Women in Aviation International (WAI) has revealed the 2026 inductees for its international Pioneer Hall of Fame.
The Class of 2026
Olga Custodio
As the first Latina pilot in the U.S. Air Force and a pioneering Hispanic female captain in commercial aviation, Olga Custodio defines her success through three principles: Overcome self-doubt, stay open to possibilities, and see yourself as an equal.
After flying the T-38 as an instructor pilot, she served 24 years in the Air Force and retired as a lieutenant colonel. She then flew with American Airlines on the Boeing 727, Fokker 100, Boeing 757 and 767, accumulating over 11,000 hours of flight time and retiring as a captain.
As a STEM advocate, Olga is a speaker and volunteer hoping to inspire and educate students, especially from underserved communities.
Her memoir “Flightpath of Fortitude” includes her life insights on how to overcome barriers and achieve your dreams.
Joan Sullivan Garrett
Joan Sullivan Garrett began her medical career as a flight nurse who envisioned a solution for travel safety on air, land, and sea, anywhere in the world, after losing a young patient in the remote Arizona mountains.
She founded MedAire in 1985 and pioneered global telemedicine through radio, teletype, and satellite communications. She trained flight crews and corporate pilots in emergency response, bringing a hands-on approach to a challenge the industry had largely overlooked.
But her most transformative innovation came with the creation of MedLink, a 24/7 air-to-ground response center staffed by emergency physicians. Serving as CEO until 2008, Joan details her journey in her autobiography “One Life Lost, Millions Gained.”
Nadine Berniece Ramsey
The late Nadine Berniece Ramsey was a pioneering female pilot of military aircraft and a member of the Women Air Force Service Pilots (WASP) during World War II.
As the first woman in the United States to fly military aircraft, she helped pave the way for today’s women military aircraft pilots. Nadine’s flying achievements include being the first Kansas woman to earn a commercial pilot license, among the earliest women to fly the U.S. Air Mail, as well as a successful aircraft businesswoman, stunt flier, and racer.
She was also a first squadron commander for the Civil Air Patrol Program and one of only about 50 women to provide wartime service training instruction during the war. Her legacy to the nation is detailed in the book “Taking Flight.”
The three women will be honored at the 37th annual Women in Aviation International Conference in Dallas, on March 20, 2026.
“We want to ensure that the rich history of women’s accomplishments in aviation is not lost in time,” says Lynda Coffman, WAI CEO. “Our international Pioneer Hall of Fame honors women who made remarkable contributions to aviation, as well as open doors for future generations of women who choose aviation as a career. This year’s inductees reflect their unique contributions to aviation, and we look forward to celebrating their accomplishments.”
The Women in Aviation International Pioneer Hall of Fame was established in 1992 to honor women who have made significant contributions as record setters, pioneers, or innovators. Special consideration is given to individuals or groups who have helped other women be successful in aviation or opened doors of opportunity for other women, according to WAI officials.
For more information: WAI.org/Pioneers
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