Women in Aviation International (WAI) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the encouragement and advancement of women in all aviation career fields and interests. Our diverse membership includes astronauts, corporate and airline pilots, maintenance technicians, engineers, air traffic controllers, business owners, educators, journalists, flight attendants, high school and university students, air show performers, airport managers, and many others.
At WAI, we strive to encourage, empower, and educate all those whose interests, lives, and work involve aviation and aerospace without regard to race, ethnicity, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, physical or mental abilities, or point of view. We know with certainty that our shared passion for aviation transcends any differences among us.
We provide year-round resources to assist women in aviation and to encourage young women to consider aviation as a career. WAI also offers educational outreach programs to educators, aviation industry members, and young people nationally and internationally. Our most recent initiative is our Girls in Aviation Day program for girls ages 8 to 17.
In addition, WAI promotes public understanding of the accomplishments and contributions of women in aviation. This includes historic notables such as Amelia Earhart, Bessie Coleman, Eileen Collins, Jeana Yeager, Nicole Malachowski and many others. We recognize these women through our WAI Pioneer Hall of Fame program.
Staff
CEO Allison McKay
Operations Manager/Executive Assistant Connie Lawrence
Director of Communications Kelly Murphy
Art Director Jennifer Moore
Director of Member Engagement Molly Martin
Member Services Manager Stephanie Gordon
Director of Conferences & Events Kerisa Citro
Conferences & Events Coordinator Hope Moore
Scholarship & Exhibit Coordinator Donna Wallace
Business Development Manager Jennifer Thomas
Quick Facts
Definition
Women in Aviation International (WAI) is a nonprofit organization that encourages the advancement of women in all aviation career fields and interests. Learn more about the perks of WAI membership from our new infographic.
History
WAI began in 1990 and was formally established in 1994 as a nonprofit organization. The first International Women in Aviation Conference was held in Prescott, Arizona, in 1990.
Membership Classification (percentage of members)
- 63% Individual (Professionals/Enthusiasts)
- 7% International (Outside the U.S.)
- 28% Student (High school/College and University students)
- 2% Corporate (Organizations/Corporations)
- More than 12,000 active members
Member Benefits*
- Aviation for Women, the official bimonthly publication of Women in Aviation International
- WAI Connect monthly electronic newsletter
- Annual conference for WAI members in all fields of aviation and aerospace
- Local chapters in communities around the world
- Government and industry representation
- Educational outreach programs
- Network base for personal and career development
- Scholarships
- Merchandise and services discounts
- Aeromedical Advisory Partnership
- Legal Advisory Program
*Corporate members receive additional benefits including: exhibit discounts at the annual conference, advertising discounts in Aviation for Women magazine and listings in WAI publications.
Annual Conference
- General sessions, professional development seminars, educational sessions, networking and tours
- Thousands of attendees from nearly a dozen countries around the world
- More than 160 exhibitors featuring a wide variety of aviation businesses and employers
- Special events, scholarship awards, Pioneer Hall of Fame induction ceremony
More Statistics
Women in Aviation 2019 Workforce Report
View Current Statistics of Women in Aviation Careers in U.S.
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