WHO WE ARE
WAIAM delivers programs that connect students to aerospace careers while strengthening relationships between industry, education, and communities, and creates meaningful ways for professionals to engage, contribute, and grow.
WAIAM is not a separate membership you sign up for—it’s a community you participate in.
Members participate in a program, attended an event, mentored a student, or provide resources to support our work.
Find your way to get involved below.
Michigan Youth Future Flight Challenge Student Project Prototypes
Help deliver experiences that inspire students across Michigan:
- Michigan Youth Future Flight Challenge
- She Innovates, She Leads
- Career exposure and STEM initiatives
- Connect companies to program demonstrations
- Mentor, volunteer, or support program delivery
Step into more active involvement:
- Join a committee
- Help plan events or programs
- Lead an initiative
- Shape the direction and impact of WAIAM
Be part of the community in action:
- Outreach events
- Industry gatherings
- WAIAM Dinner and recognition moments
- Attend, volunteer, or represent WAIAM
Expand the reach of this work:
- Share opportunities within your company
- Connect partners and resources
- Invite others into the network
- Use your network to grow the impact
HOW TO GET INVOLVED
For programs and events in 2026, WAIAM has raised to date $2,572.
On average, it takes roughly $30,000 annually to deliver WAIAM programming to Michigan communities.
EVENTS & PROGRAMS
FIFTH ANNUAL MICHIGAN YOUTH FUTURE FLIGHT CHALLENGE
A virtual statewide competition for students in grades 4-8, participants are tasked with developing a sustainable flight solution related to Community, Space, or the Future. The project involves engineering, marketing, design, and business planning, with mentorship from aerospace professionals who provide support, feedback, and insights throughout the process.
Throughout the last three years, MYFFC has impacted 245 students and 57 mentors from 30 Michigan companies.
SHE INNOVATES, SHE LEADS: INSPIRING CHANGE FOR A SUSTAINABLE WORLD
The She Innovates, She Leads program works to inspire high school students to learn about the diversity of amazing careers in Michigan and encourage them to connect their passions to pathways that contribute to sustainability. This program is held in partnership Women in Manufacturing Western Michigan Chapter, MiSTEM Network’s Greater West Michigan Region, and Grand Valley State University.
WAIAM gathers with students and mentors coming from leadership and STEM fields, focused on sustainability. This program exposes high school students to diverse careers in Michigan, led by their passions, and pathways towards sustainability! WAIAM is excited to continue in 2025.
She Innovates, She Leads will have a booth featuring multiple women in STEM! Visit us to learn about STEM career pathways in sustainability.
Learn more about She Innovates, She Leads Here!
WOMEN OF AIAM DINNER AT AEROONE
Alongside AIAM’s annual AeroOne conference, WAIAM holds a dinner to celebrate past volunteers and bring WAIAM members together. This year, 40 WAIAM members and volunteers gathered in Grand Rapids for an impactful night of celebrating accomplishments and networking with fellow industry professionals.
Invitations for this event are sent in June. Learn more about AeroOne here.
UPCOMING ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES
AIAM Industry Luncheon
May 6th, 2026
GE Aviation – Morton Shores, MI
WAIAM Exhibit Booth
AIAM 9th Annual Golf Outing
June 22nd, 2026
Timber Ridge Championship Golf Course – Bath, MI
WAIAM Tee Box
WAIAM IMPACT POINTS
WAIAM Impact Points are a simple way we recognize member engagement across events, programs, and volunteer activities.
As a community built on participation, Impact Points help us acknowledge the time, energy, and contributions members bring to WAIAM. Earn points by participating and checking in via QR code at events or during meetings. Engagement is recognized throughout the year and highlighted at the annual WAIAM Dinner.
Meet Our Leaders
Lissa Barron
Director of Communications
Michigan Youth Future Flight Challenge Program Lead
Angela Kimber
Product Marketing Manager
She Innovates, She Leads Program Lead
Karen Arondoski
President/Owner
Co-Chair
Rachel plowman
Manager Government Accounting
Co-Chair
Caroline Mcdade
Controls Software Programmer
Member Engagement Lead
collaborative organizations
