I am bullish on IAWA.
As we rapidly approach year end, it is time to do what all organizations and individuals do, namely, evaluate performance over the past year and tweak our plans or goals for 2024. Completing this exercise enables IAWA and each of its members to continue to grow and to develop. While there is no one formula to evaluate performance, for an organization such as IAWA, I look at growth, diversification, and engagement of our members, IAWA’s most important asset. Each IAWA member, in turn, must evaluate her membership as she would any of her investments. The criteria are the same. The one critical difference is that, unlike stocks or bonds, the value is not subject to market forces – the value is in your hands. The growth and return derive directly from your connections and level of engagement. So, let’s look at IAWA, its performance and what it offers. I think you will agree that IAWA has seen a very positive return on investment, and that each of you have not only made that possible, but also, have gained from that success.
First, IAWA has increased its membership over the past two years by 16 percent. The increased membership strengthens the organization and allows IAWA to offer more to its members.
Second, and equally important to the numerical growth, however, was the diversification of our membership. IAWA saw an increase in members from all regions and all membership levels. We have also seen an increase in the number of Advocates. The diversified global connections ensure that IAWA is healthy, and make it more likely that IAWA can sustain its growth long term.
Third, IAWA members are engaged. IAWA has more than 40 active committees which support the mission of IAWA. Mentoring, career growth, annual conference, and scholarships are only a few of the committees in which members are involved. Active committee member involvement is a win for IAWA and each of its members, as it provides the opportunity to accomplish more, particularly through a range of perspectives. The number of IAWA-sponsored events increased from 37 to 44, including such major events as the Annual Conference and the European Forum, as well as smaller events, connects and happy hours. Next year look for even more. IAWA recognizes that fostering worldwide connections among women in the aviation and aerospace field is one of its largest attractions and what allows it to have more impact in the industry.
You have heard my mantra: an investment in IAWA is an investment in yourself and there can be no better person to invest in. Each year when you pay your membership dues, remind yourself of this and start working right away to get a return on your investment, and you will continue to share in IAWA’s success. The formula is very simple: become involved at whatever level your time and company afford, make new connections at each event or meeting, and nurture these connections even as you add new ones.
As my term as IAWA’s president ends, I am happy to report that the organization is vibrant and is on a trajectory to yield higher dividends than ever before. Membership is akin to owning blue chip stock. And, while a blue chip stock is a great thing to have, do not overlook the value of the many intangible assets that membership in IAWA brings, such as lifelong friendships, memories from conferences and events, and the warm feeling that comes with being part of an organization that continues to work to achieve gender parity in the industry.
These are some of the many reasons to be bullish on IAWA and its future.
It has been an honor and privilege to serve as IAWA’s president and I look forward to my new role as past president.
Wishing you the best in 2024!
Kathleen M. Guilfoyle President, International Aviation Womens Association |
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IAWA 36th Annual Conference |
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In response to valuable feedback from our members and Alliance partners, and considering the evolving global landscape, we've decided to relocate our annual conference for 2024. This decision reflects our commitment to prioritizing the safety and well-being of our community. We believe that choosing a new location aligns with the current concerns and preferences of our stakeholders, ensuring a more inclusive and accessible conference experience.
We are very excited to share that the 2024 Annual Conference will now be held in Dublin, Ireland, November 5-7, 2024. It has been over 20 years since IAWA's annual conference was first held in the capital of Ireland. With many opportunities for exploring the historic buildings including Dublin Castle, dating back to the 13th century, and the imposing St Patrick’s Cathedral, founded in 1191, we are looking forward to our 36th Annual Conference in its new location.
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2024 Asia Forum - Singapore |
"Aviation & Aerospace Industry at the Crossroads of Innovation, Growth and Global Turbulences. The Asian Perspective"
This first IAWA Asia Forum brings together female leaders of the industry the day prior to the start of the Singapore Airshow. It provides the unique opportunity to discuss the challenges of our industry, to network and connect with colleagues of the region and globally, features timely and important topics presented by prominent women in the field and offers opportunities for global networking. We will also discuss how we ensure for our industry to gain the skills for the future and how diversity and inclusion is key for the prosperous development of the aviation sector. How do we ensure women have pivotal leadership roles in the next evolution?
Join us to discuss these topics in this Asia Forum in Singapore! It will be another fantastic opportunity to network and to cultivate and advance women leaders in the aviation and aerospace industries.
For more information and to register, click here. |
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IAWA 35th Annual Conference |
IAWA would like to express their appreciation to the over 280 attendees at the 35th Annual Conference held October 11-13, 2023 at the Coronado Island Marriott Resort & Spa in San Diego, CA.
This year’s theme, Innovation Drivers: Changing the Game in Aerospace explored how we manage and influence the direction of ever-emerging change in aviation and how we ensure women have pivotal leadership roles in the next evolution of industry transformation.
The conference sessions included unique panels and chats with leading industry experts discussing topics such as mental health, corruption and crimes, air cargo innovation, emerging technologies, artificial intelligence and machine learning, the future of fueling, and the space frontier.
IAWA celebrated their 35th Anniversary and the Navy's 50th Anniversary of Women Flying on Thursday, October 12th with Chief of Naval Air Forces Rear Adm. George Wikoff, introduced by Debra Santos, IAWA president-elect, Boeing retiree. There was also a reception honoring IAWA presidents and women in uniform aviation leaders along with tours of the Miramar Marine Corps Air Station and Naval Air Station North Island.
