The AIAM Foundation works to create a diverse pipeline of talent, strengthen small businesses, and raise awareness for aerospace in the state. Learn how.
The AIAM Foundation was established as the philanthropic arm of the Association. Resources raised through the Foundation will directly impact programs focused on strengthening the talent pipeline, supplier support programs for aerospace certifications, and community collaborations to strengthen local economies and attract and retain talent in Michigan. The Foundation serves all individuals and organizations but has a priority focus on engaging communities under-resourced and underrepresented.
To help further these efforts, AIAM recently hired Brittany Telander as Executive Director of the Foundation. Brittany has more than a decade of experience as a fundraising and communications professional, with a proven track record of strategic development, nurturing relationships, and achieving revenue goals.
The Michigan Girls Future Flight Challenge (MGFFC), launched by the Association’s affinity group Women of AIAM, is an example of educational programs the Foundation seeks to support. This program provides a platform for 4th-8th grade girls to connect with a woman mentor in aerospace, learn about different roles that are required to keep the industry advancing (marketing, engineering, business development, etc.), and use their imagination to create a flight vehicle to solve a world problem. Many of the students involved are unfamiliar with aerospace but leave the experience with a better understanding of the many jobs that play a role in the ideation, creation, development, and advertising of a flight vehicle.
The AIAM Foundation also has the strategic objective of breaking the barrier to becoming a certified aerospace company. The projected growth in the global aerospace market outpaces the current workforce available to meet anticipated demand. Assisting suppliers, specifically those of protected classes, in diversifying their operations will keep Michigan a leader in the industry benefiting communities across that state.
To support the Foundation’s strategic initiatives, consider Corporate Partnership or donate by visiting the Foundation homepage. Charitable support is greatly appreciated and furthers the Foundation’s mission to connect, engage, and advocate for the continued growth of Michigan’s aerospace industry by supporting talent development and pipeline, small business diversification, and community collaboration.
