Women in Aviation International

WAI and Harvard University partner for the Class of 2025 Emerging Leaders course

Applications open for 30 WAI members

Rising women leaders in the aviation and aerospace industry are encouraged to apply to attend Women in Leadership: A Program for Emerging Leaders, a three-day, on-campus professional development program hosted by Women in Aviation International and conducted by Harvard University’s Division of Continuing Education (DEC).

Applications opened on Friday, November 8th, and close on December 20th, 2024. The course takes place May 13th, 14th and 15th, 2025, on Harvard University’s campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts. A fourth day of training will be held virtually in mid-June 2025.

This intensive leadership program draws on curriculum from Harvard’s DEC Professional Development department and is tailored to address the unique challenges women face in the aviation and aerospace industry. Topics include executive communication skills, strategic thinking, and negotiation skills. WAI's goal is to help high-potential managers master core business concepts, build key leadership skills, and develop their leadership style.

“This is a unique course, geared specifically for women currently working in the aviation and aerospace industry,” says Stephanie Kenyon, WAI COO and program lead. “WAI alumnae who have completed the course have developed strong networks with their classmates who continue to provide each other with support and advice. With 90% of past participants reporting they have advanced in their careers as a direct result of their experience at WAI's program at Harvard, we know this course is critical to increasing the number of women in leadership positions in our industry.”

The WAI Emerging Leaders Class of 2024 includes 30 members from Australia, India, Japan, the Netherlands, Zimbabwe and the United States.

Participants will earn a certificate awarded by Harvard University's Division of Continuing Education to add to their professional resumes. Partial funding for the course was provided through a grant from the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation.

The program is intended for high-performing women who are members of Women in Aviation International and who are currently working in management positions. Note, this program is NOT intended for entry-level nor for executive-level participants.

No more than 30 WAI members will be chosen to receive funding support that will include program tuition, hotel (checking in on Monday, May 12th and departing Friday, May 16th), and meals for the three days of the course. Selected participants are responsible for their own travel costs, including airfare and ground transportation. Those selected must commit to attending all three days of the on-campus course, as well as the online virtual coaching day. Applicants must be current members of Women in Aviation International.

Apply here

Applicants will be notified no later than February 1st, 2025.