Celebrating the Future of Women in Aviation: Honoring Our Inspiring 2025 IAWA Scholars

Every year, the scholars of the International Aviation Women’s Association (IAWA) inspire us with their boundless energy, curiosity, and passion for connecting with one another and shaping the future of aviation. At the IAWA 37th Annual Conference, we had the privilege of introducing an extraordinary group of scholars who represent the next generation of women leaders in aerospace:

• Lakshmi (Lucky) Vadlamoodi from Swinburne University of Technology

• Kobina Kouakou from ENAC - Ecole Nationale de l'Aviation Civile

• Purevsuren (Puujee) Sukhbaatar from Cranfield University

• Anna Moscati from Delft University of Technology

• Victoria Geraldine Alcaraz Ortega from McGill University

• Osmary Vega from Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology

• Grace Nobles from Southern Methodist University

• Amanda Hyot from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

 These remarkable scholars were paired with distinguished mentors from the IAWA Board of Directors, including Debra Santos, Marita Lintener, Cristiane Dart, MC Ernst, Kathleen Guilfoyle, Kaaren Cramer, Jacquelyn Gluck, and Ana Maria Blanco-Persiani. We are deeply grateful to these mentors for their dedication to opening doors and sharing their wisdom with the next generation of women in aviation.
 
We celebrate previous scholars Beatrice Lorenzo (Swinburne 2024), Serafina Vitale (SMU 2023), and Isabella Vilhena (XXX) for their inspiring debut as conference speakers—your voices are shaping the future of our industry!  Another special shoutout to returning IAWA scholars, Divya Kamania (ERAU 2017) and Samantha Delgado (SMU 2024), whose continued engagement with our community is a testament to their commitment to growth and leadership.  
 
In recognition of their achievements and potential, our current and past scholars were gifted copies of Mastering the Power of You, a book co-authored by IAWA President-Elect Marita Lintener and Past President Alina Nassar. This empowering resource serves as a reminder of the incredible strength and influence women bring to aviation and leadership.
 
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the IAWA Scholarship Committee—Shelley A. Svoren, Christine De Gagné, Kaitlyn Graham, Cristina Lewis, Ida Eggeblad, Nicole Kappos, Michelle Crippin, Valentina Vecchio, Victoria Mayes, and Brittany Davies—for their tireless efforts in selecting and supporting these outstanding scholars. Your dedication ensures that the future of aviation is bright and inclusive.
 
To our scholars: You are the embodiment of innovation, determination, and leadership. Your passion and drive inspire us all, and we are honored to be part of your journey. Together, we are building a stronger, more diverse future for women in aerospace.
 
Let’s continue to lift each other up, celebrate our achievements, and pave the way for generations of women to soar to new heights.