WAI and Harvard University Offer Emerging Leaders Scholarships

Rising women leaders in the aviation and aerospace industry are encouraged to apply to attend Women in Leadership: A Program for Emerging Leaders, a three-day professional development program hosted by Women in Aviation International and instruction by Harvard University’s Division of Continuing Education. Generously funded by the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, this course will take place on Harvard’s Cambridge, Massachusetts, campus.

The program is ideal for high-performing WAI female members who have 5 to 10 years of experience and the interest to advance their careers in leadership roles in the aviation and aerospace industry. A maximum of 30 women will be chosen to receive funding support that will include program fees, hotel, meals, and a stipend for airfare.

WAI’s goal is to help high-potential managers master core business concepts, build key leadership skills, and explore and develop their personal leadership style. Two days will be conducted on campus with a third day of learning augmenting on-campus learning with a remote leadership coaching session. After the completion of the in-person course, Harvard faculty members will meet remotely with participants to discuss how they have applied their newfound skills. Participants will earn a special certificate awarded by Harvard University’s Division of Continuing Education to add to their professional resumes.

“We know that the advancement of women into leadership roles in our industry is essential to driving cultural change in aviation,” said Allison McKay, WAI CEO. “This new professional development program is purposefully designed for women working in the aviation and aerospace industry. As an organization, WAI is committed to changing the face of aviation as well as promoting environments where women feel welcomed, are valued, and can be successful,” she added.

Applicants must commit to spending two days on Harvard University’s campus Wednesday, May 3 through Thursday, May 4, 2023, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day, with a follow-up virtual leadership coaching session to be held on May 16, 2023. Interested WAI members can apply online by the March 15, 2023, deadline, and learn more details at www.WAI.org/how-to-apply. Applicants will be notified of their acceptance into the program on April 1, 2023. For more information about WAI’s Emerging Leaders professional development program, contact Stephanie Kenyon, WAI Chief Growth Officer, at skenyon@wai.org.