CONNECT, INSPIRE, AND LEAD
Issue 4, November 2025 Table of Contents: Thank You IAWA Committee Members!
Introducing: Altitude by IAWA Scholarship Committee Updates Mentorship Updates
Membership Committee Updates Upcoming Events Events Recap Support & Give
Member Highlights |
|
|
Greetings IAWA members! Where did 2025 go? Likely with all the many exciting events: Webinars, IAWA Connects, IAWA Forums and of course our Annual Conference in Sao Paulo Brazil! I had the pleasure of attending the conference which was held at the beautiful JW Marriot in Sao Paulo! The amenities were wonderful, the staff gracious, and the food sumptuous - all wonderful qualities of the Sao Paulo experience! The conference committee once again did a fabulous job in assembling a great agenda with wonderful speakers and memorable events!
|
As Andi Simms said, "For those who were able to attend the IAWA Conference in São Paulo, it was wonderful to be together in such an inspiring setting. And to those who couldn’t make it, you were truly missed! The energy and ideas coming out of the conference underscored just how important our communications work is to advancing IAWA’s mission."
Please join us next year in Philadelphia, PA November 3-6, 2026 in celebration of the United States' 250th Anniversary! Details will be available soon, so remember to book your hotel at the Logan!
In this edition of FlightPaths, we are again highlighting the many happenings in and around IAWA and hope you will continue to take advantage of your membership benefits! Enjoy your friends and families especially during this upcoming Holiday season, stay safe and continue to Connect, Inspire and Lead!
– Sia
|
| Theresia H. Schatz, A.A.E.
Senior Consultant, ADK Consulting & Executive Search IAWA Member IAWA FlightPaths Editor |
|
|
Thank You IAWA Committee Members! |
In this season of Thanksgiving, IAWA would like to thank all of its committee members. All committee members are volunteers and give generously of their time and resources to help support and strengthen the association. We appreciate your dedication and support of IAWA – thank you! |
|
|
Introducing: Altitude by IAWA |
Altitude by IAWA Phase I is now launched and available to members on our website!
Altitude by IAWA is a premier digital hub designed to propel women leaders in aviation, aerospace, and related industries to new professional heights — wherever they are in their leadership journey. Whether you're climbing through mid-level management or cruising through the complexities of the C-suite, Altitude by IAWA provides a tailored lift for your unique flight path.
The intention of Phase I in 2026 is to assess the demand for developmental programs for our members through initial offerings of both no-cost and premium executive education resources to IAWA members and advocates alike. Altitude by IAWA is where ambition meets opportunity — designed for women ascending at every altitude and across every age and stage of life. Coaching and self-paced virtual courses are immediately available and our first cohort-based course, New Leadership Perspectives Workshop by Spark Well Consulting, is in January 21, 2026.
Key features of Phase I includes: - Access. Free and paid content to make learning available to IAWA members at all career stages.
- Leadership. Curriculum focused on executive decision-making, strategic thinking, and industry-specific challenges.
-
Coaching. Coaching options and packages to customize to your unique journey.
- Flexibility. Self-paced, virtual, and mobile-friendly for busy professionals.
Your participation in Phase I offerings will help inform the Altitude project and IAWA leadership team on the needs of our members. We will learn, adapt and bring even more valuable developmental programs in 2027 and beyond based on your utilization of Phase I offerings.
A huge thank you to the IAWA Leadership team for their thought leadership and prioritizing this effort and to the project team in making it come to life. Project team includes Kira Wager, Melissa Phelix, Emily Himeles, Sheila Remes and Shelley Svoren and is led by Nackia Salmon.
