What is Women in Aviation International (WAI)?

As CEO of Women in Aviation International (“WAI”), Allison McKay discusses the organization’s history, resources, and the value to a membership that exceeds 14,000 women and men. Some of the points covered include:

• The size and scope of the organization, its focus, and WAI’s industry involvement.
• The organization’s Annual International Women in Aviation Conference and what attendees can hope to learn and accomplish by participating.
• The impressive history of WAI’s scholarship and the opportunities available to both men and women.
• The opportunity available for young people to learn about all the career possibilities in aviation and aerospace during WAI’s Aviation Day.
• Opportunities to learn available through the organization’s App, launched during the pandemic.
• The work being completed by the FAA Women in Aviation Advisory Board.

About Allison McKay

Allison McKay joined Women in Aviation International as CEO in 2020. She is responsible for the future strategic vision of the more than 14,000-member-strong organization while overseeing the board of directors, professional staff, and daily operations.

Allison previously served as vice president of the Helicopter Association International Foundation since 2015 commissioning the first academic study of staffing projections for the rotorcraft industry as well as creating a workforce development initiative.

Allison draws on more than 20 years of experience in the development and implementation of highly strategic initiatives with other aviation companies including Safran USA and B/E Aerospace.

She is a current member of the Women in Aviation Advisory Board with the objective to develop and provide independent recommendations and strategies to the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to explore opportunities to encourage female students and aviators to pursue a career in aviation.

Women in Aviation International (WAI)

Women in Aviation International (WAI) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the encouragement and advancement of women in all aviation career fields and interests. Our diverse membership includes astronauts, corporate, airline and private pilots, maintenance technicians, engineers, air traffic controllers, aviation business owners, educators, journalists, flight attendants, high school and university students, air show performers, airport managers, and many others. We provide year-round resources to assist women in aviation and to encourage young women to consider aviation as a career. WAI also offers educational outreach programs to educators, aviation industry members, and young people nationally and internationally. Visit www.WAI.org to learn more about becoming a member.

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