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The NBAA has announced another keynote speaker for the 2023 NBAA Business Aviation Convention andamp; Exhibition taking place Oct. 17-19 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Aviation pioneer and the first female Thunderbird pilot, Col. Nicole Malachowski, will take part in the Day 2 Keynote on Oct. 18.
Malachowski sparked an interest in aviation when she saw military jets fly overhead at five-years-old. Despite the fact women were prohibited from becoming fighter pilots at the time, she was determined to fly one. She joined the Civil Air Patrol in middle school and after soloing at the age of 16, she participated in the Air Force Junior ROTC in high school. Malachowski was accepted as a cadet at the U.S. Air Force Academy and by the time she graduated from undergraduate pilot training at the Columbus Air Force Base, she was among the first women chosen to fly a modern fighter aircraft.
"Col. Malachowski is an inspiration to us all," NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen said. "In her career, she's opened doors not just for herself, but for all women in the military and beyond. We're honored to have her join us at NBAA-BACE."RELATED STORIES:NBAA announces 'Shark Tank' entrepreneur, investor as Day 2 keynote speaker at NBAA-BACENBAA reveals Keynote speakers for Day 1 2023 NBAA-BACEShe is a combat veteran, having served as an F-15E flight commander, evaluator, instructor pilot and flight lead. Malachowski has over 2,300 hours in six different Air Force aircraft. She served as a White House Fellow and the executive director of a White House initiative where Malachowski advised former First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden on topics related to service members, veterans and military families.
Malachowski was the first female Thunderbird pilot and became the first woman to fly on a Department of Defense military jet demonstration team. She is now retired from the Air Force but continues to inspire and encourage women to consider careers in aviation. She will join fellow Day 2 Keynote speaker and Shark Tank television personality Daymond John in the Day 2 lineup. Day 1 Keynote speakers are entrepreneurs and philanthropic tennis champions Stefanie Graf and Andre Agassi.
"Thunderbird pilots are often called the best in the world, and Col. Malachowski showcased the elite skill, precision and professionalism the Air Force demanded of these pilots," Bolen said. "I know that NBAA-BACE attendees will be excited to hear the story of her amazing career journey, which offers lessons in leadership for us all."