To learn more about our new Altitude program, registers for courses and connect with coaches, click the button below. |
|
|
Scholarship Committee Update By Shelley Svoren |
Since our last edition of Flight Path, the Scholarship Committee selected Kobina Kouakou as the recipient for Ecole Nationale de l'Aviation Civile (ENAC). Kobina, along with our previously announced recipients, Lakshmi (Lucky) Vadlamoodi from Swinburne University of Technology, Purevsuren (Puujee) Sukhbaatar from Cranfield University, Anna Moscati from Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), Victoria Geraldine Alcaraz Ortega from McGill University; Osmary Vega from Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology (Vaughn), Grace Nobles from Southern Methodist University (SMU Law), and Amanda Hyot from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU), attended the 2025 IAWA Annual Conference where they connected, were inspired by, and engaged by the leadership of our members. We look forward to being a part of their career journey.
Following the conference, many members have inquired about the selection criteria of our scholarship recipients and I am shedding more light on this given the complexity as well as the significant work that is completed by our 10-person Scholarship Committee. |
|
|
Mentoring Program Updates |
Since its inception, IAWA’s Mentoring Program has met the needs of 120+ members with over 40 participants taking steps forward in their careers within 12 months of the conclusion of their program. This notable result is an accomplishment of the structure of the program, which currently pairs our Members and Advocates, who serve as Mentors, with our Scholars and Apprentices, who serve as Mentees.
Mentoring means different things to people – even by those who are in a mentoring pair. This was highlighted in Sheryl Sandberg’s Lean In, where she dedicated an entire chapter to the topic (“Are you my Mentor.”) In the chapter, she described how she sought high potential women to provide leadership insights and mentorship only to be shocked when her unofficial mentees listed the qualities that she needed in a mentor, which were truly the responsibility of a therapist. This mismatch in what mentoring meant left the author uninterested in supporting her unofficial mentee. Despite our best efforts since inception of the Mentoring Program, the majority of our peer-to-peer mentoring pairs experienced similar results.
|
|
|
Membership Committee Vacancies |
The Membership Committee is seeking 1-2 additional volunteers to help advance initiatives. Serving on this committee will require the following commitment: - attendance once a month at our 45 minute planning meeting; and
-
1-2hrs a month to assist with advancing initiatives.
This is a great way to get to know other IAWA members, learn how IAWA does membership and get exposure to the IAWA Board.
Please email info@iawa.org if you are interested. |
New! Opt-In for Automatic Membership Renewal |
The IAWA Membership Committee is excited to announce a new feature designed to make staying connected easier than ever - automatic membership renewal!
As you renew your membership, you now have the option to ‘opt in’ for automatic renewal by checking the box on the membership renewal form, ensuring your membership continues seamlessly each year. No interruptions, no missed benefits - just continued access to IAWA’s powerful global network of women leaders in aviation and aerospace. By opting in, you’ll: - Stay continuously connected to exclusive IAWA programs, events, and member resources
-
Keep uninterrupted access to leadership, mentorship, and scholarship opportunities that fuel professional growth
- Get involved! Volunteer on IAWA committees or lend your voice as a community facilitator to help strengthen our global network
-
Continue supporting IAWA’s mission by helping sustain a strong, engaged community of advocates and professionals
Make renewing your membership effortless – ‘opt in’ for automatic renewal and stay active, connected, and engaged in shaping the future of women in aviation and aerospace. |
|
|
IAWA 38th Annual Conference - Save the Date! |
We’re stronger together and there is nothing more inspiring and compelling than when leaders come together. Our global annual conference is a special occasion for curated educational sessions and networking. The next IAWA global conference will be held in Philadelphia from November 3-5, 2026. Stay tuned to our website for more upcoming information! We are excited to announce that IAWA has secured a Room Block at The Logan Philadelphia for the IAWA 2026 Annual Conference.
Conference Dates: November 3-5, 2026 Room Block Dates: 31 October, 2026 – 7 November, 2026
Room Rate: $279 per night, plus taxes |
The Logan Philadelphia requires an advance deposit for the first night of your stay, which is refundable up to 30 days in advance of event date. |
|
|
Interested in speaking at the IAWA Annual Conference or a future IAWA event?
