About Us

The Willa Brown Aviation Academy, INC. (WBAA) is a Madison, Wisconsin based non-profit (501c3) educational organization seeking to connect with Madison-area youth who would normally not be exposed to the various wonderful experiences and careers that aviation has to offer. Our organization was founded by three airline pilots, one African-American, one who is female, and one who is part Lebanese. Our diverse group of founders, in their long careers, have not seen many fellow pilots, flight attendants, mechanics, and other aviation workers who looked like us. Our desire is to see increased diversity participation in Aviation, at all levels. The WBAA has the following mission statement:  The purpose and mission of the Willa Brown Aviation Academy is to instill confidence in underserved youth using aviation as a learning discipline. Our educational programming is provided through three distinct programs that engage youth at various stages of their aviation understanding. CAMP WILLA, is a one-week day camp held yearly in the summer for kids 12-17 years of age. The five-day camp consists of three days of academic ground instruction, tours of airport facilities, and guest speakers. The camp includes a free airplane lesson provided by WBAA volunteer pilots. This year Camp Willa will be held July 08 – 12, 2024 at two airport locations: Dane County Regional Airport and Middleton Municipal Airport.  WINGS TO FLY, is a series of one-day flight events that introduces aviation to underrepresented youth, focusing on women and people of color. We offer a one-on-one flight experience, including flight planning, and a 40-minute lesson. A celebration of the youth’s first flight follows back on the ground. MADISON YOUTH AVAITION CLUB (MYAC), invites youth, who after having participated in WBAAs introductory programming, have expressed advanced interest in aviation and possible career tracks. The club meets eight to ten times a year for speakers, facility tours and other experiences leveraged through WBAAs deep connections within the aviation industry.  Though our diversified programing we aim to expose our youth participants to potential career options they may not have ever considered before. At the most basic level, we hope to create lifelong aviation enthusiasts regardless of their life plans.