Women in Aviation International facts for kids
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| Founded | 1990 (Incorporated 1994) |
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| Founder | Dr. Peggy Chabrian |
| Type | Professional Association |
Women in Aviation International (often called WAI) is a group that helps more girls and women get involved in all parts of aviation and space. It's a worldwide organization that doesn't make a profit. WAI offers ways for people to connect, learn, get advice, and even win money for school (scholarships) if they want a job in aviation or space.
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What is WAI All About?
WAI publishes a magazine called Aviation for Women. It comes out six times a year. WAI also helps its members by offering scholarships. These scholarships can help pay for education in aviation.
How WAI Started
Peggy Baty Chabrian worked at Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University. She noticed it was hard to get and keep female students in aviation. To encourage more women, she suggested holding a special meeting.
In 1990, she invited famous women like Moya Lear, Jeana Yeager, Shannon Lucid, and Bobbi Trout to speak. This first meeting led to the creation of an informal group.
WAI officially became an organization in 1994. Peggy Chabrian became the first full-time president and CEO in 1996. By 1998, WAI had 3,000 members. By September 2023, over 17,000 people from all over the world were members.
In 2016, WAI helped host the first Arab Women in Aviation show. This event took place in Dubai.
WAI's Big Yearly Conference
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Every year, WAI holds a large conference. The first one in 1990 had 150 people. By 2023, about 4,500 people attended. It's important to know that men can also join WAI. About 20% of the members are men.
The conference offers many things:
- Workshops where you can learn new skills.
- Chances to meet people who work in different parts of aviation.
- Awards for scholarships.
- The yearly Women in Aviation International Pioneer Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.
In 2024, WAI plans to give out almost $1,000,000 in scholarships.
At the 1996 conference, a new group was formed. It was called the Association for Women in Aviation Maintenance.
WAI will host its 35th Annual Conference in Orlando, Florida, from March 21–23, 2024.
Girls in Aviation Day
In 2015, WAI started "Girls in Aviation Day." This special day happens on the last Saturday of September. It's made to get girls aged 8 to 17 interested in aviation jobs.
In 2016, a special Girl Scout patch was created. Scouts who took part in the day's activities could earn this patch.
Hall of Fame
The Women in Aviation International Pioneer Hall of Fame began in 1992. Its goal is to honor women who have done amazing things in aviation and space. This includes women who set records, were pioneers, or created new ideas.
Each year, WAI asks for nominations from the aviation industry. A committee then chooses who will be inducted into the Hall of Fame. They especially look for women who have helped other women succeed in aviation.
