Schedule At A Glance

Keynote Speakers

Be inspired by our Keynote Speakers at WAI2025! Hear from leading experts and visionaries as they share their insights, experiences, and groundbreaking ideas. These compelling sessions are a fantastic opportunity to gain valuable knowledge and engage with the thought leaders shaping the future of our industry. 

We are in the process of finalizing important information and will be updating you shortly.

Education Sessions

THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2025

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FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 2025

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SATURDAY, MARCH 29, 2025

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LIFETIME OF PROGRAMS CATEGORIES

 

Our strategic focus is to provide a Lifetime of Programs that provide support our members at every stage of their journeys in aviation and aerospace. The 2025 conference presentations will support that focus. With that in mind, our sessions will now be categorized to reflect the stage of WAI’s Lifetime of Programs that the session will support.   

 

Youth Programs 

Research shows that by the age of 10, many girls are already considering their future career choices. These sessions will present topics that spotlight successful STEM education programs that spark an interest in STEM in girls. Note: this is not a track for children; it is intended for those interested in STEM education programs.   

 

Initial Training 

Young women who choose to concentrate on male-dominated courses of study in college often face barriers to learning. These sessions will present topics that address these barriers.  

 

Workforce Entry 

Entering the aviation and aerospace industry can be exciting and intimidating all at the same time. Many women express frustration as they attempt to be seen and heard in this phase of their careers.  

 

Mid-Career 

Mid-career is the most common stage that women choose to leave the aviation industry. Presentations will explore reasons for this phenomenon and present solutions.  

 

Experienced Professional

Presentations will address the challenges faced by those who have reached the top of their career trajectory 

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Professional Development Seminars

Elevate your career with our Professional Development Seminars at WAI2025. These sessions are tailored to provide you with actionable skills, strategic insights, and industry best practices. Whether you're looking to advance your expertise or explore new opportunities, these seminars are designed to help you achieve your professional goals. Join us to learn from experts and connect with like-minded peers!

This year the Professional Development Seminars will be half-day sessions held on Wednesday, March 26 from 1—5 p.m. Refreshments will be provided during breaks.

PD 1: Emerging Leaders Mini-Course with Pamela Rucker

From the Harvard Division of Continuing Education

Having a strong understanding of strategy helps women develop a clear and forward-thinking vision for their organizations and teams. Effective communication of that strategy contributes to a leader’s personal brand. Then, as leaders rise in busy organizations, networking and negotiation are fundamental skills to amplify the significance of women’s voices in business discussions. 

This session will explore ways to help female leaders align individual aspirations with organizational aspirations, communicate with confidence and authenticity to enhance their reputation as effective and influential leaders, and leverage relationships for career growth. 

After this session, attendees will be able to:

1. 1. Develop Strategic Vision:  Articulate a clear and forward-thinking strategic vision that combines their individual goals with those of the company.
   2. Enhance Communication Skills: Refine their communication skills to convey their strategic vision confidently and authentically, thereby strengthening their personal brand as influential leaders.
   3. Leverage Networking Opportunities: Identify and implement effective networking strategies to build and nurture professional relationships that contribute to their career growth and influence.
   4. Master Negotiation Techniques: Apply essential negotiation skills, enabling them to advocate for their interests and achieve successful outcomes in both personal and organizational contexts.

PD 2: Reaching Your Full Career Potential: A Workshop on Career Development

Being intentional and strategic about career development is key to professional success! During this jam-packed interactive workshop, learn how to be in the driver's seat of your career.  Learn about 5-year Career Development Plans while developing mentoring and networking knowledge.  Gain informational interview skills as an amplifier; they are not just ordinary conversations; they are a strategic tool to unlock a treasure trove of insights.  Experience real-time partnership exploration through Speed mentoring.  Join in to learn and practice new skills in a safe, supportive, and energy filled environment.  Includes handouts for use during and after the workshop.

After this session, attendees will be able to:

1. 1. Gain real-time practice with new knowledge through interactive simulation exercises
   2. Learn what the elements of a 5-year Career Development Plan are
   3. Increase your knowledge of all aspects of Mentoring and Networking as part of your Career Development Plan
   4. Understand what Informational Interviews are, how to conduct them, and how they differ from a job interview

PD 3: The "Worth" Ethic Revolution! with Dr. Ronke Oke

In this space, participants will explore how to blend their personal and professional life while recognizing their inherent value. Through intentional practices, mindset shifts, and empowering conversations, participants will learn to create a life where work and self-worth harmoniously coexist. Together we will cultivate a deep sense of self-worth that empowers us to thrive holistically and collectively. 

After this session, attendees will be able to:

1. 1. Understand the Impact of Work on Identity: Explore how our jobs and career choices shape our identities and ideas about well-being, contributing to the challenges in achieving a balanced integration of work and personal life.
   2. Understand the Impact of Work on Identity: Explore how our jobs and career choices shape our identities and ideas about well-being, contributing to the challenges in achieving a balanced integration of work and personal life.
   3. Develop a Healthy Worth Ethic Learn how to heal through traumas associated with work that shape our perceptions of self-value and success. Learn how developing a deep sense of self-worth can guide you in protecting your time, energy, and well-being, and empower you to achieve your career goals.
   4. Redefine Success On Your Terms Delve into the concept of worth-ethic, focusing on recognizing your intrinsic value and self-worth beyond professional achievements. Explore how to set and achieve personal goals that align with your values and vision of success, rather than societal expectations.