AWARDS
IAWA Aerospace Industry Woman of Excellence Award
Annually IAWA recognizes an extraordinary woman in the field of aviation and/or aerospace who embodies the values of IAWA to Connect, Inspire and Lead with the IAWA Woman of Excellence Award. The Award is presented by the President (or the President’s designee) at the Gala Dinner during the IAWA Annual Conference as one of the high points of the year.
Criteria: An IAWA Woman of Excellence Award recipient is a person who identifies as a woman in the field of aviation and/or aerospace who by her thoughts, words and deeds:
- Connects leaders, peers, and younger associates with each other and shares her time and network to uplift all, especially women;
- Inspires others through mentoring, sponsoring, education and advancing women in the industry;
- Leads as a role model, whether as a corporate leader or in a different professional or volunteer capacity, and as a respected team player by both men and women.
2024 Aviation Industry Woman Of Excellence Award Recipient
Dr. Regula Dettling-Ott
The International Aviation Womens Association (IAWA), a global association committed to connecting, inspiring and leading women in the aerospace and aviation industries, is pleased to announce Dr. Regula Dettling-Ott as the recipient of the 2024 IAWA Woman of Excellence Award. This award recognizes women who are leaders in aerospace and aviation, have demonstrated a commitment to the advancement of women in the industries and are respected by men and women alike.
As a woman who epitomizes these attributes, IAWA is honored to recognize Dr. Dettling-Ott as the thirteenth recipient of the Woman of Excellence Award. Dr. Dettling-Ott's global career in the aviation and aerospace field has been diverse but more importantly an inspiration to other women in the industry. Her quick rise as an accomplished attorney and advocate for the industry speaks to her dedication to our industry. She has been a person of influence holding positions such as Industry Relations & Government AVairs at Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS), Vice President Lufthansa Group EU aVairs in Brussels, Chair for the Performance Review Body for Air Navigations Service for the European Commission. At each job, she rose to key leadership positions, always bringing with her and demonstrating her commitment to gender parity.
From IAWA President, Deb Santos, Dr. Dettling-Ott's commitment to the development and advancement of women in the aviation and aerospace industry is exemplified by her teaching at the universities, seminar and lectures and her dedication to IAWA including serving on the IAWA Board. She has enriched the organization through her dedicated service.
2023 Aviation Industry Woman Of Excellence Award Recipient
Abby Bried
The International Aviation Womens Association (IAWA), a global association committed to connecting, inspiring and leading women in the aerospace and aviation industries, is pleased to announce Abby Bried, Vice President and General Counsel, Panasonic Avionics Corporation, as the
Leesburg, VA – October 11, 2023 - The International Aviation Womens Association (IAWA), a global association committed to connecting, inspiring and leading women in the aerospace and aviation industries, is pleased to announce Abby Bried, Vice President and General Counsel, Panasonic Avionics Corporation, as the recipient of the 2023 IAWA Woman of Excellence Award. This award recognizes women who are leaders in aerospace and aviation, have demonstrated a commitment to the advancement of women in the industries and are respected by men and women alike.
As a woman who epitomizes these attributes, IAWA is honored to recognize Ms. Bried as the twelfth recipient of the Woman of Excellence Award. Ms. Bried's progressive career at major airlines and her current role as Vice President and General Counsel, Panasonic Avionics Corporation, are just two examples of her demonstrated leadership. Her continued dedication to the development and advancement of women in the industry is exemplified by her membership in IAWA, where she has served on the Board and as President, and her service on the American Bar Association (ABA) Diversity Council.
From IAWA President, Kathleen Guilfoyle, I can think of no one better suited to represent IAWA's mission to support and develop women leaders in the aerospace and aviation industry. At each job, Ms. Bried rose to key leadership positions, always bringing with her and demonstrating her commitment to gender parity. Her dedication and commitment to IAWA has helped enrich the organization.
2022 Aviation Industry Woman Of Excellence Award Recipient
Katherine Bennett CBE, FRAeS
The International Aviation Womens Association (IAWA), a global association committed to connecting, inspiring and leading women in the aerospace and aviation industries, is pleased to announce Katherine Bennett CBE FRAeS, Chief Executive Officer, High Value Manufacturing Catapult, as the recipient of the 2022 IAWA Woman of Excellence Award. This award recognizes women who are leaders in aerospace and aviation, have demonstrated a commitment to the advancement of women in the industries and are respected by men and women alike.
