Advocacy. Education. Visibility.

The Women of Aerospace Industry Association of Michigan (WAIAM) actively works to create advocacy, education, and visibility for women and girls in aerospace across Michigan. WAIAM strives to support all platforms and promote advancement for women within the industry through outreach mentorship and representation

Register for the Michigan Girls Future Flight Challenge!

October 9th – November 12th | Virtual

October 12th: Kickoff Event

November 9th: Final Presentation Event

The Flight Challenge is a fun, creative way for students to learn about a career in aerospace for girls in 4th-8th grade. Teams of 2-6 girls (choose own group) are challenged over a 4-week period beginning in October to choose their flight path and solve some of the world’s biggest challenges. Teams will choose one of three provided problem statements and create their flight solution. Students will navigate subjects of engineering, design, finance, marketing and business planning.

Through the Challenge, students will have an opportunity to meet with women who work in aerospace across Michigan, learn about their role in the aerospace industry, and ask them for advice on their project.

UPDATE: This year, students will be asked to choose a pre-provided challenge statement and come up with a flight solution to solve it. Challenge statements will be provided upon the start of the competition.

The goal of MGFFC is to inspire students to continue their interest in STEM while teaching them about the different roles in the aerospace industry – from marketing to engineering! Ultimately, we hope to strengthen the talent pipeline in Michigan and encourage more girls to get involved.

Outreach

Building networks and relationships with other affinity groups in the aerospace industry in Michigan to promote women in the talent pipeline, from K-12 and beyond.

Mentorship

Providing access, resources and a support network for both girls interested in aerospace and women already working in the industry.

representation

Recognizing the role that women already play in aerospace and provide visibility of those roles and pathways for future generations.

Connecting through engaging and inspiring events

She Innovates She Leads: Inspiring Change for a sutainable world

In partnership with the above organizations, WAIAM hosted the in-person career exploration workshop for rising 9th-12th grade girls featuring four rotating panels of professional women in leadership and STEM fields, with a GVSU collegiate panel at the end of the event. Our mission is to expose and inspire the participating high school students to the diversity of amazing careers in Michigan, led by their passions, and to learn about pathways that contribute towards sustainability!

third annual michigan girls future flight challenge

The Michigan Girls Future Flight Challenge is returning October 12th-November 9th, 2024!

The Michigan Girls Future Flight Challenge is a virtual, state-wide group competition for girls in 4th-8th grade. The goal is to create a unique way of flight to solve a problem.

Registration is now open!

onward peer coaching mastermind workshop

WAIAM had the opportunity to be an event partner along with The Right Place, Inc. to bring the ONWARD workshop to Michigan. Through events like this, WAIAM is actively working to support women in the aerospace industry through peer mentorship.

Second annual Michigan Girls Future Flight Challenge

WAIAM continued the Michigan Girls Future Flight Challenge in 2023 aiming to foster mentor relationships between young girls and women in aerospace in Michigan. The event attracted 78 students and 32 women industry mentors from over 29 cities across Michigan.

WAIAM Internal Luncheon

WAIAM’s first bi-annual luncheon of 2023 in Lansing, MI was a great way to get together, forge some new connections, and gain valuable tips from other women in the industry.

Women's Aviation Career Symposium

WAIAM exhibited and was a “Silver Sponsor” at the 5th Annual Women’s Aviation Career Symposium at Western Michigan University on March 18th!

WAIAM Internal Luncheon

WAIAM’s most recent internal luncheon was a success! Several ladies from AIAM got together in Petoskey, MI for lunch, an afternoon of networking, and discussions on the future of WAIAM.

Macomb County Girl Scouts Space Camp

On July 20th, 2022, WAIAM volunteers attended the Macomb County Girl Scouts Space Camp and helped 41 girls, aged 6-14, earn their Stem Career Exploration Badge.

Michigan Girls Future Flight Challenge

In April of 2022, WAIAM launched the Michigan Girls Future Flight Challenge— a virtual state-wide aerospace competition spanning over four weeks.

Women of Aerospace Virtual Event

Together with FIRST in Michigan, WAIAM hosted the Women of Aerospace virtual seminar for girls of all ages on May 15th, 2021. Presenters featured working women from NASA and many Michigan-based companies.

Professional Resources

Building networks and relationships with other affinity groups in the aerospace industry in Michigan to promote women in the talent pipeline, from K-12 and beyond.