WIA Foundation
The Women in Aerospace Foundation, Inc. is a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. All contributions to the organization are deductible to the full extent allowed by law.
The WIA Foundation Scholarship,
The WIA Foundation Scholarship in memory of Molly K. Macauley,
The WIA Foundation – AIAA Digital Avionics Scholarship, and
The WIA Foundation – Northrop Grumman Scholarship
for the 2021-2022 school year.
Applications Due June 22, 2021
Please Click Here to Apply!
The scholarship recipients will be honored at the WIA Awards Dinner & Ceremony on October 14, 2021.
Sections:
- WIA Foundation Background
- WIA Foundation Financial Goals
- WIA Foundation Scholarship Information
- 2020-2021 Scholarship Recipients
- WIA Foundation Scholarship Recipients
- Giving to the WIA Foundation
- Gift Benefits of Giving to the WIA Foundation
- WIA Foundation Donor Roll Call
- WIA Foundation Leadership
WIA Foundation Background
Founded in 2009, the Women in Aerospace (WIA) Foundation, Inc., is a nonprofit, tax-exempt educational organization created with three missions:
- Increase public awareness of the importance and benefits of the aerospace field.
- Increase public appreciation for aerospace science and technology.
- Inspire female students to develop the skill sets required to innovate and assume leadership roles in the development of technology in the aerospace field.
The Foundation partly accomplishes its purpose by providing scholarships to women who study engineering, math or science at the undergraduate level, and thereby (i) encourage women to enter careers in the aerospace field, (ii) expand women's opportunities for leadership in aerospace, and (iii) increase women's visibility in the aerospace community.
To that end, the WIA Foundation will award a $2,000 scholarship per year to a woman who is a rising senior in college studying engineering, math or science, thus encouraging women to enter careers in the aerospace field.
To contribute to the WIA Foundation or for further information, please contact the WIA Foundation at info@womeninaerospacefoundation.org or 202-547-0229.
WIA Foundation Financial Goals
The current financial goals of the WIA Foundation are twofold:
- To establish an initial $50,000 endowment to perpetually fund the scholarship program
- To establish relationships with individuals and corporations to fund “named” scholarships or educational programs
To contribute to the WIA Foundation or for further information, please donate here or contact the WIA Foundation at info@womeninaerospacefoundation.org or 202-547-0229.
WIA Foundation Scholarship Information
The WIA Foundation is pleased to provide scholarships to women interested in a career in the aerospace field to pursue higher education degrees in engineering, math or science. One or more awards will be given each year to a rising senior in college, to be applied during the upcoming academic year.
To be eligible for the WIA Foundation Scholarship, an applicant must be interested in pursuing a career in the aerospace field and be a rising junior or senior working towards a bachelor’s degree in engineering, math or science. An applicant must have completed at least two and a half academic years of full-time college work at the time of application and must be currently enrolled in an accredited college or university in the United States or its territories, and plan to be enrolled in the subsequent academic year. Each applicant must have a college grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Applicants must be female of any nationality. Applications will be available around mid-December for the subsequent academic year.
| The scholarship timeline is as follows: | |
| Mid December: | Announcement and call for scholarship applicants |
| June 22, 2021: | Application Deadline |
| Late July: | Scholarship recipients announcement |
| October 14, 2021: | Scholarship recipients honored at WIA Awards Dinner & Ceremony in Washington, DC. |
To contribute to the WIA Foundation or for further information, please donate here or contact the WIA Foundation at info@womeninaerospacefoundation.org or 202-547-0229.
WIA Announces Scholarship Recipients for 2020-2021 School Year
Washington, DC – The Women in Aerospace (WIA) Foundation, Inc. is delighted to announce Grace Floring, Amy Huynh, Sydney Marler, and Tinevimbo Ndlovu as the recipients of WIA Foundation Scholarships. Each will receive a $2,000 scholarship to be applied to the 2020-2021 academic year.
Grace Floring
Grace Floring is a senior at Case Western Reserve University studying Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. Since the beginning of her educational career, Grace has received many honors and awards. To name a few: The Association for Women Geoscientists Award, The Rensselaer Math Medal Award, The Ralph J. and Mabel C. Gooding Memorial Scholarship, and The Case Alumni Association Junior Senior Scholarship. She is a member of the Society of Women Engineers and holds a leadership position within the Pi Beta Phi Fraternity for women. Grace has worked as an engineering intern at Parker Hannifin Co., an undergraduate teaching assistant at her university, and in an engineering co-op at Nottingham Spirk. In the future, Grace will be pursuing her Master of Science Degree in Aerospace Engineering with a concentration in Fluids and Thermal Sciences from Case Western Reserve University. She believes her heavy course load and healthy work-life balance propelled her into this industry. It is without a doubt that all of her achievements during her undergraduate years has positively influenced the young woman she is today.
