Leaders of Tomorrow Gala - General Information


The Leaders of Tomorrow Gala celebrates WMAA students and their accomplishments, while raising funds for the programs that we believe are important to the student experience. This event is one of the primary fundraising opportunities for the Foundation.

Sponsors underwrite 100% of the cost of this event, so that the dollars raised can go directly toward student experiences. Our event regularly draws more than 1,000 attendees who are interested in aviation, engineering, robotics and education. The impressive roster of past keynote speakers has included:

  • President George W. Bush
  • Richard DeVos Sr.
  • Jeff Skiles (co-pilot of the “Miracle on the Hudson”)
  • Captain James Lovell and Gene Kranz from Apollo 13
  • Retired Col. Mark Tillman, Pilot of Air Force One
  • Heather “Lucky” Penney
  • Renowned journalist Campbell Brown
  • Major Dan Rooney, USAF & Professional Golfer
  • Vernice "FlyGirl" Armour, America's first Black female combat pilot, former Marine and police officer
  • Mike Massimino, astronaut and New York Times best-selling author
  • Michelle "MACE" Curran, fighter pilot in the U.S. Air Force
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Date: Thursday, May 13, 2027
Time: 5:30 pm
Location: Amway Hangar, Gerald R. Ford International Airport

Sponsors underwrite 100% of the cost of this event, providing vital funding for WMAA.

Our event regularly draws more than 1,000 attendees, both nationally and locally, who have a passion for aviation, engineering, robotics, education, and supporting the innovative work at WMAA.

For information about sponsorship, please contact Meggan George at (616) 446-8886 x1112‬.

Thank you for your interest in the WMAA Leaders of Tomorrow Gala. If you are interested in sponsorship, please contact Meggan George for more information.

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