Women in Aviation Greater Los Angeles Area Chapter

The Greater Los Angeles Area Chapter positions are for a one year term. Please join us at an event if you are interested in volunteering with us.

2024 Chapter Board:

2024 President: Melissa Diehl

Thank you Fallon Winslow for entrusting me with this role and passing over the baton. I’m so excited to be stepping into President for 2024 and to create more opportunities for us all to connect and expand our Chapter.

I’m currently a Charter Jet pilot for a Part 135 company based out of John Wayne Orange County and plan to transition to the airlines soon. I still work as a CFI for my old flight school when I can help out and love to be apart of pilots journeys especially in their beginning stages. It’s always rewarding watching someone do their first solo or pass their first checkride! Before finding aviation, I managed CorePower Yoga for the LA region and spent a lot of time in hot rooms and yoga pants. I’m also a big fan of music and love to sing or go to concerts in my free time. I look forward to collaborating on ideas for our socials, events, and outreach to continue growing our aviation chapter in SoCal. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me personally or to our chapter email: Greaterlawai@gmail.com.

Looking forward to connect at our next event in 2024!

2024 Vice President: Spencer Thornton

Hey everyone, I’m Spencer. I’m a Charter Jet pilot out of Orange County. I’m thrilled to be given the opportunity to serve as Vice President the Women in Aviation Greater Los Angeles Area Chapter for 2024. I’m grateful everyone has been extremely welcoming. As a male in aviation, I find it inspiring to see so many women advancing in and innovating career paths in the aviation industry and would like to do my part in encouraging women and inviting more men to support female aviators. I’m especially proud to serve our new President Melissa, who is a not only a great pilot and advocate for this chapter, but also my girlfriend. I’ll be utilizing my time to help support the fruition of more events and outreach programs and to socialize and keep company with any other plus ones who might be new to attendance to the women in aviation events.

2024 Membership Chair: Lis Gimenes

JetBlue, First Officer

bio coming soon!

2024 Treasurer: Shayla Paige

I am Shayla Paige, a passionate Student Pilot and Intervention Teacher, residing in Long Beach, CA, actively engaged in the community of Compton. Serving as treasurer, I am excited to utilize my gifts and values to contribute to my community. Grounded in principles of respect, integrity, high standards, and honesty, I am committed to both education and the skies above.

My fervor for aviation continues to grow rapidly as I immerse myself deeper into its intricacies. Moreover, I aspire to inspire women at every stage of their aviation journey—whether they are embarking on this path like myself or are seasoned aviators. I aim to encourage and support their aviation interests, fostering a community that celebrates and empowers women in this field.

Outside of aviation I enjoy yoga, hiking, the beach, laughter, and eating my version of healthy/ clean.

2024 Secretary: Francesca Brown

Private Pilot, KSNA

Bio coming soon!

2024 Outreach: Shannon Cabeen

My name is Shannon Cabeen. I am excited to volunteer as Outreach Chair for the Greater Los Angeles Area Chapter of WAI.

We’re all in various places in our aviation journey. As an avid fan of aviation and vehicle design, I seek to cross collaborate with companies designing interfaces for tomorrow, today.

I have over a decade of experience in UX design and creative management. When it comes to our outreach this year, I plan on using my tech and design skills along with my enthusiasm for aviation to help connect and invite others into our community.

I have a lot of ideas for events and community building, however, if any members have ideas for events, networking or anything related to community building, do not hesitate to get in touch with me.

In addition to design, when I’m not at work I love playing guitar or going on a hike. I’m excited about being part of a community of like minded people where we can network, but most importantly make new friends.