2024 Scholarship Recipients

IAWA is proud to present our 2024 Scholarship recipients. Each student has demonstrated a passion for aviation and embodies our commitment to Connect, Inspire and Lead.

Samantha Delgado is a first-generation and first-year law student at SMU Dedman School of Law where she serves as the Vice President of SMU's Air & Space Law Society. Originally from Miami, Florida, she chose to pursue a legal education in the DFW area for its abundance of air and space operations. Her mission is to inspire others to implement their passions into their career goals. Post-law school graduation, she hopes to obtain her private pilot’s license and pursue a career in aviation law.

Ecole Nationale de l'Aviation Civile (ENAC)

Paula Popp is a master's student at ENAC specializing in International Air Transport Operations Management. Born in Romania, Paula moved to France at the age of 5. Her passion for aviation started early and has only grown stronger over time. Initially aspiring to be an astronaut, she found her true calling in aeronautics through her private pilot training.

With a strong background in Physics and Mathematics, Paula pursued a double major after her Baccalaureate. Alongside her studies, she has been dedicated to teaching private lessons and actively engaging in volunteer activities.

Paula’s involvement in aviation-related associations, such as Airexpo and FlyImpulse, reflects her commitment to the field. She has helped organize the Airexpo airshow as member of the Partnership committee and participated in the Hackathon Hack'célération 3.0 focused on sustainable aviation. After the Hackathon, she decided to join the organizing committee at the FlyImpulse, an ENAC association, as a member of the events division.

Cranfield University

Jemimah Maina is currently pursuing an MSc in Airport Planning and Management at Cranfield University's School of Air Transport and Management. Her academic journey began with a Bachelor of Commerce in Operations Management from the University of Nairobi, Kenya.

Prior to her current studies, Jemimah gained valuable experience working in the Operations and Safety Department's customer service section at the Kenya Airports Authority. This role provided her with insights into the intricacies of airport operations and the importance of prioritizing passengers' experiences.

Jemimah feels being selected as a recipient of a scholarship from the International Aviation Women's Association (IAWA) is both an honor and an incredible opportunity. It not only supports her academic pursuits but also enables her to connect, inspire, and lead within the aviation industry. She is grateful for this assurance that she will be able to complete my master's program, further my career, and make meaningful contributions to the industry.

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Eileen Kim is grateful to the International Aviation Women Association for this honor and looks forward to joining the community of inspiring women in aviation.

Eileen is a passionate Aviation Business Administration student at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Committed to advancing women in aviation, she actively engages in initiatives promoting diversity and inclusion within the industry.

Receiving the IAWA Scholarship highlights Eileen's dedication and hard work. This support will enhance her educational journey and provide valuable opportunities at the IAWA Annual Conference.

Outside of academics, Eileen serves as Secretary for both the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) club and the Airline Pilots Association Aviation Collegiate Education (ALPA ACE) club. She aspires to progress her career while maintaining a joyous affection for the industry and feels delighted throughout the process of learning and advancement. With high standards and ethics, she plans on making a significant and historic impact in aviation.

Eileen is deeply grateful to the International Aviation Women Association for this honor and looks forward to joining a community of inspiring women in aviation.

McGill University

Lydia Johansson's passion for aviation began with a simple urge to see the world, which quickly blossomed into a deep love for air travel. This initial curiosity evolved into a profound interest in air law, leading her to start working as a lawyer for an airline during her final years of law school. After gaining valuable experience as a liability manager at Scandinavian Airlines System, Lydia sought to deepen her expertise by pursuing an additional Master of Laws at the Institute of Air and Space Law at McGill University in Montreal. During the summer of 2024, she had the opportunity to work as an intern at the Legal and External Relations Bureau at the International Civil Aviation Organization.

Lydia is deeply inspired by the mission of the International Aviation Womens Association. The organization’s commitment to connecting, inspiring, and leading women in the aviation industry resonates deeply with both her personal and professional aspirations. The opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals and leaders in aviation is invaluable, facilitating knowledge exchange, mentorship, and career advancement. IAWA’s dedication to inspiring women in aviation motivates her to strive for excellence and break barriers in a traditionally male-dominated field, and the emphasis on leadership development ensures that women are not only participants but also leaders and decision-makers in the industry.

TU Delft | University of Technology

Tanya Spee is a dedicated double master's degree student specializing in Space Engineering and Robotics. Currently, she is working on her thesis research at Ubotica, focusing on AI-driven obstacle avoidance for planetary rovers. Her work aims to advance the autonomy and safety of rovers navigating the surfaces of distant planetary bodies, combining her passion for space exploration with autonomous robotics.

In addition to her academic pursuits, Tanya serves as a part-time military reserve in the
Space Department of the Royal Netherlands Air Force. This role allows her to contribute to her country's defense capabilities while gaining valuable practical experience at the forefront of space technology.

Outside of her professional life, Tanya enjoys staying active through various sports and expressing her creativity through photography. She is also passionate about inspiring more women to enter STEM fields, advocating for greater diversity and inclusion in science and technology.

Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology

Jeniffer Guardia is a senior at Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology, pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Originally from Panama, Jeniffer is an international student who has always been interested in flight mechanics and dynamics. Jeniffer's passion for aviation, which she has had since childhood, has driven her to excel academically and pursue innovative projects such as competing in the Micromouse robotics competition and contributing to team-based engineering challenges.

Jeniffer spends her free time swimming and listening to music, which she uses to find balance and inspiration. Jeniffer, passionate about aviation, hopes to use her knowledge and skills from Vaughn College to help the industry grow.

Universidad Tecnológica de Panamá

Jhaslene Gonzalez is currently pursuing Aviation Mechanics at the School of Aviation and Logistics at Universidad Tecnológica de Panamá. She is deeply passionate about aviation, with a long-term goal of becoming a pilot. Jhaslene is committed to inspiring young women to pursue their dreams and highlighting the valuable contributions women bring to the aviation industry. She believes that joining the International Aviation Women’s Association (IAWA) marks the beginning of a significant journey in her career, opening the door to new opportunities for growth and leadership in the field.

Swinburne University of Technology

Beatrice Lorenzo is a second-year aviation management student at Swinburne University of Technology. Having lived in various countries throughout her life, aviation has been a crucial bridge in connecting her to all the people she loved and places she considered home. This personal sentiment ignited her passion for the aviation industry, driving her to pursue a career path that enables others to experience the same global connectivity. Beatrice is determined to contribute to the advancement of aviation, with a particular focus on making it more accessible and attainable to people worldwide.
 
Outside of her academic pursuits, Beatrice volunteers with the Australian Air League, living out her strong dedication to inspire more women to enter STEM fields, especially in aviation. In her free time, she enjoys immersing herself in nature through hiking and walking, activities that fuel her personal growth and creativity. After graduation, Beatrice plans to obtain her private pilot license while embarking on a career in the industry.