Past Scholarship Winners

ACI is the "The voice of the world's airports" and includes more than 580 regular members operating 1751 airports in 174 countries and territories, representing over 95 percent of global airport traffic. It is a non-profit organization whose prime purpose is to advance the interests of airports and to promote professional excellence in airport management and operations.

The Airport Operations Diploma Programme is designed to expose participants to all the facets of activities associated with an airport from airside operations and landside to terminal operations, and equip them with key knowledge and tools necessary to proactively address the essential operational and business needs of 21st century airports.

2015 Scholarship Award

Jacqueline Hueneke

IAWA is pleased to announce that Jacqueline Hueneke is the Embry-Riddle IAWA scholarship winner for 2015. The scholarship award was presented on January 30, 2015 during the luncheon at the Aviation Law and Insurance Symposium, in Orlando, FL at the Hyatt Regency Orlando Center.

Jacqueline, who comes from Germany, is a second-year international student studying Aviation Business Administration at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

2014 Scholarship Award

Emily Schneider

IAWA is pleased to announce that Emily Schneider is the Embry-Riddle IAWA scholarship winner for 2014. The scholarship award was presented on Thursday, January 9, 2014, during the luncheon at the Aviation Law and Insurance Symposium, in Orlando, Florida, at the Ritz Carlton Hotel

Emily, from Plano, Texas, is a junior majoring in Business Management; her minor is Homeland Security. She is an honor roll student and serves as student assistant for Embry-Riddles Campus Safety and Security Department, captain of the cheer squad and a volunteer tutor.

Summer internships with aviation companies Dallas Airmotive and Signature Flight Support provided opportunities for Emily to complete a variety of data management and analysis and other business management projects and fueled her passion for a career in aviation. She looks forward to working with a large aerospace company after graduation from Embry-Riddle in Fall 2015, possibly in operations management, international business, information technology or safety.

2009 Scholarship Award

Karolyn Campbell

The Scholarship Committee has selected Karolyn Campbell as its recipient of the 2009 IAWA Scholarship Award to a woman student at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University. The presentation was made by President, Debra Fowler on Friday, January 9, 2009 in Orlando, Florida at the Embry Riddle Aeronautical Universitys Twentieth Annual Aviation Law and Insurance Symposium.

The winner, Karolyn Campbell is obtaining a Masters Degree in aviation business administration and finance. She is on the National Deans list, and is a Mediator certified by the Supreme Court of Florida. Karolyn has many accomplishments to her credit including Chair of the ERAU Worldwide, Campus Climate/Steering Committee, Team Captain; fundraising, American Heart Association, Disaster Services Volunteer, Americas Red Cross. These accomplishments along with her studies for her Masters Degree are all the more amazing since Karolyn has been legally blind since birth. Her goal is to become the Chief Financial Officer of an aviation company. She fell in love with aviation as a little girl when her father was airport manager of the airport on the island of Grenada. The Organization of Flying Adjusters (OFA) also gave Karolyn a Scholarship. This award came as a complete surprise to her.

2008 Scholarship Award

Angelica Maleskis

The Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University IAWA scholarship was awarded on January 11, 2008 to Angelica Maleskis at the ERAU Aviation Law and Insurance Symposium in Orlando, Florida by IAWA board member Cecile Hatfield.

Angela is a junior majoring in Aviation Business Administration, with a concentration in Airport Management. Upon graduating, Angela hopes to find a position with an international airline or airport.

2017 IAWA-ICAO Aviation Scholarship

Loise Mwangi

Loise is a Senior Air Traffic Controller at Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) with ten years' experience. She is also the CANSO (Civil Aviation Navigation Services Organization) Focal Point for KCAA where she provides a crucial link between the organization, industry stakeholders and the Authority. She graduated in 2016 with a M.Sc. in Aeronautics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU), specializing in Aerospace/Aviation Safety Systems. While studying for her masters, she won several awards including the ERAU Chief academic officers top 10 award, the Boeing career enhancement scholarship, Airbus Leadership Grant for exemplary community leadership and the Jacque Burdette scholarship from Professional Women Controllers Inc.

Loise is passionate about Aviation and is involved in mentorship programs in girls secondary schools across Kenya to encourage more girls aspire for careers in aviation by exposing them to female pilots, engineers, controllers, etc. She serves as the outreach chair for Women In Aviation International (WAI) Kenya Chapter and is also the Vice President- Technical & Operations for the Kenya Air Traffic Controllers Association.

Loise has previously been selected as a recipient of the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC) Women in Aviation fellowship in partnership with General Civil Aviation Authority in Abu Dhabi, UAE. She hopes that this selection for the ICAO/IAWA internship will provide an opportunity for her to advance her knowledge and skills, which will be utilized in enabling Kenya and the rest of Africa to achieve high safety standards in line with ICAO's vision of No Country Left Behind.

