Enthusiasm for WAI Programs, Scholarships Continues to Grow

Women in Aviation International held one of its biggest and most successful annual gatherings during the 34th Annual Women in Aviation International Conference in Long Beach, California.

The occasion allowed the WAI to congregate, network, and hand out 120 scholarship awards between female peers within the aviation and aerospace industry.

“WAI’s strength is in our membership. A more passionate, diverse, and inclusive group doesn’t exist anywhere in the industry,” said WAI CEO Allison McKay. “We gather to celebrate, support, and advance each other while expanding our knowledge and skills, and raising our own expectations for what’s possible. This week’s conference brought our largest group of members together with more exhibitors and hiring companies in history. We hosted dozens of networking and education sessions, assembled another extraordinary group of keynote speakers, honored unique trailblazers during our annual Pioneer Hall of Fame induction, and presented nearly $890,000 in scholarships to deserving WAI members. Thanks to the generous support of our sponsors, our passionate members and volunteers, and an impressive collection of exhibitors, WAI2023 was an amazing venue as we prepared to celebrate Women’s History month in March. Without a doubt, WAI continues to advance our mission to connect, engage, and inspire our current and future workforce of diverse and accomplished members."

As with every other WAI conference, the group took the opportunity to induct another historic trailblazer into the WAI’s International Pioneer Hall of Fame. This year’s inductees include Nancy Bird, founder of the Australian Women Pilots Association; Martha and John King, co-owners of the King Schools; and Colonel Merryl Tengesdal, USAF, the first and only Black woman to pilot the U-2 Dragon Lady reconnaissance aircraft.

This year, the WAI expanded its scholarship program by partnering with Harvard University for the Emerging Leaders professional development program. Applications are due by March 15, 2023, with a fully paid 3-day experience given to those selected. Additional WAI scholarships will be announced for WAI2024.

FMI: www.wai.org