Events

The Fastest Woman in the World-Jackie Cochran

From an impoverished childhood in a Florida mill town to becoming one of the most celebrated aviators in history, Jackie Cochran lived a life that defied expectations and shattered barriers. A record-setting pilot, Cochran held more speed, distance, and altitude records than any other aviator of her era - male or female. In 1953, she became the first woman to break the sound barrier, and later became the first woman to exceed twice the speed of sound.

During World War II, she successfully championed the creation of the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP), leading more than 1,000 women who tested aircraft, ferried planes, and performed vital aviation duties that freed male pilots for combat.

Yet aviation was only part of her remarkable story. Jackie built a successful nationwide cosmetics company, traveled the world, entertained heads of state and military leaders, and became one of the most influential women of the twentieth century.

Admired by some, disliked by others, Jackie Cochran was impossible to ignore. Brilliant, ambitious, determined, and often controversial, she possessed an extraordinary ability to overcome obstacles and achieve what many thought impossible.

The Fastest Woman in the World: Jackie Cochran is the fascinating story of a woman who refused to accept limits and changed aviation history forever.

Grab a drink, settle in, and discover the incredible story of the woman who redefined what was possible in the skies. ✈️

Event Details

• Friday, August 14, 2026 | Doors Open at 5:30 pm | Presentation at 6:00 pm
• Location: National Museum of Nuclear Science & History
• Admission: $12 per person
• Requirement: Must be 21+ to attend. An adult must accompany younger guests.

MEET OUR SPEAKER

Donna Pedace has enjoyed a diverse career spanning both the corporate and nonprofit sectors. Her final position in the corporate world was with General Dynamics, where she served as a government liaison for the Trident Submarine Program.

Following her corporate career, she moved into nonprofit leadership and education. As National Director of OASIS, a nationwide lifelong-learning organization, she oversaw programs across the country, culminating in the launch of the Albuquerque branch as her final project. Upon returning to Connecticut, she was appointed Executive Director of the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center and Museum. Later, after relocating to Santa Fe, she became Executive Director of the Spanish Colonial Art Society and Museum, where she helped promote and preserve New Mexico's rich artistic heritage.

Donna is also an award-winning author. Her published works include The Traditional Spanish Market of Santa Fe: History and Artists, Scandalous Women of the Old West: Women Who Dared to Be Different, Women Warriors – The Hidden Spies of WWII, Nancy Wake, The White Mouse, and her most recent book, The Fastest Woman in the World: Jackie Cochran, which chronicles the remarkable life and achievements of one of aviation’s greatest female pilots.