Stories from the Plaza: Remarkable Women in Aviation

Twice a year, engraved bricks and granite pavers are installed outside Catt Hall in the Plaza of Heroines to honor noteworthy women who have led lives that shaped the world as we know it, whether on an intimate, local or far-reaching level. This edition of “Stories from the Plaza” features four women who were passionate about aviation – Ann Holtgren Pellegreno, Stephanie Wells, Sheila Widnall and Susan Pamerleau – and were honored by the Department of Aerospace Engineering for their remarkable contributions beyond the clouds.

One especially inspiring story is that of Ann Holtgren Pellegreno, born in 1937—the same year aviation legend Amelia Earhart vanished during her round-the-world flight. In 1962, when noted airplane mechanic Lee Koepke was reconstructing the sistership of the plane that Earhart piloted, he approached Pellegreno to see if she would consider doing a commemorative flight following the same path that Earhart had planned. After initially dismissing the idea, Pellegreno couldn’t stop thinking about the opportunity and decided she would and in 1967, she did! Pellegreno tells the full story in her book World Flight, the Earhart Trail.

Beyond the cockpit, Pellegreno has also been a teacher and lauded storyteller. She and her husband Don—also a pilot—lived for 26 years in Story City, Iowa, on a farm where they maintained their own airstrip. The arrival of a nearby hog farm; however, ultimately prompted their move to Texas. They built a new home and hangar on a residential airstrip, where they could continue their love of flying and restoring aircrafts. Their most notable restoration was a Fairchild XNQ-1, which they donated to Hagertown Aviation Museum in 2024. Just this year, Pellegreno added to her legacy by publishing a new book: THE SKY AND I: How I learned to fly – then flew around the world.

Stephanie “Steph” Wells (born in 1953) is recognized for mentoring numerous students while piloting a T-38 astronaut training aircraft. She was also a crewmember aboard the KC-135, which flew parabolic patterns to obtain brief periods of weightlessness for research. Part of Wells’ career was spent at the controls of a WC-130 “typhoon chaser,” flying into the heart of storms that would terrify most. Ominous clouds never held her back – in fact, she won two air medals for 36 typhoon penetrations. She obtained her dream job as a staff pilot when her cousin, an astronaut applicant, arranged a meeting for her with NASA’s aircraft operations staff. Her dedication to science and mentorship has left a lasting mark on both the industry and the next generation of women engineers. Known for her compassion as well as her courage, Wells is celebrated as an “airborne environmentalist” due to her care for both animals and people.

Sheila Widnall (born in 1938) broke historic barriers in 1993 as the first woman appointed as the U.S. secretary of the Air Force. An accomplished aerospace engineer and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) professor, Widnall is internationally acclaimed for her research on fluid mechanics, specializing in aircraft turbulence. Her groundbreaking work continues to influence the field today. By breaking through both academic and institutional ceilings, Widnall paved the way for women to rise to top roles in aerospace. Since her tenure, three other women have held the role of secretary of the Air Force. Widnall later returned to MIT, where she now holds the title of Institute Professor Emerita—the highest faculty rank.

Susan Pamerleau (born in 1946) currently serves as the 33rd United States marshal for the Western District of Texas, having been sworn in September 17, 2018. Pamerleau is another breaker of historic barriers—prior to becoming marshal, she was the first female sheriff of Bexar County, Texas. Although, if you speak with her, that distinction is less noteworthy. In an interview with San Antonia Express-News, she said “My name’s Susan. I’m a woman. That’s it.” She’d rather be recognized for her qualifications than her gender. Moving forward with that vein of credentials, Pamerleau’s longest service was 32 years in the United States Air Force, retiring at the rank of Major General. Her trailblazing roles in security, justice, and defense make her a remarkable figure.

Their engraved paver in the Plaza of Heroines is a wonderful reminder of their legacies—a tribute not only to their accomplishments but to the adventurous, determined spirit each woman represents. While all four women have reached retirement age, slowing down is far from in their nature. Perhaps there’s something in the water—or in their case, something in the air.

A partial list of other women in aviation and aerospace engineering honored in the Plaza includes Beverly Audeh, Jennifer Holtorf Beran, Esther C. Faulkner, Judy May, and Anna L. Pate.

If you are interested in purchasing a brick or a paver to honor a heroine in your life, you can fill out the online order form on the plaza website or visit the Catt Center to complete an order form. To add or edit a narrative or include a photograph in the profile of a woman you have previously honored on the plaza, email the Catt Center at cattcntr@iastate.edu or mail your submission to Plaza of Heroines, 309 Carrie Chapman Catt Hall, 2224 Osborn Drive, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011-4009.