Women in Aerospace

What an incredible morning at our WIA Program with The Honorable Frank Calvelli! We were thrilled by the fantastic turnout and the enthusiasm in the room. The discussion on the progress of the Space Acquisition Tenets and Formula one year in, as well as expectations for space acquisition professionals, was truly enlightening.

A huge thank you to everyone who participated and made today a success! Your passion and engagement were truly inspiring. Special thanks to our fantastic host sponsor, ARKA Group, and all of our other wonderful sponsors: Jacobs Solutions Inc., KBR, Noblis, Northrop Grumman Corporation, and Space Tango.

The deadline to apply is 1 Week Away!

The WIA Foundation is pleased to provide four merit-based scholarships of $5,000 each to women interested in a career in the aerospace field to pursue higher education degrees in engineering, math or science. The awards will be given to rising juniors or seniors in college, to be applied during the 2024 - 2025 academic year.

Learn more and apply: https://www.womeninaerospacefoundation.org/foundation/

The 2024 WIA Awards nominations deadline is 2 weeks away!

The Women in Aerospace Awards Ceremony is WIA's premier event celebrating women's professional excellence in aerospace. The Awards Ceremony honors women whose outstanding contributions to the aerospace community are legendary. Up to seven distinguished awards will be presented at the event.

Access the nominations page: https://www.womeninaerospace.org/events/awards/nomination.html

The deadline to register is TODAY!

Join us for WIA's upcoming program with The Honorable Frank Calvelli, Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Space Acquisition and Integration! The deadline to register is June 6th!

Come join us, in person, to hear how things are going a year into the Space Acquisition Tenets and Formula, in addition to hearing the ideas of expectations for space acquisition professionals.

Register now: https://www.womeninaerospace.org/events/current/240.html

The deadline to apply is June 18th!

The WIA Foundation is pleased to provide four merit-based scholarships of $5,000 each to women interested in a career in the aerospace field to pursue higher education degrees in engineering, math or science. The awards will be given to rising juniors or seniors in college, to be applied during the 2024 - 2025 academic year.

Learn more and apply: https://www.womeninaerospacefoundation.org/foundation/

Today we’re spotlighting one of WIA’s leaders, a former Chair of WIA and current President of the WIA Foundation, Dr. Rebecca Keiser! Rebecca has been involved in WIA’s leadership for well over a decade and served as Chair of WIA from 2019-2021, before taking over as WIA Foundation’s President in 2022. Rebecca has proven across her tenure to be a wonderful constant and valued member, all while serving as the Chief of Research Security Strategy and Policy for the National Science Foundation.

On what her favorite thing is about WIA and the WIA Foundation:
My favorite things about WIA are its culture and its programming. Its culture is unique — focusing on women but inclusive of all and its programming has so much variety that there is something for everyone. I have to add another sentence on the WIA Foundation of which I am so proud — its support of women in college is inspirational to those of us in aerospace of all ages as we support the next generation of women aerospace professionals.

The deadline to register is this Thursday!

Join us for WIA's upcoming program with The Honorable Frank Calvelli, Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Space Acquisition and Integration! The deadline to register is June 6th!

Come join us, in person, to hear how things are going a year into the Space Acquisition Tenets and Formula, in addition to hearing the ideas of expectations for space acquisition professionals.

Register now: https://www.womeninaerospace.org/events/current/240.html

This week's is Ann Baumgartner Carl, a pioneering aviator who soared into history as the first American woman to fly a United States Army Air Forces jet aircraft!

Born on August 27, 1918, in Augusta, Georgia, Ann’s passion for aviation was sparked by a visit from Amelia Earhart to her grade school. She spent countless evenings with her father at Newark Airport, watching planes land and dreaming of flight.

Ann graduated from Smith College in 1940 with a pre-med degree but soon found her true calling in aviation. She learned to fly at Somerset Hills Airport in New Jersey while working for Eastern Airlines.

