Let's Talk Chapter Business ft. Southeastern OSU-WAI

The 34th annual Women in Aviation International Conference took place in Long Beach, California February 23-25, 2023. The event was filled with distinguished guests, keynote speakers, workshops, vendors, interviews, luncheons, and watching presentations to welcome Nancy Bird, Martha and John King, and Col. Merryl Tengesdal USAF (Ret.) into the 2023 WAI Hall of Fame.

Each year, the WAI Conference offers unparalleled aviation networking, mentoring, and learning opportunities. This year, we spent time getting to know WAI chapter members from Southeastern Oklahoma State University (SEOSU), and their favorite parts about WAI.

Flying Cowgirls x SEOSU WAI Chapters at he 2023 WAI Conference

Audrey Conard - SEOSU WAI Secretary Officer

Whether you are an aviation enthusiast or professional, WAI members are not only encouraged to join the organization, but to get involved with a local chapter. Conard shares that her favorite part about being in the SEOSU chapter are the monthly events because it demonstrates "the importance of professionalism, networking, and educational seminars as we prepare for our careers". To add to the point of professional development, Conard says that she came to the Conference "because networking is such an important part of aviation. We came as a group not only to show that SEOSU wants to be involved with WAI, but also so we can grow in our personal careers". Chapter pride and identity is one of the most unique cultural pieces WAI has to offer, further enabling representation of minorities in the aviation industry and community. Simply put, Conference allows everyone to "support each other - when you bring everyone together, there are SO many women, and it's awesome". Moments like this make WAI a worthwhile organization, and it shows that their mission to Connect, Engage, Inspire holds true.

Garett Stocking - SEOSU WAI Chapter President

"Our chapter is relatively smaller than other chapters, but we are very close and have a great sense of teamwork, and all-around good culture". As president, Stocking has the responsibility to lead the chapter, and foster the local community of collegiate aviators. Traditionally, collegiate chapters have a smaller group of members in comparison to city chapters, but as shown, every chapter has it's unique qualities that make the organization a fun, exciting, and inclusive way of sharing a passion for aviation.

Stocking also shares that WAI is important to be a part of because "we all believe in the cause and for advocating for aviation in general. We all have a love and joy for it." Additionally, he states that WAI not only offers excellent networking opportunities to help young professionals, but allows members to "make great connections and life-long friends".

Hope Johnson - SEOSU WAI Member

Johnson's favorite part of the chapter is when "we stay after meetings", noting that the welcoming community at the university not only gives members something to track on their resume, but it has become an invaluable piece of her college experience. Furthermore, Johnson shared that for the WAI Conference, much like her chapter counterparts, went for the networking opportunities, but also for the "educational workshops that will help our chapter and seminars, because they help with professional development". WAI is not only important in the way it helps build young aviator's pathway to success, but "it showcases an underrepresented group of people. It gives us a platform, and it gives a platform to everyone in aviation."

Overall, Women in Aviation International serves to Connect, Engage, Inspire, and we can see that for OSU and SEOSU students, it does just that and more. WAI bridges the gap between young aviation professionals and the matured industry. It offers educational, financial, and mentorship opportunities to it's annual members, and you can check out WAI.org today to learn more about the organization.

Find or Start a WAI Chapter

If you're looking for more ways to get involved with WAI, joining a local chapter is the perfect way to start. Don't know how to find one? There's a guide online! Chapter Resources are available and allow you options such as searching for your home state to find a chapter, or use PDF copies of handbooks to help start a chapter. Starting a WAI chapter may seem daunting, but we here at the Flying Cowgirls chapter are here to help. Reach out to our chapter email and we will help connect you with WAI staff!

Reach out at: womeninaviation_okstate@outlook.com

Mags Off,

The Flying Cowgirls

Written By: Dana Friend