Women in Aviation International (WAI) is an organization made to support women, and all other people, in the aviation industry. WAI’s mission is as stated, “Women in Aviation International (WAI) envisions a world where the sky is open to all, where aviation and aerospace dreams are possible without barriers.” The WAI chapter at Averett, chapter 173, is a collegiate chapter with Kennedy Wilson serving as the President.
When asked what the mission and purpose is for the WAI chapter at Averett, President Kennedy Wilson said this “The mission and purpose of women in aviation is to create a space where we can learn to network, outreach to the community, and build relationships with fellow pilots in our program”.
Kennedy spoke about why people should join the chapter, “people should join WAI because we are here to help people further their careers. We are a chapter of a national organization that is widely recognized by people in the aviation industry, so having this on your resume looks great in an interview. Also, we are constantly bringing guest speakers to talk with us about the aviation industry, which makes it easier to network and make connections.”
Kennedy wishes people knew that everyone is welcome to join the chapter. She says “you do not have to be a woman or in aviation. In fact, we have many males who have already joined.”
When asked about the events WAI chapter 173 has been involved in, Ashlynn Jones, a WAI member, said “the Greensboro girls in Aviation Day helped me gain volunteer hours. One of my favorite things to see there was Samaritan’s purse hangar and plane. We met a Honda jet test pilot who later came and spoke at a meeting for the WAI chapter, and I gained many other connections from this event, which I will be excited to volunteer for next semester!”
Jones also said “this chapter will help you make connections all around the aviation world. We have had many guest speakers, and connection events. These events have helped me to make a better plan for what I would like to do in the future and helped me to understand what I should do now to achieve my goals.”
When asked why organizations like this are important, Jones stated, “I think this is important not only for the people in the chapter to make connections, but to learn from the other members and get Averett aviation into more events such as the Greensboro 5K on the runway, that is happening this weekend, and the Girls in aviation day we attended to grow this club even more. Averett has an amazing flight program that many more people should know about.”
When asked what WAI personally meant to Mwansa Mweo, treasurer of chapter 173, she stated “Women in aviation” represents visibility and empowerment. To me, it means creating space in an industry where women have historically been underrepresented and making sure the next generation sees themselves reflected in every corner of aviation. It is about community and supporting each other, celebrating each other, and pushing for progress together. Most of all, it means rewriting the narrative so that women are not the exception in aviation, but a normal and expected part of the story.”
Mweo also spoke about how having a leadership role in the chapter has helped her develop lifelong skills. “Serving as Treasurer has strengthened both my leadership and my professional skill set. I have learned how to manage budgets responsibly and communicate transparently about finances. It also sharpened my organizational skills, teamwork, and ability to plan events with intention.”
Mweo summed up everyone’s thoughts on the WAI chapter here at Averett by saying “WAI has helped me by giving me a genuine sense of community in a field where it is easy to feel isolated. Being part of the chapter has connected me with women who share similar goals, challenges, and ambitions, which has been incredibly grounding. It also opened doors to mentorship, networking, and professional development opportunities that I would not have accessed on my own. Beyond that, WAI has helped me build confidence not just in my abilities, but in my place within the aviation industry.”