Amy Huynh
Amy Huynh is a senior at the University of California, Irvine, studying Aerospace Engineering and Mechanical Engineering. True to the Women in Aerospace spirit, she is an Ambassador for EarthDNA to engage in education outreach and climate advocacy and action with a community of young climate leaders. Not only that, but she also volunteers for various roles such as a social media manager, mentor, and selection committee member for the Brooke Owens Fellowship, Matthew Isakowitz Fellowship Program, and the Patti Grace Smith Fellowship. She is a first-generation, low-income (FGLI) Vietnamese-Chinese American college student, who has interned at four NASA centers (Goddard, Ames, Langley, and Marshall), two non-profit organizations (Dreams for Schools and Space for Humanity), two space startups (Made In Space and Astra), and two research positions (Stanford and Harvard Business School). Her research at the Stanford University Designing Education Lab focuses on the relation of innovation self-efficacy with engineering internship motivations. At UCI, her research focuses on how engineering internships affect the learning experiences of female engineering students, in hopes of providing more context to, and increasing retention of, women in engineering. Amy is a 2020 Matthew Isakowitz Fellow, a 2019 Brooke Owens Fellow, and an AIAA Diversity Scholar. She hopes to dedicate her research and career to making aerospace accessible for everyone and to uplift marginalized voices as she continues to define her role in aerospace and find her own voice.
Sydney Marler
Sydney Marler is a junior at Stanford University, where she is studying Electrical Engineering. From her early undergraduate career, she has received numerous distinct honors and awards. Not only is she is an active member of four different extracurricular programs, she is also recognized as the team lead for the High Altitude Balloons Team at Stanford Student Space Initiative. Sydney has impressive work experience. She started as a Research Intern at Tulane Quantum Device Laboratory during the summer of 2016, and she progressed to earning a coveted spot in the Research Science Institute’s (RSI) fellowship program at MIT in 2017, and then returned in 2018 as one of RSI’s six counselors. More recent internships included working on satellite communications at Planet Labs in 2019, the Starlink Program at SpaceX during the summer of 2020, and most recently worked in avionics development at ABL Space Systems this past fall. In the future, Sydney hopes to play a role in the development of aerospace technology that can better the lives of people on earth.
Tinevimbo Ndlovu
Tinevimbo Ndlovu is a junior at Saint Louis University, where she is studying Aerospace Engineering at the University’s Parks College of Engineering, Aviation and Technology. She has received a number of distinctions, honors and awards throughout her early educational career. She is a member of the Parks Aerodesign club, a recruiter for the Parks AIAA organization, and the manager for the student call center at her university. As an early undergraduate, Tinevimbo worked as a Research Assistant during the spring semester of 2019, where she collected basic census data on CubeSats starting from the year 2000. Tinevimbo’s hard work and dedication towards her academic career has taught her the importance of teamwork, as well as provided her with hands-on experience within the classroom. Tinevimbo hopes that the exposure and opportunities offered through Women in Aerospace Foundation, will assist in paving the way for her to be at the forefront of innovation and technological advancements in the industry. For Tinevimbo, it is not only important for her to complete this goal in the United States, but also in her home country of Zimbabwe.
The WIA Foundation scholarships are funded by generous donations of individuals and corporations around the aerospace community. The WIA Foundation Board, WIA Board, and others in the aerospace community continue to contribute ongoing financial support. This investment is creating an endowment fund to support the success of the Foundation’s programs and ensure the scholarship program continues in perpetuity.
The scholarships and recognition were presented at the 36th Annual WIA Awards Dinner & Ceremony on Thursday, October 14, 2021 at the Ritz-Carlton Pentagon City Hotel in Arlington, Virginia.
WIA Foundation Scholarship Recipients
2020 Winners:
In lieu of the cancellation of the 35th Annual WIA Awards Dinner & Ceremony, our 2020 Awardees and Scholarship Recipients will be recognized at the 36th Annual WIA Awards Dinner & Ceremony scheduled for Thursday, October 14, 2021 at the Ritz-Carlton Pentagon City Hotel in Arlington, VA.
Click here for more information on the 2020 winners.
2019 Winners:
WIA Foundation Scholarship Winners (left to right): WIA Vice Chair Bridget Chatman, Kristen Susuki, Abigail Gries, and Michelle Lin
Click here for more information on the 2019 winners.
2018 Winners:
WIA Foundation Scholarship Winners (left to right): Esther Putman, Julia Mihaylov, WIA Foundation President, Dr. Rebecca Spyke Keiser, Madeline Koldos, and Katherine Melbourne
Click here for more information on the 2018 winners.
2017 Winners:
WIA Foundation Scholarship Awards presenter, Dr. Rebecca Spyke Keiser (right), with this year’s winners (left to right): Karen Rucker, McKenna Davis, and Julia Di
Click here for more information on the 2017 winners.
2016 Winners:
WIA Foundation Scholarship recipients, Kelly Henckel (left), Khanh Pham (center right) and Elizabeth Worsham (right) are congratulated by WIA Foundation President Dianne Sosa (center left).
2015 Winners:
WIA Foundation Scholarship recipients, Rose Weinstein (left) and Amanda Martin (right) are congratulated by WIA Foundation President Dianne Sosa (center). The third 2015 scholarship recipient was Maggie Thompson (not pictured).
Click here for more information on the 2015 winners.
