2025 WAI Conference Scholarship Winners
- Chicagos Leading Edge
- Apr 2
- 7 min read
Updated: Apr 3
This year, Chicago’s Leading Edge was proud to support a remarkable group of scholarship recipients in attending the 2025 Women in Aviation International (WAI) Conference in Denver. Each individual brought unique goals, experiences, and aspirations to the event—and left with newfound inspiration, connections, and clarity on their aviation journeys. From students earning their first certificates to seasoned instructors shaping the next generation, our members soaked in everything the conference had to offer: impactful seminars, powerful networking, and the kind of encouragement that fuels lifelong careers.
Click the arrows in the image to see more photos from conference!
These stories are a glimpse into the profound effect our sponsors and donors has had—not just on these recipients, but on the future of aviation as a whole.
A heartfelt thank you to our generous sponsors who made this opportunity possible. Because of you, these aspiring aviators and professionals were able to gain knowledge, forge connections, and envision bold new possibilities. Your belief in our mission is helping to elevate the next generation of women in aerospace—and we are sincerely grateful.
If you would like to attend conference next year or support future women to attend the national WAI conference, please click the links below.
2024 Scholarship Winners
Below are our 2024 scholarship recipients and their reflections on the 2025 WAI Conference—sharing what the experience meant to them and how receiving this scholarship helped shape their aviation journey.
This year I was Chicago's Leading Edge's scholarship recipient to attend the WAI Conference in Denver. This scholarship award is significant for me. As of recently, I am an ATP pilot, and I am at a pivotal point in my career. Attending the conference has helped me to explore possibilities of career progression and directions. I valued the networking opportunities with esteemed professionals and have attended educational sessions on professional development in the area of leadership.
One key takeaway from the conference is — "challenges are opportunities", from an excellent workshop on leadership skills in aviation. The highlight of the conference was meeting Captain Theresa Claiborne — who is a true inspiration to many, including myself.
I am grateful to the sponsors of the CLE Conference Scholarship for this opportunity, I would have not been able to accomplish so much in the past 3 days if I had not gone to the WAI conference.
Hello, my name is Lillian, I am a student at the University of Dubuque
majoring in Flight Operations and Aviation Management with a minor in Business. I am
currently working on my instrument rating and will receive my Commercial,
Multi-engine, and CFI ratings/certificates all within the next few years. I would love to
pursue a career in corporate aviation as a pilot.
I was so excited to hear I would be
attending the 2025 Women in Aviation International Conference because I would be able to go with Chicago’s Leading Edge, and have the opportunity to meet so many amazing successful female pilots in today's industry. I learned so much by going and participating in as many seminars as possible. I met so many inspiring people with all different life
paths. Hearing these different stories inspires me to continue to learn and become the best version of myself as possible.
I would like to personally thank you for all you do, and for our sponsors supporting our chapter so I could attend this year's Women in Aviation International Conference.
My name is Grace. I’ve been working towards my aviation goals for nearly a decade. I earned my private pilot certificate at 18 and became a flight instructor at 20. I’ve been flight instructing for 4 years, and recently earned my commercial multi-engine rating. In addition to flight training, I graduated cum laude from Lewis University with a bachelor’s degree in Aviation Administration. From there, I also earned my dispatcher certificate.
While I enjoy the work I do now, my ultimate goal is to become a professional pilot and attending the WAI Conference was incredibly impactful. I had the opportunity to network with airline pilots and gain insights into how I can enhance my applications for regional airlines and corporate operations. I was also exposed to mentorship opportunities available. The experience gave me both inspiration and clarity in pursuing my dream.
My name is Carissa and I am a current CFI/CFII/MEI instructing at Kansas State University. Thank you so much for the opportunity to attend the 2025 Women in Aviation International Conference in Denver! As a first-generation pilot aspiring toward a long career in the airlines, the opportunity to connect with pilots and aviation professionals from all around the industry was an incredible learning moment. From business aviation to FBO operations to airline flying, I was inspired by these women's amazing stories and career paths.
My current aviation goals include achieving my tailwheel endorsement and becoming more involved in the general aviation community, and as a flight instructor, to eventually sign off a student in every rating. Long-term, I hope to fly with my mother in the airlines one day. She currently works as a Flight Attendant and I look forward to working and traveling as a crew with her!
I am Stella, and I am a current senior at the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy.
As an incoming mechanical engineer, I hope to further my education and continue to work towards my private pilot license.
The International Women in Aviation conference was inspiring and offered me an opportunity to learn from passionate people.
From networking with Southwest pilots to attending educational seminars, I am grateful for each interaction. All it takes is one opportunity to help someone’s world take flight!