As a woman who epitomizes these attributes, IAWA is honored to recognize Ms. Bennett as the eleventh recipient of the Woman of Excellence Award. Ms. Bennett’s career at Airbus and her current role as CEO of the HVM Catapult team are only two examples of her demonstrated leadership. Her commitment to the development and advancement of women in the industry is exemplified by her membership in IAWA including serving on the IAWA Board, the founding of the UK’s chapter of Women in Aviation and Aerospace, and her involvement in the Royal Aeronautical Society are only a few examples of her commitment to IAWA’s mission.
From IAWA President, Kathleen Guilfoyle, Katherine’s unwavering commitment to the advancement and support of women in this field and the development of the next generation of leaders is unparalleled. I cannot think of a more deserving candidate for this prestigious award.
2021 Aviation Industry Woman Of Excellence Award Recipient
Dr. Fang Liu
The International Aviation Womens Association (IAWA), a global association committed to connecting, inspiring and leading women in the aerospace and aviation industries, is pleased to announce Dr. Fang Liu as the recipient of the 2021 IAWA Woman of Excellence Award. Dr. Liu has demonstrated a longstanding commitment to and support of the advancement of women in the aviation and aerospace industry and to IAWA. Her involvement in IAWA began in 2005 when IAWA went to Shanghai for its first Annual Conference in Asia, which was co-hosted by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC). She was the lead international relations role at CAAC and played a large role in the conference planning and instrumental in its success. She has served on the IAWA Advisory Board from 2008 - 2009 and has been an IAWA Honorary Board member since 2016.
This award recognizes women who are leaders in aerospace and aviation, have demonstrated a commitment to the advancement of women in the industries and are respected by men and women alike. As a woman who epitomizes these attributes, IAWA is honored to recognize Dr. Liu as the tenth recipient of the Woman of Excellence Award. Her participation has supported IAWA in building a global network of accomplished women in aviation and aerospace.
Dr. Liu served as the twelfth Secretary General of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) from August 2015 through July 2021. As the first woman Secretary General of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), appointed in 2015 and reappointed in 2018, she has been a role-model for women around the world in the aviation industry. Says Abby Bried, IAWA Advisory Board Member and Vice President and General Counsel at Panasonic Avionics Corporation. Under her leadership at ICAO, IAWA has established an affiliation relationship with ICAO where we have partnered on women's development projects. Dr. Liu has been a speaker for IAWA over the years at these events and at our conferences.
One of her pivotal achievements as Secretary General was to modernize ICAO's principal global standard-making function so as to evolve with sectoral changes and encourage new technologies. Dr. Liu has put innovation at the centre of what ICAO did while ensuring the relevance of ICAO global standards and policies, which should be flexible to the extent possible to take into consideration of diverging needs, and integration with the frameworks of other modes of transport, tourism, trade, environment etc.
2020 Aviation Industry Woman Of Excellence Award Recipient
Dr. Christine Darden
The International Aviation Womens Association (IAWA), a global association committed to connecting, inspiring and leading women in the aerospace and aviation industries, is pleased to announce Dr. Christine Darden as the recipient of the 2020 IAWA Woman of Excellence Award. This award recognizes women who are leaders in aerospace and aviation, have demonstrated a commitment to the advancement of women in the industries and are respected by men and women alike. As a woman who epitomizes these attributes, IAWA is honored to recognize Dr. Darden as the ninth recipient of the Woman of Excellence Award.
Dr. Darden has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the advancement of women in the aerospace industry and to IAWA. In 2007, after nearly 40 years of service, she retired as a member of The Senior Executive Service, NASA Langley Research Center, where she was hired in 1967 as a Computer/Data Analyst in the Re-Entry Physics Branch. Her final assignment at Langley was as Director of the Office of Strategic Communications and Education (OSCE). In that position she was responsible for the Center's external and internal communications, community outreach, governmental relations and educational outreach. Prior to the OSCE position, Dr. Darden served as the Langley Assistant Director for Planning, responsible for the Langley strategic planning process, and oversight of the Center's delivery on commitments. She served as Director of the Aero Performing Center Program Management Office (APCPMO) where her office had oversight of NASA Langley's work in Rotorcraft, Efficient Engine Technology, Computational Fluid Dynamics, and Air Traffic Management, as a Senior Program Manager in NASA's High-Speed Research (HSR) Program Office, and for nearly 30 years as an internationally known researcher in high-speed aerodynamics and sonic boom research. In 2018, NASA signed a contract with Lockheed Martin Palmdale for the build of a full-size supersonic low-boom X-plane to demonstrate both low-boom performance and supersonic efficiency-a continuation of the sonic boom work performed and led by Dr. Darden.
