Leadership in Flight: Inside IAWA’s Organizational Structure

In an industry historically dominated by men, the International Aerospace Womens Association (IAWA) stands out as a global beacon for the advancement and inclusion of women across all sectors of the aviation and aerospace industries. With members spanning continents and roles – from executives and engineers to attorneys and government officials, IAWA’s impact is powered by a robust and intentionally structured leadership framework.

At the heart of this structure is a dynamic Board of Directors – comprised of an executive committee and regional and functional leaders who together with our association management agency ensure the organization fulfills its mission to connect, inspire, and lead women in aerospace worldwide.

This post explores the organizational structure of IAWA’s Board of Directors and how its regional presence and functional committees work in harmony to drive the organization’s global impact.  In future posts, we’ll also pull back the curtain on how the board is chosen and operates, how budgets, by-laws and standards are approved, and unpack the role of the Advisory Board.

A Board with Global Vision and Strategic Oversight

IAWA’s Board of Directors serves as the governing and strategic engine of the organization. It is composed of a diverse group of accomplished professionals who bring expertise from various disciplines and roles and who represent specific geographies and industry sectors. These individuals are not only leaders in their respective fields but are also dedicated advocates for gender equity and professional development within the industry.

At the helm of the board is the President, who serves as the chief executive officer of the association. The President is supported by a President-Elect[ML1] , and Immediate Past President — who comprise the Executive Committee and each playing a critical role in organizational continuity and decision-making.

In addition to these officers, the Board includes multiple Vice Presidents, who chair functional committees or geographic regions and provide leadership in key strategic areas. VPs are nominated by the Executive Committee and then approved by the current Board of Directors. Most board members serve a two-year term.

Key responsibilities of the Board include: The Board meets regularly throughout the year, both in-person and virtually, to assess organizational performance, discuss industry developments, and align priorities.

Regional VPs: Extending IAWA’s Reach Across the Globe

To serve a truly global membership, IAWA has implemented a regional leadership structure that ensures localized engagement, representation, and responsiveness. The world is divided into several regions — typically encompassing the Americas, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific — with each overseen by a Vice President.

These Regional VPs play a vital role in: By empowering local leaders to tailor programming and engagement to the specific needs and cultural context of their region, IAWA ensures relevance, accessibility, and inclusiveness. Regional events often serve as pipelines for leadership development, member recruitment, and partnership growth.

Functional VPs and their Committees: The Operational Backbone of IAWA

Supporting the strategic vision of the Board and the outreach of Regional VPs are IAWA’s functional committees. These committees are the operational workhorses of the organization, handling everything from event planning, sponsorships, and membership development to marketing, scholarships, and leadership development initiatives. Each committee is led by a chair or co-chairs — usually recruited by the VP from the Board — who coordinate volunteer efforts, set goals, and report progress to the Board of Directors

Below are several of the key functional committees and their roles:

1. Membership Committee
The Membership Committee is responsible for member recruitment, engagement, and retention. This group develops onboarding initiatives for new members, creates mentorship opportunities, and works to ensure members derive maximum value from their affiliation with IAWA.

2. Events Committee
One of IAWA’s most visible functions is its series of Connects (receptions) and regional Forums. The Events Committee assists in planning and promoting these events which serve as platforms for education, inspiration, and networking, drawing leaders from across the globe.

3. Leader Development – Scholarship, Mentorship, and Leadership Committee
Education and talent pipeline development are central to IAWA’s mission. The Scholarship Committee oversees the awarding of scholarships to outstanding female students in aerospace-related disciplines. It also partners with academic institutions to promote aviation careers among young women.

4. Marketing and Communications Committee
This committee manages IAWA’s public voice—both internally and externally. It handles social media, newsletters, website content, and press releases. The committee ensures that IAWA maintains a consistent and professional brand while highlighting member achievements and industry news.

5. Association Development Committee (Sponsorships)
This committee works closely with corporate partners, donors, and supporters to secure funding and sponsorships that fuel IAWA’s initiatives. These relationships help sustain scholarships, events, and outreach programs.

6. Annual Conference Committee
This committee is critical to the success of IAWA’s flagship event — its Annual Conference, which draws aerospace and aviation professionals from around the world for high-level discussions, networking, and leadership development. The Annual Conference VP and Committee are responsible for the strategic planning, coordination, and execution of the event. As the lead liaison between the Board, host partners, and the broader membership, the VP ensures the conference reflects IAWA’s mission, delivers a world-class experience, and creates meaningful opportunities for attendees to connect and grow.

Key responsibilities include: The VP is supported by the Annual Conference Committee, a group of dedicated IAWA members and volunteers who assist with everything from programming and speaker outreach to attendee engagement and event promotion. This committee brings together diverse perspectives and ensures the conference reflects the global, cross-disciplinary nature of IAWA’s membership.

Together, the VP and committee ensure that the Annual Conference is not only a celebration of women’s leadership in aerospace but also a catalyst for future collaboration, innovation, and inspiration across the industry.

The Power of Integrated Leadership

IAWA’s organizational structure is a testament to how intentional design can amplify impact. With a strategic Board, empowered regional leaders, and mission-driven committees, IAWA functions as a well-coordinated ecosystem.
The integration of these elements creates several key strengths: Moreover, the structure enables IAWA to remain agile and relevant in a fast-evolving industry—whether it’s responding to workforce challenges, supporting emerging technologies, or promoting sustainability.
IAWA’s Board of Directors, regional network, and functional committees together form a powerful and resilient organizational structure that supports its mission to elevate women in aerospace. More than just a governance chart, this structure reflects the core values of collaboration, leadership, inclusion, and global connection.

As the aerospace industry continues to grow and diversify, IAWA stands ready — with a leadership model built not only to serve today’s members, but to inspire the next generation of women shaping the skies.