A World Record Skydive in Celebration of the 19th Amendment

Dubbed Project 19, the November 2022 spectacle was a celebration of women’s rights!

120 of the best female skydivers on the map gathered together at Skydive Arizona at the end of November, 2022 with a mission to build the largest all-female vertical world record the world has ever seen. This record attempts were inspired by the 100th Anniversary of the 19th Amendment, which was the amendment to the U.S. Constitution that gave women the right to vote. Called Project 19, the skilled team of women from 22 countries had an average of 10 years each in the sport and 150,000 jumps among them.

With support from the Women’s Skydiving Network (WSN)’s, Project 19 was a massive success. Two world records were built during the event, a 72 way and an 80 way. The team also built an un-official 96 way record. However, the greatest success of the week had less to do with breaking records and more to do with the powerful connection felt between the women of Project 19 and the women from history who made it all possible.

Roughly a century ago, a wave of women’s rights spread slowly across the globe, beginning with the right to vote. The right to own property, control personal wealth and even control one’s own body continues to be challenged in many areas of the world, including the United States.

Lack of representation and equality impact nearly every aspect of women’s lives and the sport of skydiving is no exception, with only 14% of skydivers identifying as female, according to the United States Parachute Association (USPA). As such, Project 19 has grown to be more than a celebration of the 19th Amendment, but a celebration of women’s rights and issues worldwide. 

“The commitment, drive and unwavering optimism from this team was contagious,” Chmelecki said. “Do not underestimate women skydivers or women period. This sport is extreme, and pulling this off took fearless adventurers that understood the mental and physical strength required to be the best. Through our work in the sky, we hope to inspire women and girls to celebrate themselves, fight for what is right and look for adventure in their lives.”

For more information about Project 19, you can visit their social media pages on Instagram and Facebook.

About Women’s Skydiving Network (WSN)

The Women’s Skydiving Network is a non-profit organization that provides female skydivers of all experience levels with training, scholarships, networking, and fellowship in hopes of increasing the number of leaders in the sport. The United States Parachute Association (USPA) reports there are 35,000 active U.S. skydivers, but only 14% are females. The WSN supports two special initiatives: The Highlight Pro Skydiving Team and Project 19. Both promote women’s empowerment and equality in skydiving and beyond.

For more information about the WSN, you can visit their social media pages on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and TikTok.

Media Contact: Ali Westergren, ali@dittoepr.com, 317-508-7446 *If you’re a journalist interested in taking a tandem skydive with an elite USPA skydiver, please reach out to Ali Westergren at ali@dittoepr.com.