2019 Aviation Industry Woman Of Excellence Award Recipient
Colleen Barrett
The International Aviation Womens Association (IAWA) is pleased to announce the recipient of the 2019 IAWA Aviation Industry Woman of Excellence Award as Colleen Barrett. This award recognizes women who are leaders in the field of aviation, have demonstrated a commitment to the advancement of women in the industry and are respected as team players by men and women alike. As a woman who epitomizes these attributes, IAWA is honored to recognize Colleen Barrett as the eighth recipient of this award.
Colleen C. Barrett is currently President Emeritus of Southwest Airlines Co., a primarily high-frequency, low-fare, point-to-point airline which prides itself in its excellent Customer Service qualities.
Prior to stepping down as the Company’s President on July 15, 2008, she oversaw management, Leadership, and budget responsibilities over the following areas/groups: the Senior Vice President Marketing (Marketing, Sales & Distribution; Online Marketing; Revenue Management & Pricing); the Senior Vice President Corporate Communications (Pass Bureau; Emergency Response; Public Relations & Community Affairs; Community Relations & Charitable Giving; Employee Communications; Legislative Awareness); the Senior Vice President Chief People & Administration Officer (People [Human Resources];
Leadership Development & Training; Manager in Training programs; University for People; Performance Reviews; Talent Development; Onboarding Program); the Vice President Customer Relations & Rapid Rewards; the Vice President Labor & Employee Relations (Labor & Employment Law; Employee Relations; FMLA/ADA; Labor Relations & Negotiations); the Vice President Reservations; the Director Corporate Security; and the Executive Office Staff. She was also a member of the Company’s Executive Planning Committee, and she chaired numerous special Teams, task forces, and committees relating to Internal and External Southwest Customers. Colleen co-authored with Ken Blanchard the book Lead with LUV: A Different Way to Create Success (2010).
Before joining Southwest (in 1978), she worked for several years as an Executive Assistant to Herb Kelleher (Southwest’s former Executive Chairman) at his law firm.
For Southwest Airlines, she served as a member of the Board of Directors from 2001 to May 2008 and as Corporate Secretary from March 1978 to May 2008, and she served as Vice President Administration from 1986 to 1990; Executive Vice President Customers from 1990 to 2001; President and COO from 2001 to 2004; and President from 2004 to July 2008. Colleen has one son and one grandson; is active in numerous civic and charitable organizations in Dallas, Texas; serves on the JCPenney Company, Inc. Board of Directors; and has served on numerous advisory boards and commissions.
2017 Aviation Industry Woman Of Excellence Award Recipient
Joan Sullivan Garrett
The International Aviation Womens Association (IAWA) is pleased to announce the recipient of the 2017 IAWA Aviation Industry Woman of Excellence Award as Joan Sullivan Garrett. This award recognizes women who are leaders in the field of aviation, have demonstrated a commitment to the advancement of women in the industry and are respected as team players by men and women alike. As a woman who epitomizes these attributes, IAWA is honored to recognize Joan Sullivan Garrett as the sixth recipient of this award.
Sullivan Garrett has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the advancement of women in the aviation industry and to IAWA. Garrett has served in a leadership capacity as a Board member. "Joan Sullivan Garrett has long been recognized as an effective industry leader and a driving force for change," said IAWA President Lisa Piccione. "Joan's work as an IAWA Board member and as a global business leader has opened doors for countless women in the industry." Piccione added that "Joan has been and continues to be a mentor to women around the world. She is someone who leads by example, is truly a role model -- and a Woman of Excellence!"
