About WAI

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, airline and private pilots, maintenance technicians, engineers, air traffic controllers, aviation 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. One of our most popular initiatives is our Girls in Aviation Day program for girls ages 8 to 17.

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

Director, Conferences & Events Kerisa Citro

Chief Growth Officer Stephanie Kenyon

Director, Member Engagement Molly Martin

Director, Communications Kelly Murphy

Director, Operations and Finance Patt Poinsett

Member Services Manager Stephanie Gordon

Art Director Jennifer Moore

Scholarship and Exhibit Coordinator Donna Wallace

WAI Board Of Directors

WAI Corporate Members

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 benefits 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