2014 Winners:
2014 WIA Foundation Scholarship recipients Lauren Trollinger (left) and Emily Zimovan (right) are congratulated by Immediate WIA Foundation Past President Annalisa Weigel (center) at the WIA Annual Awards Ceremony in Arlington, VA held on October 29, 2014. The third 2014 scholarship winner was Jessica Felde (not pictured).
Click here for more information on the 2014 winners.
2013 Winners:
2013 WIA Foundation Scholarship recipients Erin Kirchmeier (left) and Samantha Rowlins (right) at the WIA Annual Awards Ceremony in Arlington, VA held on October 29, 2013.
Click here for more information on the 2013 winners.
2012 Recipient: Kirstyn Johson
2012 WIA Foundation Scholarship recipient Kirstyn Johnson (left) is congratulated by WIA Foundation Immediate Past President Debra Facktor Lepore (right) at the WIA Annual Awards Ceremony in Arlington, VA on November 1, 2012.
Click here for more information on Kirstyn Johnson.
2011 Recipient: Salvador A. Valdes
2011 WIA Foundation Scholarship recipient Salvador Valdes (right) is congratulated by NOAA Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Environmental Observation and Prediction Dr. Kathryn Sullivan, (left) and Leadership Award recipient Col. Laura J. Richardson (center) at the WIA Annual Awards Ceremony in Arlington, VA on November 1, 2011.
Click here for more information on Sal Valdes.
2010 Inaugural Recipient: Whitney Lohmeyer
WIA Foundation Scholarship recipient Whitney Lohmeyer (center) is congratulated by NASA Administrator Charles J. Bolden Jr., (left) and Deputy Administrator Lori Garver (right) at the WIA Annual Awards Ceremony in Arlington, VA on October 26, 2010.
— Photo by Bill Ingalls/NASA
To contribute to the WIA Foundation or for further information, please donate here or contact the WIA Foundation at info@womeninaerospacefoundation.org or 202-547-0229.
Giving to the WIA Foundation
The WIA Foundation invites you to join an extraordinary group of people and organizations dedicated to the advancement of women in the aerospace profession. Gifts of any amount will make a big difference in the lives of young women pursuing careers in aerospace and will positively impact the future of our industry.
Annual gifts to the WIA Foundation make our scholarship program happen. We currently have two giving options available, and invite you to participate in one or both options:
The WIA Foundation Endowment Fund: The Endowment Fund supports the success of the Foundation’s programs. By utilizing the interest earned from the Fund, the Foundation maintains a stable, long-term source of income. Your gift to the Endowment Fund allows the Foundation to provide an annual scholarship and enable gradual expansion for additional scholarships and higher dollar values. The Endowment ensures the program continues in perpetuity.
Named Gifts: A special perpetual honor, gifts of $30,000 or more may be named for an individual, family or corporation. This is an outstanding opportunity for recognition and tribute. A named gift will ensure recognition of a special person or organization and will also ensure a scholarship or specific educational program meets the mutual interests of the donor, the Foundation, and our community.
Please join us in encouraging young women to pursue careers in aerospace by studying engineering, math and science at the college level by making your gift to the WIA Foundation today.
To contribute to the WIA Foundation or for further information, please donate here or contact the WIA Foundation at info@womeninaerospacefoundation.org or 202-547-0229.
If you choose to pay by check, please make your check payable to: “WIA Foundation” and mail your donation to:
WIA Foundation
515 2ND Street, NE
Washington, DC 20002
Benefits of Giving to the WIA Foundation
In appreciation for your gift, the WIA Foundation will provide recognition within the aerospace community for all donors. Specifically, you will receive:
- Inclusion on the Donor Honor Roll page on the WIA Foundation website
- Recognition in the WIA Annual Awards Dinner Program
To contribute to the WIA Foundation or for further information, please donate here or contact the WIA Foundation at info@womeninaerospacefoundation.org or 202-547-0229.
WIA Foundation Donor Roll Call
The following organizations and individuals have graciously provided support to the WIA Foundation. In particular, the WIA Foundation recognizes the commitment of Women in Aerospace board members and officers – past, present, and future – for their personal contributions in making the Foundation a reality.
Organizations:
- Northrop Grumman Corporation
- BAE Systems
- The Boeing Company
- Booz Allen Hamilton
- CompTIA
- Digital Avionics Technical Committee (AIAA)
- EADs North America
- Jacobs
- Network for Good
- Scitor
- SiriusXM
Individuals:
|
|
|
|
SpaceTweeps on behalf of Stephanie Schierholz (@MTClemente, @therealDJFlux, @datachick, @ageekmom, @starlingLX, @jotulloch, @cygnusx112, @And_Tonic, @marybethhunt, @jschoeneberg, @BigE54, @AllanManangan, @ouemt)
To contribute to the WIA Foundation or for further information, please donate here or contact the WIA Foundation at info@womeninaerospacefoundation.org or 202-547-0229.
WIA Foundation Leadership
President of WIA Foundation:
- Shelli Brunswick, COO, Space Foundation
To contribute to the WIA Foundation or for further information, please donate here or contact the WIA Foundation at info@womeninaerospacefoundation.org or 202-547-0229.