During WWII, Ann joined the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) and graduated in July 1943. Initially based at Camp Davis in North Carolina as a tow target pilot, she flew aircraft such as the Douglas A-24 and Lockheed B-34. In February 1944, she transferred to Wright Field, Ohio, where she eventually flew as a test pilot, gaining experience in aircraft including the B-17, De Havilland Mosquito, and German Junkers Ju88.

On October 14, 1944, Ann flew the Bell YP-59A, America’s first jet aircraft, becoming the first American woman to fly a jet. This milestone was a testament to her skill, courage, and determination.

After the WASP program disbanded in December 1944, Ann continued her aviation career as a flight instructor and pilot for United Airlines. She authored "A WASP among Eagles," detailing her experiences as a military test pilot during WWII.

Ann’s contributions were instrumental, but it wasn't until July 1, 2009, that the Women Airforce Service Pilots were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal and given veteran status. Ann passed away on March 20, 2008, but her legacy as a trailblazer in aviation endures.

On May 23, Captain Theresa Claiborne landed her final flight at Newark Liberty International Airport, concluding a groundbreaking 43-year aviation career. In 1982, she made history as the first Black woman to fly for the U.S. Air Force. She continued to break barriers, becoming a command pilot and instructor for the KC-135 Stratotanker, and later, a United Airlines captain.

As she transitions from pilot to mentor, Captain Claiborne plans to inspire young people to shatter glass ceilings and achieve their dreams. Join us in celebrating her remarkable achievements and wishing her the best in her next chapter.

https://www.becauseofthemwecan.com/blogs/botwc-firsts/theresa-claiborne-the-first-black-woman-pilot-in-the-us-air-force-has-retired

Theresa Claiborne, the First Black Woman Pilot in the U.S. Air Force, Has Retired - Because of Them We Can Claiborne gracefully landed her final flight at Newark Liberty International Airport on May 23, her journey reached a new destination—the dawn of a legacy inspiring generations to come.

The deadline to register is today!

Join us on June 6th for our third webinar of WIA's 2024 Career Empowerment Series: The Power of Networking for Career Advancement with Michelle Carroll! This webinar is the last of Module 1: Intentional Career Growth Strategies.

Register today: https://www.womeninaerospace.org/secure/eventreg/234.html

The 2024 WIA Awards nominations deadline is less than a month away!

The Women in Aerospace Awards Ceremony is WIA's premier event celebrating women's professional excellence in aerospace. The Awards Ceremony honors women whose outstanding contributions to the aerospace community are legendary. Up to seven distinguished awards will be presented at the event.

Access the nominations page: https://www.womeninaerospace.org/events/awards/nomination.html

Join us for WIA's upcoming program with The Honorable Frank Calvelli, Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Space Acquisition and Integration! The deadline to register is June 6th!

Come join us, in person, to hear how things are going a year into the Space Acquisition Tenets and Formula, in addition to hearing the ideas of expectations for space acquisition professionals.

Register now: https://www.womeninaerospace.org/events/current/240.html

The deadline to register is 1 week away!

Join us on June 6th for our third webinar of WIA's 2024 Career Empowerment Series: The Power of Networking for Career Advancement with Michelle Carroll! This webinar is the last of Module 1: Intentional Career Growth Strategies.

Register today: https://www.womeninaerospace.org/secure/eventreg/234.html

Today's is Joan Robinson-Berry, WIA's 2017 Outstanding Achievement Award recipient!

Joan was born in 1959 in Los Angeles, California, and graduated from Bassett High School in La Puente, California. She earned her B.S. degree from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona in 1982, and her M.S. degree from the University of California, Riverside in 1991. Joan was the first African American from her neighborhood to graduate with an engineering degree.

