News
Department of Parks and Recreation in Prince George’s County celebrates Latina pioneers in aviation in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month
September 9, 2024
RIVERDALE, Md. – In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County presents Latinas in Aviation Global Festival at the College Park Aviation Museum and Airport on September 14, 10 am – 4 pm. This special cultural event honors and celebrates the trailblazing Latinas who have soared to new heights and opened doors for future generations in the aviation industry.
“Latinas in Aviation Global Festival allows the College Park Aviation Museum to be more inclusive in interpretation and connects us more meaningfully with our local Hispanic community,” said Dr. Nadine Boksmati-Fattouh, Museum Director at the College Park Aviation Museum. “In its fourth year, this event brings the community together and continues to inspire and empower young girls and provides resources and mentorship to those interested in an aviation career.”
The free family-friendly festival will include a fly-in (weather permitting), an exhibition, bilingual storytime, community art, and activities facilitated by museum educators and the Latinas in aviation. The cultural celebration will culminate in a lively concert with Sol y Rumba and Mariachi. Food vendors will be on-site for people to enjoy authentic Latin flavors.
M-NCPPC first partnered with Jaqueline Ruiz, CEO of Fig Media and founder of the “Latinas in Aviation” brand, to host the festival in 2021 and together in 2022 launched an edition of Latinas in Aviation book that features local Maryland Latinas in the aviation industry. The fourth book in the Latinas in Aviation series features a new cohort of trailblazing Latinas.
“Celebrating the 4th annual Latinas in Aviation Global Festival is an incredible achievement. The collaboration with College Park Aviation Museum and Latinas in Aviation continues to grow strong and is a true testament to how our stories can bring a positive impact in our community,” said Jacqueline Ruiz, Founder of Latinas in Aviation.
In 2024, the College Park Aviation Museum received the American Association for State and Local History’s Leadership in History award for the Latinas in Aviation program. The AASLH Leadership in History Awards program is the nation’s most prestigious competition for recognition of achievement in state and local history.
“The Latinas in Aviation Global Festival is important in the Hispanic community because it serves as a beacon of representation, inspiration, and empowerment,” said Ariana Ocampo, a contributor to the 4th edition of the Latinas in Aviation book. “This event provides a unique platform to inspire future generations, foster a supportive community, and highlight the diverse narratives that enrich our field. Being part of this historic moment underscores the significance of our stories and our roles as pioneers and leaders in aviation.”
This event is supported by Field of First Foundation, Inc. Airbus, ATHA, AND District 3.
To learn more about Latinas in Aviation Global Festival and the College Park Aviation Museum visit pgparks.com.
About the College Park Aviation Museum
The College Park Aviation Museum is owned and operated by The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County. Situated on the College Park Aviation Campus, the museum overlooks the active runway of the historic College Park Airport, the world’s oldest continuously operating airport and the site of numerous significant aviation firsts. Dedicated to preserving, interpreting, and promoting the rich aviation history of College Park Airport and Prince George’s County, the museum fosters curiosity, learning, and community engagement. By enhancing our interpretive efforts, broadening representation, and nurturing partnerships, we are committed to positively impacting the community we serve.
Opened in 1998, the College Park Aviation Museum is proud to be a Smithsonian Affiliate.
About the Department
With over 28,000 acres of parkland, trails, athletic fields, playgrounds and more, the M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation in Prince George’s County provides an award-winning park system through progressive, quality, innovative leadership and a commitment to its community and environment. The Department delivers first-class recreational activities and programs for people of all ages and ability levels. It strives to improve the quality of life for residents in Prince George’s County and the communities in which they live, work, and raise families. The Department’s Formula 2040 Plan establishes a framework that will assure the Department can meet future parks and recreation programmatic and facility needs, fulfilling its mission to determine the combination of land, facilities and programs that will provide appropriate experiences for Prince Georgians in the future. To learn more, visit www.pgparks.com.
Media Contact: Jennifer Munoz, 301-580-8831