2016 Aviation Industry Woman Of Excellence Award Recipient
Sharon Holahan
The International Aviation Womens Association (IAWA) is pleased to announce the recipient of the 2016 IAWA Aviation Industry Woman of Excellence Award as Sharon Holahan. This award recognizes women who are leaders in the field of aviation, have demonstrated a commitment to the advancement of women in the industry and are respected as team players by men and women alike. As a woman who epitomizes these attributes, IAWA is honored to recognize Sharon Holahan as the fifth recipient of this award.
Holahan has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the advancement of women in the aviation industry and to IAWA. Holahan has served in a leadership capacity as a Board member, including as Director at Large, Advisory Board Member, and currently Honorary Board Member. "The core principles that guide us today were established by Sharon and the group who founded IAWA. As IAWA's first President, she set the standard for all who would follow her. Her many contributions over the years continue to shape IAWA. We are all grateful for Sharon's work and enduring commitment to advancing women in aviation and aerospace" said IAWA President Lisa Piccione.
2016 Aviation Industry Woman Of Excellence Award Recipient
Sharon Holahan
The International Aviation Womens Association (IAWA) is pleased to announce the recipient of the 2016 IAWA Aviation Industry Woman of Excellence Award as Sharon Holahan. This award recognizes women who are leaders in the field of aviation, have demonstrated a commitment to the advancement of women in the industry and are respected as team players by men and women alike. As a woman who epitomizes these attributes, IAWA is honored to recognize Sharon Holahan as the fifth recipient of this award.
Holahan has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the advancement of women in the aviation industry and to IAWA. Holahan has served in a leadership capacity as a Board member, including as Director at Large, Advisory Board Member, and currently Honorary Board Member. "The core principles that guide us today were established by Sharon and the group who founded IAWA. As IAWA's first President, she set the standard for all who would follow her. Her many contributions over the years continue to shape IAWA. We are all grateful for Sharon's work and enduring commitment to advancing women in aviation and aerospace" said IAWA President Lisa Piccione.
2015 Aviation Industry Woman Of Excellence Award Recipient
Cecile Hatfield
The fourth recipient of the IAWA Aviation Industry Woman of Excellence Award was Cecile Hatfield, Esq. IAWA Board Members Katherine Staton and Debra Fowler presented the award during a reception in Washington, DC.
View the video below to see the presentation highlighting Cecile's inspiring achievements.
2014 Aviation Industry Woman Of Excellence Award Recipient
Renee Martin-Nagle
The International Aviation Womens Association (IAWA) is pleased to announce the recipient of the 2014 IAWA Aviation Industry Woman of Excellence Award as Renee Martin-Nagle. This award recognizes women who are leaders in the field of aviation, have demonstrated a commitment to the advancement of women in the industry and are respected as team players by men and women alike. As a woman who epitomizes these attributes, IAWA is honored to recognize Renee Martin-Nagle as the third recipient of this award.
Martin-Nagle has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the advancement of women in the aviation industry. She has been a member of IAWA since 1991 and served on IAWA's Advisory Board. In addition, she served on the board of directors of Women in Aviation and established the Airbus Leadership Grant to support women pursuing aviation-related degrees. IAWA Past President, Julie Ellis spoke of Martin-Nagle, "Renee has never met a challenge she did not embrace and solve successfully with diplomacy and aplomb--always taking on leadership roles to advance our industry and mentoring men and women, who become lifelong friends, along her amazing lifes journey. Renee is a Woman of Excellence."
2013 Aviation Industry Woman Of Excellence Award Recipient
Elizabeth Friedenberg
The International Aviation Women's Association (IAWA) is pleased to announce the recipient of the 2013 IAWA Aviation Industry Woman of Excellence Award as Elizabeth Freidenberg of Freidenberg, Freidenberg & Lifsic. This award recognizes women who are leaders in the field of aviation, have demonstrated a commitment to the advancement of women in the industry and are respected as team players by men and women alike. As a woman who epitomizes these attributes, IAWA is honored to recognize Elizabeth Freidenberg as the second recipient of this award.
Freidenberg has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the advancement of women in the aviation industry. She has served on IAWA's board for many years and is currently an active member of the Advisory Board. IAWA Past President Katherine Posner spoke of Freidenberg, "Elizabeth has been an inspiration in so many ways as a trailblazer for women in aviation law, for her boundless energy and enthusiasm and of course her unfailing support of other women and IAWA. She truly is a Woman of Excellence."