🔸 Trailblazing Career

Joan started her career as a design and manufacturing engineer at General Dynamics before moving to McDonnell Douglas as a program manager. She joined Boeing in 1986 and held numerous influential roles, culminating in her position as vice president and chief engineer for Boeing Global Services. Joan's pioneering journey includes:

▪ First female engineering graduate at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona

▪ First African American program manager at McDonnell Douglas

▪ First African American on the Boeing Engineering Process Council

▪ First Boeing Fellow to the African Scientific Institute

▪ First African American vice president on the Shared Services Leadership Team at Boeing

🔸 Leadership and Influence

Throughout her 33-year career at Boeing, Joan made significant contributions to engineering, supplier diversity, and strategic alliances. She was instrumental in promoting STEM education and inspiring students to overcome socioeconomic challenges and pursue technical careers. Joan's leadership roles include:

▪ Vice president and general manager of Boeing South Carolina

▪ Vice president of engineering, maintenance, and modifications for Boeing Global Services

▪ Director of Phantom Works Supplier Management for Boeing Defense, Space & Security

🔸 Honors and Recognition

Joan's numerous accolades reflect her impact and dedication:

▪ Inducted into the Career Communications Group/Alumni Hall of Fame (2012)

▪ Women of Color Professional Achievement Award (2015)

▪ California Polytechnic Institute, Pomona Alumni Hall of Fame (2015)

▪ Recognized as one of Women’s Enterprise USA’s Top 100 Leaders in Supplier Diversity (2016, 2017)

▪ NAACP Long Beach Branch Woman of the Year STEM award (2017)

▪ Honorary doctorate degrees from Charleston Southern University, Allen University, and California State Polytechnic University, Pomona

▪ Black Enterprise’s Most Powerful Women in Corporate America (2019)

▪ Women in Aviation International Pioneer Hall of Fame (2021)

🔸 Inspiration and Advocacy

Joan's advocacy for STEM education and her work to inspire young women in aerospace is truly commendable. She tirelessly brings a message of hope and confidence, encouraging students to aspire to careers in engineering and technology.

Applications are open for the 2024 - 2025 WIA Foundation Scholarships! Under 1 month until the deadline to apply!

The WIA Foundation is pleased to provide four merit-based scholarships of $5,000 each to women interested in a career in the aerospace field to pursue higher education degrees in engineering, math or science. The awards will be given to rising juniors or seniors in college, to be applied during the 2024 - 2025 academic year.

Learn more and apply: https://www.womeninaerospacefoundation.org/foundation/

Today, we are proud to spotlight one of WIA's distinguished leaders, Deirdre Walsh. Since joining WIA's Board of Directors in 2023, Deirdre has made an outstanding impact through her exceptional contributions. She does this while balancing her role at ARKA Group as Executive Vice President, Strategy & Government Affairs.

On why she joined WIA:
I was encouraged to join WIA early in my career, and was instantly impressed by the network of impressive women across government and industry. This organization, and the WIA Foundation, are central to providing opportunity and support to women pursuing careers in science, technology, aerospace, and beyond.

On what her favorite thing about WIA is:
The energy and comradery around WIA is unmatched! With WIAs programs and events, this community is strengthened by bringing talented women together to drive the future of aerospace.

On why WIA is important:
WIA shines a light on the immeasurable value that women in leadership bring to the aerospace industry. Made evident through the annual awards process and ceremony, the caliber of the honorees and level of work being done is beyond inspiring. I am proud to be a part of the WIA family and support our efforts to grow opportunities and visibility for women in such important roles.

Join us on June 6th for our third webinar of WIA's 2024 Career Empowerment Series: The Power of Networking for Career Advancement with Michelle Carroll! This webinar is the last of Module 1: Intentional Career Growth Strategies.

Register today: https://www.womeninaerospace.org/secure/eventreg/234.html

Happy Tuesday! This week's is Katherine Stinson, a true aviation pioneer!

In 1912, Katherine became the fourth woman in the U.S. to earn a pilot's certificate. She set records for aerobatic maneuvers, distance, and endurance, and became the first female pilot employed by the U.S. Postal Service. Katherine was also the first civilian pilot to fly mail in Canada and one of the first pilots to fly at night.

