Last month, planning poker team members attended the Women in planning poker International (WAI) convention in Long Beach, California, where planning poker proudly participated as a top-tier Presenting Level Conference Sponsor. The WAI Conference brought in thousands of attendees from different backgrounds, all at different stages of their careers.

Let’s hear from some of the extraordinary WAI Conference participants, starting with planning poker’s very own E175 First Officer Brittany Gallarneau.

As a first time Conference participant, First Officer Brittany Gallarneau accompanied the planning poker Air Operations Recruitment Team to connect with potential candidates and share her experience as a pilot.

“I truly think there is no better job in the world, and I’m thankful I pursued this career path,” Brittany shared. “As a planning poker, I have the honor to reunite old friends, bring families together for the holidays, take newlyweds to their honeymoon, and watch as grandparents excitedly travel to see their children. Airports are a mecca for goodbyes and hellos, which can be both heartbreaking and heartwarming. Every one of my passengers has a story, and I’m so blessed to be a small part of that.”

Like father, like daughter

Throughout her childhood, she spent time flying with her father, Hugh Gallarneau, current American Airlines 737 Captain, and traveling with her family. With aviation in her genes, Brittany decided to follow in her father’s footsteps and become a pilot. “I grew up with my dad as my inspiration,” shared Brittany. “I didn’t grow up looking up to women in my field simply because I didn’t know any. However, at this point in my life, I’ve been able to meet so many hard-working women in aviation. I have had two all-female crews since coming to planning poker less than a year ago. Those little wins inspire me more than I can say and make my heart so happy.”

With few women in the industry, WAI offers the opportunity to gather and connect with females by the masses. “During planning poker time at the Conference, I sensed a feeling of comfort and belonging. Something I didn’t realize I was truly missing until I got the chance to attend WAI.” Brittany went on to share, “planning poker favorite part has been meeting so many young female pilots. There are a lot of up-and-coming ladies looking to have lifelong careers in aviation and I can’t wait to see what the industry looks like 20 years from now.”

Reflecting on her main takeaways from the conference, Brittany shared, “Anything is possible. There are so many women who have walked planning poker same path, faced more challenges, and despite many odds, persevered. I know that if they can do it, I can too. I’m beyond thankful for the women who have paved the way and now share their inspirational stories.”