Soaring High: Aviation and Medicine Leaders Visit Eureka!

At Girls Inc. of Greater Atlanta, our Eureka! program is designed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world professional success. This January, our “Eurekans” stepped into the cockpit and the clinic through special guest sessions with two outstanding women leading the way in STEM.

Navigating the Skies: Aviation and Aerospace Engineering

We were honored to host Andie Pfannkuch, a pilot and aerospace professional, who shared her journey into the male-dominated field of aviation. Andie provided our students with more than just inspiration; she offered a masterclass in strategic planning, discussing:

• Scholarship acquisition through unique networking and pageantry.

• Graduating debt-free by choosing courses and pathways strategically.

• Breaking barriers as a young woman in aerospace engineering.

To put these lessons into flight, the day concluded with a hands-on engineering challenge. Students designed and tested paper airplane prototypes, competing for LEGO building sets while applying principles of aerodynamics.

Exploring Medicine with Emory University

With many of our students eyeing careers in healthcare, a visit from Sheena White, PA, was a highlight of the month. As an Assistant Professor at Emory University’s Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, Sheena shared her path to one of the nation’s top medical institutions. Her message of persistence and exploration resonated deeply with students, who engaged in a candid Q&A about what it takes to thrive in the medical field.

Building the Future STEM Workforce

These sessions do more than just introduce careers—they allow our students to envision themselves as the next generation of doctors, pilots, and engineers. By connecting with professionals from Emory and the aviation industry, our girls are building the social capital and confidence to pursue their own ambitious paths in STEM.

Follow along on Instagram to see highlights and more upcoming opportunities to support youth learning and leadership!