WAI and Harvard University Partner for the Class of 2026 Emerging Leaders Courses
WAI and Harvard University Partner for the Class of 2026 Emerging Leaders Courses
Scholarship Applications Offer On-Campus and Virtual Options
November 12, 2025 – Rising women leaders in the aviation and aerospace industry are encouraged to apply to attend Women in Leadership: A Program for Emerging Leaders, a professional development program hosted by Women in Aviation International and conducted by Harvard University’s Division of Continuing Education (DCE). In 2026, WAI will expand the program to offer both an on-campus experience as well as two virtual programs.
Applications for all three programs will open November 15, and close on January 15, 2026. The on-campus course takes place May 13, 14, and 15, 2026, on Harvard University’s campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts. A fourth day of training will be held virtually on June 18, 2026. The spring virtual program will be June 3-5, 2026, and a fall virtual program from November 4-6, 2026. Qualified WAI members can select one of the three programs to apply for.
This intensive leadership program draws on curriculum from Harvard’s DCE Professional Development department and is tailored to address the unique challenges women face in the aviation and aerospace industry. Topics include executive communication techniques, strategic thinking, and negotiation skills. WAI's goal is to help high-potential leaders master core business concepts, build key leadership skills, and develop their leadership style to support career growth. The program is intended for high-performing women who are members of Women in Aviation International, have demonstrated leadership skills, and are looking to further advance their careers.
“We know that WAI alumnae who have completed the course during the past three years have developed strong networks with their classmates and have reported career advancement as a direct result of their experience at Harvard,” says Lynda Coffman, WAI CEO. “Next year, we’re expanding the program to include two virtual offerings, encouraging international members and those with travel restrictions to apply. The leadership skills taught through Harvard’s program are a vital step toward developing the next generation of women who will one day lead our industry.”
Participants will earn a certificate awarded by Harvard University's Division of Continuing Education to add to their professional resumes. Partial funding for the course was provided through a grant from the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation.
For the on-campus session, no more than 30 WAI members will be chosen to receive funding support that will include program tuition, hotel (checking in on Monday, May 12 and departing Friday, May 16), and meals for the three days of the course. Selected participants are responsible for their own travel costs, including airfare and ground transportation. Those selected must commit to attending all three days of the on-campus course, as well as the online virtual coaching day.
For each virtual session, no more than 45 WAI members will be selected and must commit to attending all three days of the virtual program on June 3-5, 2026, or November 4-6, 2026. Recipients are encouraged to take this time away from work to focus on learning.
All applicants must be current members of Women in Aviation International with at least seven years of career experience. To apply, go to www.WAI.org/scholarships. Applicants will be notified no later than February 15, 2026. Questions? Email scholarships@wai.org.
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