International Aerospace Women's Association Announces Major Changes and Enhanced Structure
The International Aerospace Women's Association (IAWA) has unveiled significant changes to its organization, marking a new chapter in its 36-year history of advancing women leaders in the aviation and aerospace industry.
International Aerospace Women's Association Announces Major Changes and Enhanced Structure
Key Takeaways:
- IAWA rebrands from "Aviation" to "Aerospace" to reflect broader industry scope
- Organization achieves 501(c)(3) non-profit status in the US
- New structure includes cross-functional regional committees and interest-based communities
- Focus on elevating women in leadership roles across the aerospace industry
- IAWA serves nearly 500 members across 36 countries
The International Aerospace Women's Association (IAWA) has unveiled significant changes to its organization, marking a new chapter in its 36-year history of advancing women leaders in the aviation and aerospace industry. These changes include a rebranding, achieving 501(c)(3) non-profit status in the United States, and implementing an enhanced organizational structure designed to better serve its members and propel the organization forward4.
A New Name for a Broader Scope
IAWA, formerly known as the International Aviation Women's Association, has updated its name to better reflect the evolving nature of the industry it represents. The change from "Aviation" to "Aerospace" signifies a recognition of the broader scope of the industry and the diverse roles its members hold across various sectors14.
Debra Santos, IAWA President and retired Boeing Executive, emphasizes the importance of this change: "Our primary mission is to elevate women in leadership roles in the aerospace industry. Now more than ever, it is important that we, as women, remain resilient, emphasizing the value we provide our members through an inclusive organization, and companies recognize the value of diverse leadership"4.
This rebranding reflects IAWA's commitment to staying relevant and responsive to the needs of its members, who hold positions of impact across all sectors of the aerospace industry. With nearly 500 members spanning 36 countries, IAWA's global reach and influence continue to grow4.
Achieving 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Status
One of the most significant announcements is IAWA's achievement of 501(c)(3) non-profit status in the United States. This new status brings several benefits that will enhance the organization's ability to serve its members and further its mission45.
Tax-Deductible Donations
With this new status, all donations made to IAWA by individuals and corporations in the US are now tax-deductible48. This change is expected to attract a more diverse range of donations, including smaller, tax-deductible contributions from individuals who may not have been able to donate previously.
Enhanced Programming and Funding Opportunities
The 501(c)(3) status aims to enhance IAWA's programming, particularly in executive development and mentoring. It also improves the organization's grant eligibility and ability to fund studies and scholarships48.
Connie Avery, IAWA Vice President of Association Development and Affiliations and Senior Manager of SMS and Operational Safety at Wisk Aero, explains: "Our programming has changed, our orientation has evolved to be more of a public service, and our grant eligibility has grown. We're excited to open the door to a larger support base"4.
Compliance and Reporting
While the new status brings many benefits, it also comes with responsibilities. As a 501(c)(3) organization, IAWA will need to comply with specific IRS regulations and file annual information returns, such as Form 99058. This increased transparency will further enhance IAWA's credibility and demonstrate its commitment to responsible stewardship of resources.
Enhanced Organizational Structure
IAWA is implementing a new organizational structure designed to foster stronger connections among its members and provide more targeted support4.
Committees and Communities Initiative
The organization has launched a new Committees and Communities initiative, shifting from industry-based committees to cross-functional regional committees. This change aims to promote more diverse collaboration and networking opportunities for members across different sectors of the aerospace industry14.
Community Facilitators
IAWA is seeking volunteer applications for Community Facilitators to form small groups centered around common areas of interest and shared goals. These communities will serve as hubs for sharing industry news, advocating for fellow members, and providing day-to-day support4.
Keren Rambow, IAWA Vice President of Membership and Vice President of Airbus Relations for Pratt & Whitney, highlights the benefits of this new structure: "This new structure enables each committee to have a better, clearer, and more simplified vision so they can be more productive. With new opportunities for global, cross-functional collaboration through committees and communities, our members will be able to strengthen their networks and advocate for each other like never before"4.
