About IAWA
Mission
To cultivate and advance women leaders in the aviation and aerospace industries through a global network.
The International Aerospace Womens Association (IAWA) is a global aerospace association at the forefront of influence and advocacy which elevates women leaders who value career growth and connection and who inspire the next generation.
See how IAWA connects, inspires and leads.
You're Not a Member, but You Could Be.
IAWA brings together aviation and aerospace professionals committed to advancing women in leadership. Are you one of them?
Achieving our mission through
History
The International Aerospace Women’s Association (IAWA), originally founded as the International Aviation Women’s Association, began in 1988 when a small group of professional women working in the aviation industry gathered informally. As their conversations turned to industry challenges, they recognized that—within a predominantly male field—their perspectives were both distinct and essential.
From that insight, a core group of senior executives came together to formally establish IAWA with a clear purpose: to advance women in leadership across the aviation and aerospace industries. The founding members represented aviation litigation, defense, manufacturing, and insurance, setting the foundation for what would become a global, cross-sector organization.
Since then, IAWA’s membership has expanded to reflect the full breadth of the industry. Today, members serve in airport operations, airline and aerospace management, senior government roles, consulting, engineering, finance, and regulatory leadership—demonstrating the growing impact and influence of women across aviation and aerospace.
IAWA held its first conference in Chicago in November 1989, where its by-laws were adopted and its Board of Directors established. Since that time, IAWA’s annual conferences—hosted in major cities around the world—have become a premier forum for dialogue on critical industry issues and the advancement of women in leadership. These gatherings, along with regional Connects and industry receptions, foster meaningful engagement and enduring professional relationships among members.
Over more than 35 years, IAWA’s work and programming have evolved alongside the industry itself. Distinguished speakers have included global leaders such as an FAA Administrator, a United States Senator, an astronaut, a Member of the European Parliament, and senior executives from across aviation and aerospace. More recent speakers include Her Excellency Sheikha Lubna Bint Khalid Al Qasimi, the first female government minister of the United Arab Emirates, and Deborah Lee James, former Secretary of the United States Air Force.
Guided by a dedicated volunteer Board of Directors and committee leadership, IAWA continues to deliver high-impact programming and cultivate a community of accomplished professionals committed to advancing its mission.
As IAWA looks to the future, it continues to evolve to expand its impact. Today, membership is open to all aviation and aerospace professionals who are committed to advancing women in leadership. This evolution reflects IAWA’s belief that meaningful progress is accelerated through broad engagement, while its mission remains unchanged at its core.