Lisa M.
My name is Lisa, and I am an aerobatic pilot. I look forward to competitions and one day flying in airshows all over the world! My ultimate goal is to perform at AirVenture in Oshkosh! One day, I would like to become an aerobatic instructor and give back to the aviation community!
My favorite seminars at the WAI Conference were the Aerospace Workshop and the Leadership Workshop.
Attending this event was an incredibly inspiring experience. I had the opportunity to meet so many amazing individuals, but one person who made a lasting impression on me was Emmy Dillon at the Air Race Classics booth. Her passion and knowledge were truly impactful, and our conversation left me feeling motivated and energized.
Throughout the event, I learned something new every single day. The atmosphere was filled with curiosity and expertise—everyone I met was eager to share their knowledge, and I walked away with a deeper understanding of the industry and its many possibilities.
One of the most exciting discoveries for me was learning about the company CAMP. Their work in private aircraft maintenance really piqued my interest, and I found myself visiting their booth and speaking with their team each day.
I’m incredibly grateful for this amazing opportunity. Thank you to Chicago’s Leading Edge – Women in Aviation International, and especially to Bailey, for making it all possible. I’m already looking forward to the next event!
My name is Laurie Mulé, and I am a pilot currently working on my Instrument Rating. I was thrilled to learn that I had won the scholarship to attend the Women in Aviation International Conference in Denver.
Through this invaluable experience, I gained incredible insights into the aviation industry and had the opportunity to connect with inspiring professionals. Hearing their stories has motivated me to continue my training and explore the many diverse paths within aviation.
Thank you for sponsoring our chapter's participation in the Women in Aviation Conference. Your support made this unforgettable experience possible!
My name is Macy, and I was one
of the recipients for the Women In Aviation International conference scholarship. My experience at this conference has been a very eye opening experience as I got to explore the vastness of the aviation industry. The people are who make this conference unforgettable! They were inspiring, encouraging, and most importantly KIND. My favorite session I sat in on was called Women in Corporate Aviation. They confirmed my belief that corporate aviation is the path for me.
Thank you for your support in allowing me this amazing opportunity to network and be encouraged by my fellow women aviation family. I sincerely thank you.
It was an absolute privilege to lead a group of nine incredible women to the 2025 Women in Aviation International Conference in Denver—seven of whom were attending for the very first time. Watching them experience the magic of WAI firsthand was powerful. A few received interviews and discovered career paths they hadn’t considered before. That kind of inspiration, connection, and opportunity is exactly why this conference matters.
As Chapter President, I focused my time networking with fellow WAI chapter leaders, learning fresh ideas to grow our outreach, improve our fundraising, and connect with more local aviation companies and organizations. I’m so excited to bring that momentum back to Chicago and continue building a chapter that uplifts and empowers.
Thanks to the generosity of Chicago Executive Airport, part of our group’s entrance fees to the conference were covered. And thanks to Southwest Airlines, we traveled together with ease—building bonds before we even arrived. Pilot Institute also helped us show up in style with matching jackets that sparked countless compliments and meaningful conversations throughout the event. We shared an Airbnb, traveled as a crew, and supported one another like a true aviation sisterhood. It felt like summer camp for women in aviation—and it was unforgettable.
On a personal note, now that I’ve earned my commercial pilot’s license, this year’s conference opened doors for me too. I had the chance to connect with professionals flying low-level missions like aerial surveys and tours—exactly the kind of flying I hope to do, with long-term dreams of aerial firefighting and flying corporate jets.
Next year, my goal is to double the number of scholarships so we can bring more members to WAI and create our own aviation summer camp-style experience with 20 incredible members. Because when women support each other, amazing things take flight.
Thank you to our generous sponsors and to the amazing women of Chicago’s Leading Edge who made this trip so meaningful. With nearly 40 attendees from Chicago at this year’s conference, the future is bright—and we’re just getting started.
Chicago Ladies at 2025 Women in Aviation International Conference in Denver
Thank You Conference Sponsors!
We extend our deepest gratitude to our anonymous and private sponsors, whose quiet generosity made a loud impact. Thank you also to Chicago Executive Airport, Southwest Airlines, Pilot Institute, and Women in Aviation International for your unwavering support in helping our members take flight—both literally and figuratively.
2025 Scholarships
Our scholarships for the 2026 WAI conference in Dallas, TX will open up in the fall. We are hoping to double our scholarships and send 20 women to conference in 2026, and we need your continued support! If you would like to attend conference next year or support future women to attend the national WAI conference, please click the links below.
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