Katherine also made history as the first female pilot to fly in Canada and Japan, earning the nickname "Air Queen" in Japan. Her contributions to aviation extended internationally, showcasing her skills and breaking barriers for women worldwide.

Katherine was among the first to skywrite at night, creating awe-inspiring aerial displays. Her pioneering spirit and daring feats earned her the titles "Flying Schoolgirl" and "America's Sweetheart of the Air."

In 1915, the Stinson family established the Stinson School of Flying in San Antonio, Texas. Katherine's mother, Emma, managed the school, Katherine financed it, her brother Eddie worked as a mechanic, and sister Marjorie instructed. This school was instrumental in training many pilots and advancing aviation education.

Katherine's pioneering spirit inspired her siblings, leading to the establishment of the Stinson Aircraft Company. Her legacy lives on through the Stinson Municipal Airport and Stinson Middle School in San Antonio, Texas. In 2019, she was posthumously inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame, ensuring her contributions to aviation are remembered and celebrated. Join us in celebrating Katherine Stinson's groundbreaking achievements and her enduring legacy in aviation!

Join us for WIA's upcoming program with The Honorable Frank Calvelli, Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Space Acquisition and Integration!

Come join us, in person, to hear how things are going a year into the Space Acquisition Tenets and Formula, in addition to hearing the ideas of expectations for space acquisition professionals.

Register now: https://www.womeninaerospace.org/events/current/240.html

Today we’re spotlighting one of WIA’s leaders, one of two CEOs that sit on our board, Sita Sonty! Since 2019, Sita has proven to be an indispensably supportive member of WIA's Board of Directors, all while leading Space Tango in her role as CEO.

On what her favorite thing is about WIA:
My favorite thing about WIA is directly related to its charter: meeting new leaders in aerospace who just happen to be women. Once you bear witness to the incredible impact made by women in our industry through a number of different points of view - engineers, technicians, accountants, government relations, contract negotiators - you realize that our "soft" skills are the hardest skills to master. Our WIA community does this in spades. So I am proud to be a member.

Today’s is Dr. Amy McAdam, WIA’s 2021 Outstanding Achievement Award recipient! Dr. McAdam is a Research Space Scientist at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, specializing in planetary mineralogy and geochemistry.

Dr. McAdam's groundbreaking research focuses on analyzing terrestrial Mars analogs to understand potential Martian alteration processes and their impact on habitability. She's an integral member of the Sample Analysis at Mars (SAM) team, contributing to NASA's Mars Science Laboratory mission.

Dr. McAdams has served as the co-lead of the Goddard Instrument Field Team, Goddard science lead for the In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) System Capability Leadership Team, and co-lead for the NASA Lunar Water ISRU Measurement Study.

Through her work, Dr. McAdam sheds light on Mars' environmental history, providing crucial insights into the red planet's past and present. Her contributions play a vital role in advancing our understanding of Martian geology and potential for life.

She holds a Ph.D. in Geological Sciences from Arizona State University and earned her B.S. degrees in Chemistry and Geology from Michigan State University. Dr. McAdam has been involved in various research programs and fellowships, including the NASA Postdoctoral Program, NASA Space Grant Fellowship, and the NASA Graduate Student Researchers Program. As a dedicated mentor, she guides early career scientists through the complexities of space research, and her leadership fosters the next generation of women in aerospace!

Today we’re spotlighting one of WIA’s leaders, Amy Rodrigues! Amy joined WIA's Board of Directors in 2022, and has proven to be a steady voice of reason among the leadership team. Amy serves as Vice President Finance | Finance Shared Services at The Boeing Company.

On why WIA is important to her:
WIA is an incredible organization that provides reach into so many topics for its members that might not otherwise have access. The programming for development, engagement in industry, and the focus to continue to enhance the offerings provide a way to personally and professionally develop yourself while meeting and expanding your network. WIA is important to me as a board member because I believe in the mission as someone in the A&D industry and have really enjoyed the various connections across as well as internally in Boeing for those that are engaged.

