, visit https://www.abingdonco.com/products/gda-watch.

“The Abingdon Co. is proud to introduce the Grand Dame watch. This stunning timepiece honors the trailblazing women who came before us — fierce, accomplished, confident and skilled,” says Abingdon Mullin, Grand Dame and founder of Abingdon Co. “This is the first Abingdon watch to feature a guilloché dial, an almost 600-year-old engraving technique that decorates the dial of the watch with beautiful intricate patterns. The Grand Dame watch will be as timeless of a masterpiece as the centuries-old guilloche dials have become.”

The watch is priced at $870, commemorating the 87th anniversary of the maiden flight of the Grand Dame — the Douglas DC-3, one of the most iconic and legendary planes of our time — whose first flight was made December 17, 1935, revolutionizing air travel. The aircraft's accomplishments in war and in peace are still celebrated today around the world, where more than 100 DC-3s are still in operation.

A Grand Dame herself, living legend of aviation Patty Wagstaff sports the Abingdon “Grand Dame” watch. A true grand dame of aviation and an inspiration to many, Wagstaff is a champion aerobatic pilot and one of the few pilots ever to win the National Aerobatic championship three times. She is also a winner of the International Aerobatic Championship. Wagstaff owns and operates an aerobatic school in St. Augustine, FL, and continues to perform at airshows all over the world. 

"What makes you happy? Be it, own it, do it," says Wagstaff. "It will lead you to live your destiny.”

For more information or to partner, donate or become a member of Grand Dames of Aviation, visit GrandDamesofAviation.org.