The Aerium Women in Aviation Award honors women who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, and commitment to advancing the aviation industry. This award recognizes those who not only excel professionally but also inspire, mentor, and advocate for the next generation of women in aviation.
Award Purpose
This prestigious recognition celebrates women whose careers reflect a legacy of excellence, impact, and service. Whether through technical achievement, leadership, advocacy, or community engagement, recipients of this award embody the values of progress and dedication to the future of flight. The recipient of the award will receive $5,000 to an aviation charity of their choice.
Award Criteria
1. Professional Excellence:
- Demonstrates outstanding technical expertise, leadership, or innovation in aviation.
- Has achieved significant milestones in their career (e.g., first female captain in a region, pioneering aerospace research, contributing to safety advancements).
2. Impact on the Industry:
- Has made a measurable impact on the aviation industry through leadership roles, innovation, mentorship, or contributions to operational excellence.
- Recognized by peers and colleagues for driving positive change in aviation (e.g., improving safety standards, creating inclusive workplaces, or advancing technology).
3. Advocacy and Mentorship:
- Actively promotes the advancement of women in aviation through mentorship, advocacy, or organizational efforts.
- Participates in programs or initiatives aimed at increasing diversity and inclusion in aviation.
- Has inspired or mentored the next generation of women in aviation.
4. Community Engagement:
- Engages in community outreach, educational programs, or volunteer work related to aviation.
- Encourages young women and girls to consider careers in aviation or STEM fields through public speaking, classroom involvement, or hands-on initiatives.
5. Leadership:
- Exemplifies leadership qualities such as vision, integrity, resilience, and dedication to advancing the aviation industry.
- Has taken on leadership roles in aviation-related organizations, associations, or committees.
6. Legacy and Long-Term Contributions:
- The nominee’s work has left a lasting legacy in the field of aviation, contributing to long-term growth, technological advancement, or industry standards.
- Contributions may also include academic research, policy development, or work that has global significance in aviation.
Selection Process:
- An independent panel of industry experts, previous award winners, and leaders in aviation will review all nominations.
- The panel will assess each nomination based on the award criteria and select the winner(s) through a scoring system.
- Finalists will be notified by September, and the award recipient(s) will be announced at the Annual Aerium Summit.
Award Categories:
The award may be given in different categories, including but not limited to:
- Aviation Pioneer Award: For groundbreaking achievements or firsts in aviation.
- Excellence in Aviation Leadership: For outstanding leadership and service to the aviation industry.
- Mentorship and Advocacy Award: For significant efforts to mentor and support the next generation of women in aviation.
This structure ensures a comprehensive recognition of women who have made significant contributions to the aviation industry and continue to inspire others.
Nomination Criteria:
1. Eligibility:
- Open to women of any nationality actively working or retired from a recognized aviation-related field (e.g., pilots, engineers, air traffic controllers, airline executives, mechanics, educators, etc.).
- Must have at least 5 years of professional experience in aviation.
- Must be in Aviation area of study
2. Nomination Process:
- Who Can Nominate:
- Nominations can be submitted by colleagues, supervisors, industry peers, or professional organizations.
- Self-nominations are allowed but must include references, supporting letters from industry professionals and letters of support.
3. Required Documents:
- A completed nomination form, including:
- The nominee’s professional biography.
- A description of the nominee’s contributions to aviation.
- Any awards, recognitions, or achievements related to aviation.
- Testimonials or endorsements from peers, mentees, or
- collaborators (if applicable).
4. Supporting Materials:
- Up to three (3) letters of recommendation from professionals in the aviation industry.
- Optional: Relevant articles, publications, or media highlighting the nominee’s achievements.
- If self nominating include references, supporting letters from industry professionals and letters of support.
5. How to Submit Nominations:
Online Submission:
- Nominations must be submitted below.
- All supporting documents should be uploaded in PDF format.
- Confirmation of receipt will be emailed once the nomination has been successfully submitted.
Email Submission:
- Nominations can also be submitted via email to admin@aerium.org. The subject line should include the nominee’s name and “Women in Aviation Award Nomination.”
- Attach all required documents and supporting materials in PDF format. A confirmation email will be sent upon receipt.
Nomination Deadline:
- All nominations must be submitted by July 31st, 2026 to be considered for the current year’s award cycle.
Members of the Women in Aviation Board can not be nominated for the award.