NATCA Attends 2026 Women in Aviation Luncheon Honoring U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth

Several NATCA members and staff recently attended the 2026 Women in Aviation Luncheon honoring U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth of Illinois, the Ranking Member of the Senate Subcommittee on Aviation, Space, and Innovation. The event was hosted by the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) and was held May 14, 2026, in Washington, D.C. The event brought together aviation and aerospace leaders to recognize and celebrate the achievements, leadership, and advancement of women in aviation.

NATCA members Kristi Hopson (Tulsa ATCT, TUL), Vanessa Gurrola (Chicago O’Hare ATCT, ORD), and Jerah Kavoosi (Minneapolis ATCT, MSP) were joined at the luncheon by NATCA National staff members, including Chief of Staff Dean Iacopelli, Special Counsel to the President Eugene Freedman, Senior Political and Legislative Representative Annie Chavez, and PAC and Political Coordinator Joanna Satterly. NATCA Vice President Emeritus Trish Gilbert also attended the luncheon.