Breaking Barriers with Becky Calder at Gorton Center

Gorton Center proudly announces an unforgettable evening with Becky Calder, the first female graduate of the U.S. Navy’s elite Top Gun program, on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, in the John & Nancy Hughes Theater.

A decorated F/A-18 fighter pilot and veteran of multiple combat deployments, Calder brings an extraordinary story of courage, leadership, and perseverance. In a career that spanned nearly two decades, she flew missions around the globe, trained future fighter pilots, and shattered barriers in a field historically dominated by men. Her journey stands as a powerful testament to grit, confidence, and the power of defying limits.

“Breaking Barriers with Becky Calder” will include a dynamic presentation, a fireside chat with a moderator, and an audience Q&A. Calder will share vivid stories and lessons about confidence, decision-making under pressure, and perseverance – insights that resonate with students, professionals, families, and anyone striving for excellence.

I first heard Becky Caulder speak when she came to our school district, and she left a lasting impression. She has a gift for inspiring and delivering her message of resilience in a way that is clear, engaging, and deeply relatable. I’m thrilled she's coming back and will be sharing her insights with the wider community at Gorton.”
-Megan Heraty, Lake Forest Resident

Event Details
Event: Breaking Barriers with Becky Calder: An Evening with a Top Gun Trailblazer
Date: Wednesday, November 5, 2025
Time: 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Location: John & Nancy Hughes Theater, Gorton Center, Lake Forest, Illinois
Tickets: $25 – available at https://gortoncenter.org/event/breaking-barriers-with-becky-calder/

About Becky Calder
Becky Calder is a trailblazer in U.S. naval aviation history. As the first woman to graduate from the Navy’s Top Gun program, she earned a reputation as an exceptional pilot, instructor, and mentor. During her nearly 20-year career, she logged thousands of hours in the F/A-18 Hornet and Super Hornet, completed multiple combat deployments, and helped train the next generation of naval aviators. Today, she is an in-demand speaker whose message of determination, leadership, and resilience inspires audiences across the country.