Women in Aviation International

Women in Aviation International (WAI) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing the number of women involved in all areas of aviation and aerospace. Founded in 1990 and officially incorporated in December 1994, WAI has grown into the largest nonprofit organization of its kind, with over 20,000 members across more than 120 countries[1][2][3].

Mission

The mission of Women in Aviation International is to envision a world where the sky is open to all, without barriers. The organization aims to inspire women and girls to pursue careers in aviation and aerospace, invest in the current and future workforce, and build a strong pipeline of talent for the industry. WAI emphasizes the importance of attracting, retaining, and advancing women in aviation to address workforce challenges and foster innovation and safety in the industry[1].

History

The inception of Women in Aviation International began with a meeting at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott, Arizona, in 1990. Initially, it was an informal gathering to discuss challenges and opportunities in aviation. This meeting evolved into the formation of the Aviation and Space Education Consortium, which eventually became Women in Aviation International in 1994[2][3]. Dr. Peggy Chabrian played a pivotal role in founding the organization and was named its first full-time president and CEO in 1996[3].

Activities and Services

• Annual Conference: WAI hosts an annual conference that attracts thousands of attendees from around the world. The event features professional development seminars, networking opportunities, exhibitions, and the induction ceremony for the Pioneer Hall of Fame. In recent years, attendance has exceeded 5,000 people[2][4].

• Education and Scholarships: WAI provides extensive educational resources, mentoring opportunities, and scholarship awards to its members. Since 1995, the organization has awarded over $15 million in scholarships to support all stages of career development[4].

• Publications: The organization publishes Aviation for Women, a quarterly magazine dedicated to women in aviation, and Aviation for Girls, an annual publication[3][5].

• Girls in Aviation Day: WAI launched Girls in Aviation Day in 2015 to encourage girls aged 8 to 17 to explore aviation careers. The event is celebrated on the last Saturday of September each year and includes activities aimed at sparking interest in aviation among young girls[3].

• Pioneer Hall of Fame: Established in 1992, the Pioneer Hall of Fame honors women who have made significant contributions to aviation and aerospace. Inductees are chosen for their achievements and for paving the way for other women in the field[3].

Membership

Women in Aviation International offers various types of membership, including Individual, Student, Junior, Lifetime, and Corporate, catering to individuals and organizations across the globe. The membership benefits include access to exclusive magazines, newsletters, educational programs, and networking opportunities through its global chapters[5]. As of 2023, the membership consists of about 85% women and 15% men[2].

Chapters

WAI has established a network of chapters worldwide, facilitating local involvement and support among its members. These chapters provide a platform for members to connect, share experiences, and participate in community events related to aviation and aerospace[5].