This year's conference was supported by the IAWA Alliance - GE Aerospace, Boeing, FedEx Express, Pratt & Whitney, Air Lease Corporation, American Airlines, Marsh, AE Industrial Partners, Embraer, Atlas Air, Campbell Trial Lawyers, Condon & Forsyth, SITA, Amazon, Clifford Chance, AXA XL, Feam Aero, Global Aerospace, Holland & Knight, Jackson Square Aviation, NAC, USAIG, AAR, Bank of Utah, Solairus, Clay Lacy, Convex, Gilchrist Aviation, Pillsbury, WTW.
To view the conference photos, click here. |
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| IAWA Mobile App Coming Soon!
Coming in 2024, IAWA will be introducing their first mobile app. This app will be available to Apple and Android cellphone users. It will offer users the opportunity to learn more and register for upcoming events, see event photos, connect with members and committees, and much more. |
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| IAWA DC Area Holiday Reception |
Thank you to all who attended the holiday reception at the Waldorf Astoria hotel in DC on December 14th. It was a wonderful turnout! We would also like to thank all the sponsors for this event - Boeing, WilsonElser, Clyde and Co, and Holland and Knight.
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IAWA Breakfast at IATA's Aviation Day |
On September 19th, IAWA participated in a Breakfast Connect to discuss Diversity and Inclusion during IATA's Aviation Day in San Jose, Costa Rica. Featured speakers included Alina Nassar, Partner at Nassar Abogados and former IAWA president, Marcela Toriello, president of the Board of Directors and CEO, Tag Airlines, Pedro J de la Fuente – Regional Sustainability Manager, IATA and Alicia Lines, Regional Director- Financial Services and Distribution, IATA. Also in attendance was Peter Cerdá, IATA’s Regional VP. The event was a tremendous success and IAWA and IATA thanks everyone who attended!
For more pictures from the event, click here. |
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Career Growth 2023 Webinar Series - Q3
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On September 29th, IAWA's Career Growth Committee presented the third webinar of their Career Growth Series for 2023 entitled "Everyday Negotiation". This event featured speakers Jennifer Urban, Keren Rambow, Debra Santos and moderator Tracey Forbes, who presented stories and advice on how negotiation is relevant to everyone. It happens everywhere, every day. The speakers delved into the art of negotiation and its significance in women's lives, both personally and professionally. They shared invaluable insights, practical strategies, and real-world anecdotes that shed light on how women can excel in various negotiation scenarios while maintaining authenticity and assertiveness.
This recording is available in our IAWA Member Portal under, "Videos'" then "Webinars". You will need to log into your IAWA account to access this video. |
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Career Growth Podcasts - Listen Today! |
In the IAWA Career Growth section of the member only section of the website is the podcast series - Connect, Inspire and Lead. This podcast series is more than just introducing you to IAWA Members located throughout the globe; you will hear from women of all generations and our Advocates on how they connect, inspire and lead and how you can take those concepts, apply it to what you do, and empower others to do the same. To access the podcasts, click here.
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2023 IAWA Scholarship Recipients
Congratulations to our remaining scholarship recipients for 2023! Each student has demonstrated a passion for aviation and embodies our commitment to Connect, Inspire and Lead. Learn more about each recipient by clicking here. |
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Emilce Patiño
Technological University of Panama |
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Suraiya Nawaz Vaughn College |
| Laura Camila Ruiz Pedroza McGill University |
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IAWA has launched in 2023, a monthly lawyers working group and is inviting members to participate. The aim is to create a space for everyone to share experiences, brainstorm ideas to enhance professional opportunities, and work with the Board to implement these initiatives. There is much ground to cover and the committee needs input from members. For information on how to join, please email info@iawa.org. |
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IAWA LinkedIn Background
Help promote your membership in IAWA with these four LinkedIn background graphics.
To download the backgrounds simply right click on the picture you want and save it to your desktop or files. If you have any questions regarding the graphics, please email Cindy Dady. |
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India Connect Date: January 10th Time: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM IST Location: Aerocity, New Delhi |
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| Dublin Connect Date: January 30th Time: 5:00 - 8:00 PM GMT Location: Dublin, Ireland |
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| London Connect Date: February 29th Time: 17:00 - 19:30 GMT
Location: London, England |
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| 2024 European Forum Date: Spring 2024
Location: Vienna, Austria |
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Interested in planning an IAWA Event? You have the idea, we're ready to make the connection. Organize an event today. Click here to access the Event Proposal Form. Please fill in as much information as possible for the the event coordinator.
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IAWA Member Highlights
The accomplishments of IAWA members are an integral part of who we are. It‘s important our members and future members know who has helped make our organization what it is today. If you would like to be featured in a Member Highlight on our social media channels, please click here to fill out the form. (please note this may require signing into the IAWA website)
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Current Member Highlights
IAWA would like to congratulate two of our members, Myrthe Simons and Ashley Charnley, who were named to the 2023 Business Aviation Top 40 Under 40. Learn more about their accomplishments!
Ashley - https://lnkd.in/gg3-rxUU
Myrthe - https://lnkd.in/gAauFWj7 |
New Members
Since the 2nd quarter of 2023, IAWA has welcomed 43 amazing women as new members of IAWA. Additionally, IAWA also welcomed 6 Apprentice Members and 3 Scholar Members to its membership.
Please join us in welcoming our new IAWA Members by visiting the New Member webpage. Learn more about each of our new members! |
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| Are You Hiring?
Submit your company's open positions to IAWA's Career Hub, a member's only resource. It's a great area to share openings with your fellow IAWA members. Postings will also be shared to IAWA's LinkedIn group for members only. |
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The 2024 Annual Giving Campaign is now live. If you or your company are interested in becoming an ally with IAWA for a Global Impact on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, read more about this year's campaign and how you can have an impact. |
Follow us on social media, including our new Instagram account, @iawa_inspire to
keep up on the latest news for our events, annual conference, members, and all things IAWA! |
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Thank You to Our 2023 Corporate Partners |
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