Above: Hanna Albrecht carries in a banner that features the team’s message to women and girls. Photo by Laszlo Andacs.

The Great New York State Fair boasts more than 350 acres of delight for people of all ages for 17 days spanning the end of August through early September. Its location in Syracuse buzzes with carnival rides, games, food, entertainment, vendors, farm education and, for the last two years, the Highlight Pro Skydiving team. Every year, the fair hosts a Women’s Day and brings in special guests.

This year, the event brought in the head coach of the Syracuse University women’s basketball team, Felisha Legette-Jack, who had her own university basketball number retired and is now trailblazing as a woman in leadership. “I represent you, you represent me, we are we,” she said during her speech at the women’s appreciation luncheon.

Women’s Day also featured four members of the Highlight Pro Skydiving team—Hanna Albrecht, Amy Chmelecki, Melissa Lowe and Eliana Rodriguez—who took to the air near sunset, landing near one of the main stages. The jumpers wore streamers and smoke and Albrecht flew in a banner reading “Be Bold, Be Brave,” which showcases Highlight’s mission: to inspire women and girls to live brave, bold lives of their own design.

“It all comes from the movement of women trying to make positive change for other women in the world, and we’re hoping to continue carrying on that message,” said Chmelecki, a co-founder of the team.

Melissa Nelson | D-20224
Grand Junction, Colorado