WOMEN
IN AVIATION
INTERNATIONAL
Local
Chapter: C-U IN THE SKY
Women in
Aviation International was first organized in 1994 and became
active on the UIUC campus in 1998. Currently there are 7,000+
individual members and 139 corporate members world wide. The
local chapter has 25 members.
Annmarie Craven,
a flight instructor at the Institute of Aviation started the
local chapter in February 1998 after attending the Annual
International Women in Aviation Conference in 1997. Thirty
members, both men and women, joined at that time.
The International
Women in Aviation organization hosts a national conference
each spring. Because of the success of the national conference,
in 2003 they hosted the first annual regional conference in
Wichita, KS. In 2004, the regional conference was held in
Chicago, IL and the C-U in the Sky chapter had three members
attend. Along with different conferences, the international
chapter also supports a bi-monthly magazine, Aviation
for Women.
UIUC students have
participated in the national conference for the past 7 years
with the C-U in the Sky chapter providing support. Eight members
attended the 2005 conference in Dallas, TX. Chapter officers
have established a not-for-profit status for the local chapter.
The purpose of the local chapter is to inform students and
the community about the aviation industry and encourage both
young men and women to seek careers in aviation.
C-U-In the Sky
holds annual fundraisers to support group activities including
the regional and national conferences. Women in Aviation also
support the IFR/VFR seminar in early spring. Other activities
have included participation in a junior high conference for
women interested in math and science careers, presenting school
programs on careers in aviation, and guiding tours of school
children at Willard Airport. Fun activities have included
canoeing, movie nights, pumpkin carving and bowling.
For local membership information check:
http://www.aviation.uiuc.edu/UnitsStudentOrg/WomanInAvi/WiaHome.htm
or email:
For information about the International organization go to:
http://www.wai.org/
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