2013 Aviation Industry Woman Of Excellence Award Recipient
Katherine B. Posner
The International Aviation Women's Association (IAWA) is pleased to announce the recipient of the, 2012 IAWA Aviation Industry Woman of Excellence Award. This award recognizes women who are leaders in their field of aviation, have demonstrated a commitment to the advancement of women in the industry and are respected as team players by men and women alike. As a woman who epitomizes these attributes, we are honored to recognize Kathy Posner as the first ever recipient of this award.
Kathy has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the advancement of women in the aviation industry. She is a founding member of IAWA and has served as President, Board and Advisory Board member. Kathy is also the immediate Past President of the New York Women's Bar Association Foundation and a Member of the Board of Trustees of Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology.
2018 Annual Outstanding Aviator Award
Brigadier General Jeannie M. Leavitt
The Wings Club Foundation, Inc. and IAWA (International Aviation Women's Association) are pleased to announce Brig. Gen. Jeannie M. Leavitt as the recipient of the 2019 annual Outstanding Aviator Award. The presentation of this year's Award will take place during The Wings Club Foundations Annual Meeting, to be held on the evening of Wednesday, March 27, 2019, at The Yale Club in New York City.
2018 Annual Outstanding Aviator Award
Major General Patrick Henry Brady (US Army Ret.)
The Wings Club Foundation, Inc. and IAWA (International Aviation Women's Association) will honor Distinguished Service Cross and Medal of Honor recipient, Major General Patrick Henry Brady (US ARMY Ret.) with the 2018 annual Outstanding Aviator Award. The presentation of this year's Award will take place during The Wings Club Foundations Annual Meeting, to be held on the evening of Wednesday, March 28, 2018, at The Yale Club in New York City.
2017 Annual Outstanding Aviator Award
Heather Penney
The Wings Club Foundation, Inc. and IAWA (International Aviation Women's Association), honored Heather Penney with the 2017 annual Outstanding Aviator Award. The presentation of this year's Award will take place during The Wings Club Foundations Annual Meeting, to be held on the evening of Wednesday, March 29, 2017, at The Yale Club in New York City.
2017 Annual Outstanding Aviator Award
Heather Penney
The Wings Club Foundation, Inc. and IAWA (International Aviation Women's Association), honored Heather Penney with the 2017 annual Outstanding Aviator Award. The presentation of this year's Award will take place during The Wings Club Foundations Annual Meeting, to be held on the evening of Wednesday, March 29, 2017, at The Yale Club in New York City.
2016 Annual Outstanding Aviator Award
Colonel Edward T. Rock (USAF Ret.)
The Wings Club Foundation, Inc. and IAWA (International Aviation Women's Association), honored Colonel Edward T. Rock (USAF Ret.) with the 2016 annual Outstanding Aviator Award. The presentation of this year's Award will take place during The Wings Club Foundations Annual Meeting, to be held on the evening of Wednesday, March 30, 2016, at The Yale Club in New York City.
2015 Annual Outstanding Aviator Award
Suzanna Darcy-Hennemann
The Wings Club Foundation, Inc. and IAWA (International Aviation Women's Association) announce that Suzanna Darcy-Hennemann, is the recipient of the sixth annual Outstanding Aviator Award. The presentation of this year's Award will take place during The Wings Club Foundations Annual Meeting, to be held on the evening of Wednesday, March 25, 2015, at The Yale Club in New York City.
2014 Annual Outstanding Aviator Award
Bob Hoover
The Wings Club, recognized as the premier aviation club in the world, and IAWA (International Aviation Women's Association) will honor Robert A. Bob Hoover, former Air Show Pilot and United States Air Force Test Pilot, with the fifth annual Outstanding Aviator Award.
2013 Annual Outstanding Aviator Award
Patty Wagstaff
The Wings Club, recognized as the most premier aviation club in the world, will honor Patty Wagstaff, Champion Aerobatic Pilot with the fourth annual Outstanding Aviator Award.
2012 Outstanding Aviator Award
Doolittle Raiders
New York, NY (March 28, 2012) The Wings Club, recognized as the premier aviation club in the world, will honor the Doolittle Raiders with the third annual Outstanding Aviator Award.
2012 Outstanding Aviator Award
Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP)
New York, NY (March 28, 2011) The Wings Club, recognized as the premier aviation club in the world, will honor the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) with the second annual Outstanding Aviator Award.