This week's is Raymonde de Laroche, the first woman to pilot a plane and earn a pilot's license!

When Wilbur Wright went to France in 1908 to demonstrate the Flyer to skeptical French officials, he followed his dazzling aerial displays by offering to give rides to women in the crowd. Among those who took him up on that offer was the young French actress Raymonde de Laroche, and it would mark the beginning of her journey with aviation.

In October 1909, de Laroche appealed to her friend, aviator and airplane builder Charles Voisin to instruct her in how to fly, and, that same month, de Laroche went to the Voisin brothers' base of operations at Chalons, 90 miles east of Paris. Voisin's aircraft could seat only one person, so she operated the plane by herself while he stood on the ground and gave instructions. After she mastered taxiing around the airfield, she lifted off and flew 300 yards. De Laroche's flight is often cited as the first by a woman in a powered heavier-than-air craft.

In March 1910, de Laroche became the first woman in the world to receive a pilot license when the Aero-Club of France issued her license #36 of the International Aeronautics Federation.

Despite facing crashes and injuries, Raymonde's determination never faltered. From barnstorming across Europe to setting altitude records, she blazed a trail for women in aviation. In November 1913, de Laroche won the Aero-Club of France's Femina Cup for a non-stop long-distance flight of over 4 hours duration. In June 1919, she set two women's altitude records, one at 15,700 feet, and also the women's distance record, at 201 miles.

Raymonde's legacy extends far beyond her lifetime. Her courage and determination opened doors for countless women in aviation, inspiring generations to pursue their dreams fearlessly. Today, her statue stands at Paris' Le Bourget Airport, a testament to her pioneering spirit.

Today we’re spotlighting one of WIA’s leaders and longtime supporters, Daryle Lademan! Daryle joined WIA's Board of Directors this year, and we are thrilled to have her return to a leadership role after she served as President of WIA 14 years ago. Daryle serves as Vice President, Strategy & Planning at BAE Systems.

On why she joined WIA and her favorite thing about WIA:
I first joined WIA as a young graduate student back in 1993 because it gave me unrivalled opportunities to network with senior aerospace leaders – from government, academia, and industry. It also gave me practical insights into the space policy I was studying for my Master’s program. In the ensuing decades, WIA played an important part of my career and leadership development, as I was fortunate enough to serve as the organization’s President in 2010. I am honored to now be serving on WIA’s Board, where I hope to inspire young women in the aerospace field the same way more seasoned WIA members inspired me all those years ago!

My favorite thing about WIA is the opportunity it provides to women in our still male-dominated field to cultivate professional relationships and friendships with others in aerospace industry. That said, I also appreciate WIA’s embracing of male members, as men are important allies in making aerospace more inclusive for all. Some of my greatest mentors and champions over the years have been men who saw promise in me and encouraged me to step up for roles that I otherwise might have lacked the confidence to pursue.

Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to ignite curiosity and explore the wonders of space! Space Workforce 2030 is hosting their on Friday, May 3rd at 1pm ET.

The U.S. space industry and NASA are offering 4th and 5th grade students a look into the science and technology that will shape their generation’s future – on this planet and beyond. Join classes from around the country for an inspiring experience in this unique 45-minute broadcast event through YouTube.

Register now to receive a full curriculum packet: https://swf2030.org/nsd/

Families, educators and homeschool friends! Next Friday is the first annual NATIONAL SPACE DAY!

I'm so honored to co-host the broadcast (seriously, how cool is it that I get to do that????)

We want as many parents, caretakers, babysitters, teachers, principals, and homeschool families to sign up to watch!

We hope it'll inspire the next generation to find their love of space - just like I discovered MY love of space :)

Sign up here: https://swf2030.org/nsd/

Today's is Lana M. Couch, WIA's 1993 Lifetime Achievement Award recipient!

