Annual Conference Focused On Diversity
The theme for the 21st Annual International Women in Aviation
(WAI) Conference, that concluded in Orlando, FL, on Saturday,
February 27, 2010, was "Aviation: It's a Small World," but, by the
tone, composition and look of the Conference, the theme could have
been "Aviation: It's a Diverse World."
With more than double the international attendees than at past
Conferences, the annual Conference drew nearly 3,000 attendees from
all areas, disciplines and interests that make up the aviation
community. Military, airline and corporate aviation interests were
represented along with those individuals immersed in history,
maintenance, research, academics, engineering, and more.
"The increased participation of individuals from all over the
world added to the impact of this Conference," said WAI President
Dr. Peggy Chabrian. "The diversity of participants, career paths
and interests is what makes this international Conference so
special."
Conference highlights include:
- Attendance reached nearly 3,000 women and men, including more
than double the number of international attendees. The
international attendees represent 20 different countries.
- The Exhibit Hall displayed 125 separate companies and
organizations, representing all aspects of the aviation
community.
- $678,300 in scholarships was distributed to WAI members at
every stage of life from university students to mature members
seeking a mid-life career change to aviation.
- The WAI silent auction raised $18,315 for WAI's Endowment Fund,
bringing the total in the Endowment Fund to more than $650,000. The
money in the WAI Endowment Fund is used for scholarships and
educational programs.
- EAA confirmed that the organization will host WomenVenture for
the third consecutive year during the organization's 2010 EAA
AirVenture Oshkosh. WomenVenture is a celebration of women's
achievements in flight designed to attract more women to all
aspects of aviation.
Among the distinguished keynote speakers was FAA Administrator
J. Randolph Babbitt who told the gathered attendees, "Everyone in
this business needs to step up and make safety a front and center
focus, and I can’t think of a better place to do it than
here. This is the most marvelous mentoring center I think
I’ve ever seen, so this is a great place for us to take this
message and send it."
WAI President Dr. Chabrian and Administrator Babbitt renewed a
Memo of Understanding. It confirms the continued agreement between
the FAA and WAI to support each other’s efforts in the
aviation industry. The FAA provides WAI with resources for aviation
education and employment while WAI helps to promote the FAA
messages of career opportunities within the agency and the
FAA’s education programs throughout the membership.
Five women were inducted into WAI’s International Pioneer
Hall of Fame including Trish Beckman, who, among many
accomplishments, was the first woman to qualify as a crewmember in
the F-15E program; Vice Admiral Vivien Crea, the most
senior ranking woman in the history of the United States Coast
Guard; Suzanna Darcy-Hennemann, the chief training pilot for The
Boeing Company; Alice du Pont Mills, who received her pilot's
license in 1929 when she was 18 years old; and Kathy Sullivan, a
member of the first Space Shuttle astronaut class and the first
American woman to walk in space.
Added Dr. Chabrian, "The most frequent comment I hear is about the
positive spirit of the people who attend our Conference. Once again
this year, everyone's passion for aviation was displayed in their
enthusiastic approach to learning, mentoring and expanding their
aviation knowledge and advancing their aviation careers."