Women’s History Month: Orlando’s Aviation and Leadership Trailblazers
March is Women’s History Month, a time to honor the achievements and contributions of women who have shaped our communities, industries, and culture. Orlando, a city known for its diversity and innovation, has been home to many trailblazing women who have left lasting impacts in politics, aviation, education, and beyond. From early pioneers to present-day changemakers, their legacies continue to inspire future generations.
The 2026 Women’s History Month theme, per the National Women’s History Alliance, is “Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future.” It aims to celebrate the powerful, forward-thinking leadership of women who are redefining what sustainability truly means, going beyond environmental stewardship to include financial strength, resilient communities, leadership development, and intergenerational equity. I am sure we can all agree, as parents, that we want that for our children.
Keep reading to explore our suggestions on how and where to celebrate Women’s History Month in Orlando (below)!
Women Soaring in Aviation
Orlando’s history is also rich with aviation pioneers who defied gravity and societal expectations. Bessie Coleman, the first Black and Native American woman pilot, broke racial and gender barriers in the early 20th century. Though she trained in France due to discrimination in the U.S., her determination inspired generations of pilots.
Another aviation legend, Ruth Elder, attempted to become the first woman to fly across the Atlantic in 1927, proving that women had a place in the skies. Betty Skelton, known as the “First Lady of Firsts,” shattered records in aerobatics and auto racing, paving the way for women in competitive aviation and motorsports. Additionally, Grace the Ace flew reconnaissance missions from Orlando Patrol during World War II, demonstrating women’s crucial role in wartime aviation.
Today, women like Martha Esch, an aviation adventurer, and Delia Miller, a novice pilot in training, carry forward the legacy of fearless female aviators, proving that the sky is not the limit.
Related: 8 Quirky Spots for Kids in Orlando
Orlando’s Women in Leadership
Women continue to shape Orlando’s civic and cultural landscape. Daisy Lynum, a longtime city commissioner, was instrumental in advocating for economic development and community empowerment. Leaders like Dr. Barbara Jenkins, former superintendent of Orange County Public Schools, have transformed education, ensuring equitable opportunities for students.
Orlando also recognizes the contributions of women in business and philanthropy, such as Harriett Lake, a philanthropist whose generosity supported numerous arts and cultural organizations in Central Florida.
As we celebrate Women’s History Month, let’s continue to uplift the voices and stories of the women who have shaped Orlando and beyond. Their courage, resilience, and contributions remind us that progress is built on the foundations they laid, inspiring the next generation to dream bigger and achieve more.
Family-Friendly Women’s History Month Events in Orlando
March is certainly a good time to expose your daughters (and sons) to inspirational women in our community and your own inner circle. The City Beautiful has no shortage of ways to do it. We’re happy to share some upcoming events and opportunities to do so.
Cheer on Women in Sports
There’s nothing quite like the energy of a live game, including supporting superstar women athletes. Grab your aspiring athlete and score winning women time!
Orlando Valkyries Volleyball
- Addition Financial Arena, 12777 Gemini Blvd. N., Orlando, FL 32816
- March 1, 5, 7 & 14, 2026
The Orlando Valkyries bring high-energy matches to the court. These pros dominated the last season, becoming the 2025 Major League Volleyball champions!
UCF Knights – Women’s Soccer
- UCF Soccer Complex, 4275 E Plaza Dr, Orlando, FL 32816
- Friday, March 6, 2026 | 6pm
Head to the University of Central Florida campus to support collegiate athletics. The Knights consistently deliver exciting gameplay and attending a game is a fun, budget-friendly way to show support for women in sports.
The University of Central Florida (UCF) offers 10 varsity women’s sports as part of their NCAA Division I athletic program. These include basketball, cross country, golf, rowing, soccer, softball, tennis, indoor track & field, outdoor track & field, and volleyball. Cheer on the UCF women’s soccer team on March 6th!
Orlando Pride
- Inter&Co Stadium, 655 W. Church St., Orlando, FL 32805
- March 15 & 20, 2026
Orlando’s National Women’s Soccer League team brings elite talent and excitement to Downtown Orlando. Grab your purple gear and spend the evening cheering on powerhouse players, including Marta.
Marta Vieira da Silva holds the record for most goals scored in any World Cup (women’s or men’s) with 17 as of 2025; was the first player (of any gender) to score at five different World Cups; and is the first player (of any gender) to score at five consecutive Olympic Games!
Make it a Sunday Funday watching Orlando Price vs. Seattle Reign FC on Sunday, March 15 at 4pm. Or end the week on a high note watching Orlando Pride vs. Denver Summit FC on Friday, March 20 at 8pm.
More Women’s Sporting Opportunities:
- Orlando Roller Derby – March 21st at Barnett Park
- Girls on the Run
Women’s History Month is also about learning, leadership and so much more.
Women’s Self Defense & Situational Awareness Class with Women’s Recruiting Event
- Valencia College Institute of Public Safety, 8600 Valencia College Ln
Orlando, FL 32825 - Wednesday, March 4, 2026 | 6– 8pm
This hands-on, interactive self-defense class builds confidence and equips women with practical, real-world personal safety skills. The training focuses on situational awareness, threat recognition and simple, effective response techniques through realistic drills and scenarios designed to enhance confidence and decision-making in everyday situations.
It’s never too early to teach safety skills, especially to tweens and teens.
Orange County Library Events
Celebrate Women’s History Month this March at your library with programs and events featuring influential women who advanced science, technology, engineering, art and math. Here’s a snapshop of upcoming events, each of which has multiple branch locations, so check the website for dates and times.
Preschool STEAM: Women Inventors
Exploration meets early learning in this women-themed, hands-on STEAM program for curious preschoolers. Recommended for ages 3–5.
STEAM Jr.: Women in Science
Junior scientists will explore STEAM concepts to expand their minds and explore the world around them. Recommended for ages 6-12. March events will specifically highlight women’s contributions to the scientific field, while engaging in crafts before utilizing the scientific method for a fun experiment.
Flying High
Participating kiddos will design, fold, and test paper airplanes while learning about pioneering women in aviation.
The Math is Mathing
Discover the women who used math to pioneer computing, including Ada Lovelace, Mary Cartwright, Grace Hopper, and more. Recommended for age 13-18.
Leaf Detective
Children will participate in rainforest activities while learning about Margaret Lowman and her discoveries as one of the first scientists to explore the rainforest canopy. Recommended for ages 6-12.
Host Your Own Women in History Gathering
Don’t see an event that fits your schedule? Create one! Even a simple mommy-and-me outings can serve as an opportunity to have conversations about women’s empowerment.
Ladies: Please also check out “Best Ways to Celebrate Women’s History Month in Orlando,” on our sister site Orlando Date Night Guide. It’s basically your mom’s night out plan for March
