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 (WAI) is an organization that helps more women get involved in all parts of aviation and aerospace. It is a global group that does not aim to make a profit. WAI offers ways for people to connect, learn, get advice, and find scholarships. These opportunities are for both women and men who work in aviation and space careers.
How WAI Started
The idea for WAI came from Peggy Baty Chabrian. She was a dean at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Peggy noticed it was hard to get and keep female students in aviation programs. To encourage more women, she suggested holding a special meeting.
In 1990, the first annual conference took place. Famous women like Moya Lear, Jeana Yeager, Shannon Lucid, and Bobbi Trout spoke there. After this successful meeting, an informal group was formed.
WAI officially became an organization in 1994. Peggy Chabrian, who started the conference, became the first full-time president and CEO in 1996. By 1998, WAI had 3,000 members. By September 2023, the group had grown to over 17,000 members worldwide. WAI even helped host the first Arab Women in Aviation show in Dubai in May 2016.
Annual Conference
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Every year, WAI holds a big conference. The first conference in 1990 had about 150 people. By 2023, about 4,500 people attended. Men can also join WAI, and they make up about 20% of the members.
The conference is a great place to learn and meet people. It includes workshops where you can learn new things. You can also connect with people from different parts of the aviation world. WAI gives out scholarships at the conference. There is also a special ceremony to welcome new members into the WAI Pioneer Hall of Fame.
In 1996, a new group called the Association for Women in Aviation Maintenance started at the WAI conference. This shows how the conference helps new ideas and groups form. The 35th Annual Women in Aviation Conference was held in Orlando, Florida, from March 21 to 23, 2024.
Girls in Aviation Day
In 2015, WAI started a special event called Girls in Aviation Day. It happens on the last Saturday of September each year. This day is made to get girls aged 8 to 17 excited about careers in aviation. For the 2016 event, a special Girl Scout patch was created. Girl Scouts who took part in the day's activities received this patch.
Pioneer Hall of Fame
The Women in Aviation International Pioneer Hall of Fame began in 1992. Its goal is to honor women who have made big impacts in aviation and aerospace. These are women who set records, were pioneers, or created new things.
Each year, WAI asks people in the aviation industry to suggest names for the Hall of Fame. A special committee chooses the new members. They especially look for people who have helped other women succeed in aviation. They also look for those who have opened up new chances for women in the field.
