Chicago's Leading Edge Chapter

Congratulations to our 2012 “Future’s Unlimited Scholarship” winner!

This year’s 2012 Future’s Unlimited, chapter sponsored scholarship went to a very deserving recipient, Nicole Ruggerio. She is a driven and talented individual who will represent our chapter wonderfully at this year’s Women in Aviation Conference in Dallas, TX. She was awarded the $750 scholarship intended to cover travel expenses as a result of all of our membership’s generous support. Please continue to donate on the behalf of next year’s applicants as we are always looking to increase the amount of scholarships that we are able to give out. Thank you very much for your hard work Nicole!

Monday, February 6th – February Chapter Meeting at Lewis University

The February chapter meeting will be held at Lewis University in Romeoville at 6:30PM and will include a presentation by chapter members Pam Brophy and Pat Tiner on their time as Air Traffic Controllers at Aurora Airport. These two woman are great examples of leaders in the aviation industry. Join us as we listen to their presentation, especially if you are interested in the field of air traffic control. For directions to Lewis University, click here.

Sunday, January 22nd – Red Tails Movie Showing

A crew of African American pilots in the Tuskegee training program, having faced segregation while kept mostly on the ground during World War II, are called into duty under the guidance of Col. A.J. Bullard. Join Chicago’s Leading Edge Chapter as we watch this epic story unfold at AMC Hodgkins Theater at 11:15 am on Sunday, January 22nd. For directions, click here.

January 9th – January Meeting at Air Classics Museum

Our January meeting will be held at Air Classics Museum at Aurora Airport. Join us on January 9th, 2012 at 6:30PM as we plan our Women in Aviation display for the museum’s open house in summer 2012. We currently have a temporary exhibit on display and will use this meeting to create a more permanent display. This is an opportunity for us to create something that will be enjoyed by museum visitors for years to come. For directions to Air Classics Museum, click here. To donate or for more information about the museum, visit their website at www.airclassicsmuseum.org.

Sunday, December 4th, 2011 from 12PM-3PM – Join us for our 3rd annual Holiday Party

This year’s Holiday Party will be held at Maggiano’s Little Italy at Oakbrook Center and will be followed by a little holiday shopping. As in previous years we will collect an aviation related toy from each attendee and donate to a Chicago area charity. Additionally, we will have an ornament exchange, so bring an aviation related ornament and take a new one home! It will cost approximately $25 per person and includes lunch. There are only 24 spots available and they will go first come first serve. Contract Megan Montgomery at chicagosleadingedge@gmail.com if you are interested in attending.

November 7th – November Meeting at the College of DuPage’s Homeland Security Education Center

To meet community and student demands for newer programs and to be at the forefront of ever-changing training regulations and increasing requirements for Criminal Justice, the Suburban Law Enforcement Academy and Fire Science/EMS training programs, the College of DuPage has constructed a new 60,000 square-foot building. A feature element to this building is an Immersive Training Lab, which will be utilized by all programs. This unique training lab is a realistic environmental space with streets and building facades. One of our members, Laurie Jorgensen, was kind enough to set up the event and tour. We will meet at the Homeland Security Education Center in Room 1007 and parking will be available in Fawell Lot E. Click here for directions to the College of DuPage. Click here for a campus map. Click here for a building floor plan of the Homeland Education Center.

November 5th – Lewis University Career Conference

This conference is open to anyone interested in learning more about a career in the aviation industry including positions as an airline pilot, corporate pilot, air traffic controller, maintenance, airport management and the FAA. If you are interested in attending and hearing what industry professionals have to say about their careers and how they earned their current positions, please register online. Registration is free and open to the public. If you are interested in volunteering at the Chicago’s Leading Edge booth, contact Megan Montgomery at montgome@lewisu.edu.

Chicago’s Leading Edge Future’s Unlimited Scholarship

Apply now for the Chicago’s Leading Edge 2012 Scholarship!

The recipient of the award will receive $750 intended to cover conference registration, banquet, hotel, and airfare for one person to attend WAI’s 2012 Annual Conference in Dallas, TX, March 8-10, 2012. The 2012 Future’s Unlimited Scholarship is sponsored by Chicago’s Leading Edge Chapter, Women in Aviation International. Applications must be postmarked by Dec. 1^st, 2011. See application for details.

Click here to view the Chicago’s Leading Edge 2012 Scholarship Application

WAI Pioneer Hall of Fame 2011

June 25 — Women With Wings at Chanute Air Museum in Rantoul IL with keynote speaker Maj. L. Tammy Duckworth

Each year, the WAI organization solicits nominations from throughout the aviation industry for the WAI Pioneer Hall of Fame. Chicago’s Leading Edge Chapter nominated Maj. L. Tammy Duckworth.

Women in Aviation member L. Tammy Duckworth serves as the Department of Veterans Affairs Assistant Secretary for Public and Intergovernmental Affairs. As Assistant Secretary, Duckworth advises the Secretary of Veterans Affairs on matters relating to media and public affairs. Duckworth served as the Director of Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs from 2006-2008. A Major in the Illinois Army National Guard, Duckworth served in Iraq as an Assistant Operations Officer and also flew combat missions as a Black Hawk helicopter pilot.

During a mission north of Baghdad in 2004, a rocket-propelled grenade struck the helicopter she was co-piloting. As a result of the attack, Duckworth lost both of her legs and partial use of one arm. She received many decorations for her actions, including the Purple Heart, the Air Medal, and the Combat Action Badge. In 2008 and 2009, she completed the Chicago Marathon, fulfilling a promise made at Walter Reed. She has also resumed flying as a civilian pilot.

The Women in Aviation, International Pioneer Hall of Fame was established in 1992 to honor women who have made significant contributions as record setters, pioneers, or innovators. Special consideration is given to individuals or groups who have helped other women be successful in aviation or opened doors of opportunity for other women.

A special induction ceremony was held at the 22nd Annual International Women in Aviation Conference February 26, 2011, Grand Sierra Resort, Reno, Nevada.

WAI Dispatcher Scholarship Award

WAI Scholarship Winner Jennifer Alicz

Congratulations to Chicago’s Leading Edge Chapter member and Outreach Chair, Jen Alicz, recipient of the WAI Airline Ground School Inc. Dispatcher Training Scholarship.

The scholarship will include a Distance Learning Course with a six day residency in Florence, KY. At the end of the program Jen will take her oral and practical exams to receive her Aircraft Dispatcher Certificate.