- Categories:
- Special Interest
- Tags:
- AwarenessCareersWomen
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- Every May 20
- Holiday emoji:
- 🚀
National Women In Aerospace Day takes flight every May 20, encouraging more women to pursue careers in aero engineering and the broader aerospace industry. Join us in celebrating the vital contributions of women across commercial aviation, defense, UAVs, helicopters, and space. Explore resources, share inspiring stories, and mentor aspiring young women to reach for the stars.
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Expected National Women In Aerospace Day Deals
On National Women In Aerospace Day, the focus shifts from commercial deals to educational and professional development opportunities. Organizations like Women in Aerospace (WIA) and Ninety-Nines, Inc. often highlight scholarship programs and mentorship initiatives. Aerospace giants such as Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman may host virtual career fairs or STEM outreach events, offering insights into industry roles and pathways. Universities with strong aerospace programs, like Purdue or MIT, frequently promote their women in engineering chapters and offer open house events. Look for special discounts on flight simulation experiences or aviation museum admissions. We will update this page with confirmed live programs and events as May 20 approaches.
Platform Guide for National Women In Aerospace Day
Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #WomenInAerospace. Share success stories of women in your organization or highlight relevant career opportunities.
X/Twitter
Mention @NatlToday and use #WomenInAerospace. Share news articles, inspiring quotes, or live-tweet from industry events and discussions.
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #WomenInAerospace. Post visually engaging content featuring female pilots, engineers, or astronauts, and share behind-the-scenes glimpses of the industry.
National Women In Aerospace Day Hero
Mae C. Jemison
History of National Women In Aerospace Day
National Women In Aerospace Day was created in August 2021 by Nikki Malcom, the CEO and Executive Director at the Pacific Northwest Aerospace Alliance and the 32nd recipient of the AeroTime Aviation Achievement Award in 2022. This day celebrates the women who have contributed and are contributing to the aerospace industry, as well as encouraging those who aspire to contribute in the future. This day also aims to create more access to women and girls by bringing to them the incredible achievements of women in the field.
Although women have flown since 1908, the fight to find a space working in the aerospace industry prior to 1970 is not easy. Each generation has played a role in breaking down new barriers and making careers in the military, commercial cockpits, laboratories, and space. From the first woman to earn her pilot’s license to the programmers who made the trip to the moon a reality, National Women In Aerospace Day applauds these achievements and hopes for more enthusiastic participation in the future.
In 1985, a pioneering and visionary group of women organized Women in Aerospace when they recognized the need for an organization to network within the aerospace industry. They also hope to increase their visibility in the sector, promote their achievements, and encourage more women to pursue careers in the aerospace industry. Today, Women in Aerospace Day continues to be met with overwhelming success. Over 30 years since its establishment, the group now has over 2,000 individual members, representing 250 companies, including more than 80 corporate members. The group encourages the participation of both women and men. With joint efforts of Women in Aerospace and celebrations of National Women In Aerospace Day, the aerospace industry might eventually become truly inclusive.
National Women In Aerospace Day timeline
The honor belongs to Harriet Quimby.
Central Airlines hires Helen Richey.
Sabiha Gökçen becomes a Turkish aviator.
Soviet cosmonaut Valentina Tereshkova is the first woman in space.
How Businesses Can Celebrate National Women In Aerospace Day
Local businesses can honor National Women In Aerospace Day by highlighting the achievements of women in their own teams, especially those in STEM roles. Retailers might feature books or toys that inspire young girls in science and aviation. Restaurants could host special events with guest speakers from the local aerospace industry, offering mentorship or networking opportunities. Companies can also partner with local schools to organize career day presentations, showcasing diverse female role models in aerospace and engineering, or offer internships to aspiring students. Consider sponsoring a local STEM program or a scholarship for a female student pursuing aerospace studies.
National Women In Aerospace Day FAQs
When is National Women In Aerospace Day?
In 2027, National Women In Aerospace Day falls on Thursday, May 20. This annual observance continues to highlight the contributions of women and inspire future generations.
How many women work in the aerospace industry?
Globally, the percentage of women in aerospace roles, including engineers, pilots, and technicians, is steadily increasing. Organizations and companies are actively working to close the gender gap and attract more female talent to the industry.
What percentage of pilots are women?
The representation of women in piloting roles is a critical area of focus for diversity initiatives in 2027. Efforts include scholarships, mentorship, and outreach programs aimed at encouraging more women to pursue careers in the cockpit.
What are some challenges women face in aerospace?
Addressing the challenges for women in aerospace in 2027 involves proactive measures like robust diversity and inclusion programs, sponsorship initiatives, and fostering environments that support women’s professional growth and leadership development.
How to Observe National Women In Aerospace Day
Celebrate the women in aerospace
Are you or a friend a woman in the aerospace industry? Celebrate your achievements on National Women In Aerospace Day. Go out for a drink, cheer each other on, and continue to support each other’s professional endeavors.
Learn the history
The road to a career in the aerospace industry hasn’t been easy. Observe National Women In Aerospace Day by learning the history of the industry and celebrating the pioneers in the field.
Organize outreach programs
A great way to celebrate National Women In Aerospace Day is by organizing outreach programs. Encourage young women to pursue a career in the aerospace industry and show them how to go about it.
5 Facts About Women In The Aerospace Industry
Female participation remains abysmally low
The global average of women in the aerospace industry is approximately 20%.
Women’s involvement in aircraft and spacecraft manufacturing
Women constitute only 26% of the workforce globally.
Female aerospace engineers are low in number
They make up only 9% of the global total number of aerospace engineers employed.
Women serving in executive leadership roles
Only 19% of the leaders in aerospace and defense in the United States are women.
Zara Rutherford is an inspiration at 19
She is the youngest female pilot to fly solo around the world.
Why National Women In Aerospace Day is Important
It celebrates achievements
National Women In Aerospace Day is a much-needed day to celebrate all the wonderful achievements of women in the past and present within the aerospace industry. It also encourages women to take up careers in the industry.
To level the playing field
One of the aims of National Women In Aerospace Day is also to fix the skewed male-to-female sex ratio in the aerospace industry. With outreach programs, more and more women find themselves wanting to work in the industry.
We are inspired by humankind’s incredible feats
Finding out a way to fly to and visit outer space are two of the most remarkable feats achieved by humankind for humankind. National Women In Aerospace Day is also a celebration of science, technology, and innovation.
Social Media Tips for National Women In Aerospace Day
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