Share your knowledge and expertise with others by joining the IAWA Speaker's Bureau. For more information, email info@iawa.org. |
|
|
IAWA DC Connect 13 November 2025 |
We had a great time connecting with our dynamic DC-based IAWA community last week! We look forward to future connections. Thanks to everyone who attended! |
|
|
IAWA Connect During ABA TIPS in DC
22 October 2025 |
We had a great time connecting during the American Bar Association (ABA)'s 2025 TIPS Aviation and Aerospace Law Conference in Washington, DC. Thank you to everyone who attended! It was great to see you. |
|
|
Runway to Board Readiness Webinar
15 October 2025 |
IAWA’s Career Growth Committee was happy to present the Runway to Board Readiness webinar on October 15, 2025. Moderated by IAWA Advisory Board Member, Mary Ellen Jones, Strategic Advisor at JetZero and Panelist, Kirsten Bartok Touw, co-founder and Managing Partner of New Vista Capital, addressed a number of issues to help grow your career and explore board readiness. Topics included skills and values requisite of board members, how you can position yourself for prospective board opportunities and more. Approximately 40 persons participated in this member’s only webinar. IAWA would like to thank Kirsten and all that participated in the webinar.
Click here to watch the recorded webinar. |
|
|
IAWA Connect - 42nd ICAO Assembly
29 September 2025 |
IAWA Connect was organized in parallel with ICAO 42nd Assembly in close support with ACI World in Montreal, Canada on September 29th.
Participants from all sectors of aviation joined the discussion! |
|
|
IAWA Oklahoma City Connect Luncheon
25 September 2025 |
The IAWA Oklahoma City Connect Luncheon was a great success!
Many new connections were made, and our attendees enjoyed learning about IAWA and our efforts to provide executive leadership training to our members. Everyone had a fabulous time getting to know each other! |
|
|
IAWA Connect - Hong Kong
11 September 2025 |
The IAWA Launch event in Hong Kong was a great success!
Thank you to everyone who took the time to attend, and looking forward to seeing what the future holds for IAWA in Hong Kong! |
|
|
IAWA + Swinburne University Connect
26 August 2025 |
Our annual IAWA and Swinburne Connect event was a wonderful occasion that brought together women in aviation, industry partners and students to share ideas, experiences and inspiration. |
|
|
DC Connect Happy Hour
21 August 2025 |
We had a fantastic turnout for the IAWA DC Connect Happy Hour at Dirty Habit! It was wonderful to see so many of our members and friends reconnecting, networking, and building new relationships within the aviation community.
We look forward to seeing you at our next connect! |
|
|
IAWA Seattle Happy Hour
21 August 2025 |
We had a lively small group show up in downtown Seattle for great connection and conversation on working in the industry and all things aviation. Folks enjoyed the smaller setting to have meaningful conversations and the opportunity to meet someone new. |
|
|
IAWA AirVenture Oshkosh Coffee Social
22 July 2025 |
IAWA members and supporters gathered for coffee and conversation this week at EAA AirVenture!
We plan to make this an annual Connect so please plan to join us next year! |
|
|
New IAWA Event Suggestion Form |
Have an idea for an IAWA event but not sure where to start? IAWA has created a new form to submit your idea for an event. Once submitted a contact from IAWA event planning will contact you to discuss. |
|
|
2026 Partnership Opportunities - Coming Soon |
IAWA deeply thanks our current and past supporters who are helping women in aviation Connect, Inspire and Lead. Their support enables strong professional connections, leadership development and the creation of enduring bonds between colleagues within the industry.
Supporters help develop the next generation of industry leaders through IAWA's scholarship and mentoring programs. IAWA membership is indebted to sponsors for their generosity and commitment to create a lasting legacy for women.
We will soon be rolling out our new 2026 partnership options. Stay tuned for the latest updates! |
|
|
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.
|
|
|
New Member Highlights Since July, IAWA has welcomed 46 amazing women as new members of IAWA. Additionally, IAWA also welcomed 5 Scholar members, 1 Advocate member and 4 Apprentice 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! |
|
|
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!
|
|
|
|