Born on November 27, 1941, in Smiths Grove, Kentucky, Lana Couch's passion for aerospace was ignited at an early age. Graduating from Purdue University with a degree in aeronautical engineering in 1963, she embarked on a remarkable career that spanned four decades. As one of the only two women in her major at Purdue, Lana shattered gender stereotypes and blazed a trail for women in aerospace.

Throughout her career, she held a series of groundbreaking roles. On graduating, Couch became a research engineer at the Langley Research Center of NASA; she remained at NASA for the rest of her career, shifting between Langley and NASA's headquarters. In 1975 she became head of the Structural Tunnels Section, part of a program to develop wind tunnels to test hypersonic aircraft. She became program manager for Fluid and Thermal Physics in 1980, manager for Spacecraft Systems Technology and In-Space Technology Experiments in 1983, manager in the National Aero-Space Plane program in 1985, and acting director of the Space Research and Technology Program in 1988. In 1990 she became the director of the National Aero-Space Plane Office at Langley. Her leadership and vision played a pivotal role in advancing NASA's aerospace capabilities.

Lana's impact extended far beyond her technical achievements. As a distinguished engineering alumna of Purdue University and a Fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, she inspired countless aspiring engineers to reach for the stars. She was the recipient of the 1986 NASA Exceptional Service Medal, the 1986 and 1988 Women in Aviation Award of the National Aeronautic Association, the 1989 Apollo 20th Anniversary Award of Women in Aerospace, the 1992 NASA Exceptional Achievement Medal, and the 1993 Senior Executive Service Presidential Rank Award. Her legacy of innovation, determination, and excellence continues to inspire the next generation of aerospace trailblazers.

Today we’re spotlighting one of WIA’s leaders, Dr. Felicia Jones! Since becoming a member of WIA's Board of Directors in 2022, Felicia has proven to be a unwavering supporter of WIA’s programming efforts, ensuring her company is almost always participating. She does all of this while balancing her role at KBR as Chief Technology Officer and VP of Strategic Solutions in KBR’s Government Solutions U.S. business segment.

On why WIA she joined WIA:
I joined the WIA because my vision is serve, to inspire the next generation of women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math, and to increase the early career pipeline in a collaborative, multi-cultural environment.

This week's is Beth Moses, a pioneer in aerospace and the first woman to make a spaceflight on a commercially launched vehicle!

Beth Moses has shattered barriers and reached for the stars. As a commercial astronaut, she made history aboard Virgin Galactic's VSS Unity on February 22, 2019, becoming the first woman to experience spaceflight on a commercial vehicle. Her journey marked a milestone in human space exploration, inspiring countless others to reach for their dreams among the stars.

With a background in aeronautical and astronautical engineering from Purdue University, Beth Moses has been at the forefront of aerospace innovation. From her work as assembly manager for the International Space Station to her role as chief astronaut instructor at Virgin Galactic, she has demonstrated unparalleled dedication and expertise in advancing space exploration.

In April 2019, Beth received her commercial astronaut wings from the Federal Aviation Administration, making her the first woman to earn the honor.

Beth's passion for space isn't just about breaking records—it's about inspiring positive change on Earth. Through her pioneering work, she's opening the doors to space for people from all walks of life, advocating for a more inclusive and compassionate world. Her message of persistence, dedication, and the power of engineering skills transcends boundaries and empowers the next generation of space explorers.

"One of the things that I believe in is that if a greater slice of humanity can experience spaceflight, it will translate to untold benefits and changes on Earth. What if every world leader saw Earth from space? It might be a more gentle, kind planet."

Today is the deadline to register for our second webinar of WIA's 2024 Career Empowerment Series: Strategies for Salary Negotiations with Michelle Carroll! This webinar is a part of Module 1: Intentional Career Growth Strategies.

Register now: https://www.womeninaerospace.org/secure/eventreg/233.html