Ongoing Research and Industry Leadership
As part of its commitment to being an industry thought leader, IAWA is launching a study on women leaders worldwide in aerospace. This research, led by Marita Lintener, IAWA President-Elect, in collaboration with Oksana Bardygula from Oliver Wyman, will update the organization's 2021 findings1.
The results of this study will be revealed at IAWA's next conference, providing critical insights and best practices for improving gender balance in the aerospace sector. This research underscores IAWA's dedication to not only supporting its members but also driving industry-wide change1.
Executive Leadership Course
To further bolster the readiness of women for C-suite and executive-level positions, IAWA is developing an executive leadership course in partnership with other organizations. This year-long program, set to launch in trial format in 2025, will cover various topics and offer valuable educational experiences to prepare women for top leadership roles in the aerospace industry1.
The Impact of IAWA's Changes
These changes represent a significant evolution for IAWA and reflect the organization's commitment to adapting to the changing needs of its members and the industry at large. By broadening its scope, enhancing its financial structure, and creating more opportunities for collaboration and learning, IAWA is positioning itself as a key player in advancing women's leadership in the aerospace sector.
The rebranding to include "Aerospace" in its name acknowledges the expanding nature of the industry, which now encompasses not only traditional aviation but also space exploration, satellite technology, and other cutting-edge fields. This change ensures that IAWA remains relevant and inclusive for all women working across these diverse sectors.
The achievement of 501(c)(3) status is a game-changer for IAWA's financial capabilities. It opens up new avenues for funding and support, which will directly benefit members through enhanced programming, scholarships, and research initiatives. This status also lends additional credibility to the organization, potentially attracting more corporate partnerships and individual supporters.
The new organizational structure, with its focus on cross-functional regional committees and interest-based communities, reflects a modern approach to networking and professional development. By breaking down traditional industry silos, IAWA is creating more opportunities for its members to learn from diverse perspectives and build broader, more robust professional networks.
Looking to the Future
As IAWA implements these changes, it is clear that the organization is not just adapting to the present but actively shaping the future of women's leadership in aerospace. The upcoming research study on women leaders in aerospace and the development of the executive leadership course demonstrate IAWA's commitment to driving long-term, systemic change in the industry.
By providing its members with the tools, networks, and opportunities they need to succeed, IAWA is playing a crucial role in cultivating the next generation of women leaders in aerospace. As the industry continues to evolve and face new challenges, organizations like IAWA will be essential in ensuring that women's voices and talents are fully represented and utilized at all levels of leadership.
The aerospace industry stands at the forefront of innovation and global connectivity. With its renewed focus and enhanced capabilities, IAWA is well-positioned to ensure that women play a central role in shaping the future of this dynamic and crucial sector.
Q&A Section
- Q: What is the new name of the organization?
A: The organization has rebranded from the International Aviation Women's Association to the International Aerospace Women's Association (IAWA). - Q: What benefits does the 501(c)(3) status bring to IAWA?
A: The 501(c)(3) status makes donations tax-deductible for US donors, enhances IAWA's ability to fund programs and scholarships, and improves its eligibility for grants. - Q: How many members does IAWA currently serve?
A: IAWA serves nearly 500 members across 36 countries. - Q: What is the new Committees and Communities initiative?
A: This initiative shifts from industry-based committees to cross-functional regional committees and creates interest-based communities to foster stronger connections among members. - Q: When is IAWA planning to launch its executive leadership course?
A: IAWA plans to launch the executive leadership course in trial format in 2025.
Keywords: International Aerospace Women's Association, IAWA, women in aerospace, leadership development, 501(c)(3) non-profit, aerospace industry, professional networking, executive leadership, gender diversity in aerospace
Hashtags: #IAWA #WomenInAerospace #AerospaceLeadership #DiversityInAerospace #WomenInSTEM #AviationIndustry #ProfessionalDevelopment #WomenEmpowerment #AerospaceInnovation #GenderEquality
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