2015 IAWA-ICAO Aviation Scholarship

Meenakshi Balan

During its 25th Annual Conference in Panama, IAWA signed a Memorandum Of Understanding with ICAO to jointly provide an Aviation Scholarship for professional women in aviation that will allow them to spend six month gaining on-the-job experience at ICAO's Air Navigation Bureau in Montreal. The Air Navigation Bureau manages the Safety and Infrastructure strategies of ICAO in partnership with aviation stakeholders.

Meenakshi Balan is a very enthusiastic aviation professional. She obtained her Bachelor of Aerospace Engineering and a Master in Aviation Industry Management, both from RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia. While studying Masters, Meenakshi had an opportunity to work as Quality Control Officer on IOSA audits at an accredited audit organization. Meenakshi Balan also contributes her time volunteering mainly at the Melbourne International Airport as a part of the Customer Care Program. She strongly believes in supporting and encouraging women in aviation and technology. Through this opportunity, Meenakshi is very delighted to work within the International Civil Aviation Organizations Air Navigation Bureau and equally proud to enhance the development of women in aviation through this joint ICAO-IAWA initiative.

2014 IAWA-ICAO Aviation Scholarship

Isavella Maria Vasilogeorgi

IAWA is proud to announce the first recipient of the IAWA-ICAO Aviation Scholarship, Isavella Maria Vasilogeorgi.

During its 25th Annual Conference in Panama, IAWA signed a Memorandum Of Understanding with ICAO to jointly provide an Aviation Scholarship for professional women in aviation that will allow them to spend six month gaining on-the-job experience at ICAO's Air Navigation Bureau in Montreal. The Air Navigation Bureau manages the Safety and Infrastructure strategies of ICAO in partnership with aviation stakeholders.

Isavella has not only excelled in her studies, gaining an LLM in Air & Space Law at McGill, and a LLM in Public International Law from the University of Athens, but has also received several awards and scholarship, including IAWA's scholarship in 2012 and the Erin J.C. Arsenault Fellowship in Space Governance (McGill IASL). She has been very active in gaining working experience as a member of the Athens Bar Association, and with several prominent legal internships.

IAWA is very pleased to continue promoting the development of women in aviation through innovative partnerships and internship programs to further the education and advancement of women in the industry.

2017 Scholarship Award

Swarathmika Kumar

Swarathmika Kumar is from Bangalore, India and is currently pursuing her L.L.M in Air and Space Law at McGill University's Institute of Air and Space Law. She obtained her law degree at the National University of Advanced Legal Studies, Kochi, India. During her time at law school, Swarathmika represented her university and won accolades at many national and international moot court competitions. She was a semi-finalist at the Leiden Sarin International Air Law Moot Court Competition in 2016 at Jakarta. She pursued various internships alongside her legal education to gain a wider exposure to the legal field including those at the offices of Osborne Clarke, Cologne and the Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore. She also served as a member of the Editorial Board of the NUALS Law Journal from 2013-2015.

Swarathmika expects aviation to play an important role in international relations and the prospect of being an early contributor in this field excites her intellectually. She is looking forward to acquiring deep expertise in policy issues in this emerging domain. Swarathmika hopes to channelize her expertise towards building a career as a legal expert and policy maker in the larger multi-national context of aviation law.

2016 Scholarship Award

Dhananga Pathirana

I am an Attorney at Law from Sri Lanka currently enrolled in the Masters of Laws program in Air & Space Law, at the Institute of Air & Space Law of McGill University. I was fascinated with the legal profession from a young age and was determined to pursue a career in law. I was admitted to the Sri Lanka Law College in 2009 being placed second in the National Order of Merit at the Law School Entrance examination. My academic performance at law school enabled me to be consecutively placed in the top 5% of the merit list in each academic year. The highlight of my co-curricular activities during law school was winning the 12th Commonwealth Moot Court competition held in Hyderabad, India in 2011 and representing the country as a member of the Sri Lanka Law College moot team at the D.M. Harish International Moot Court competition held in Mumbai, India in 2013 where I was adjudged the 1st Runner-up in the Best Speaker evaluation. In 2011, I was offered an internship in firm with the leading aviation law practice in Sri Lanka. Due to the nature of work I was involved in, I developed a keen interest in the subject of aviation law. After completing my legal education I also completed my apprenticeship (articling) with the same firm and was offered a position as a Junior Associate upon being admitted to practice law in 2013.

My work at the firm involved research, drafting of letters and opinions participating in client consultations and conferences, drafting of pleadings etc., under the supervision of the Head of Chambers. The firm represented national and most international airlines operating to Sri Lanka and acted for aircraft financiers, aircraft manufacturers, suppliers and leasing companies, travel agents as well as the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka. I have been involved in litigation representing clients in the original and appellate courts. relations. I have advised and represented nation and international airlines in matters relating to liability, and handling of passenger and baggage claims. I have also represented clients which included airlines, at inquiries before the Commissioner of Labour and Labour Tribunals. I have represented the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka at the Human Rights Commission. I authored an article titled Air Carrier Liability under the Warsaw System: A Sri Lankan Perspective which was published in the Junior Bar Law Journal (2015) Volume VI.

More exposure, experience and knowledge I gain on the subject of aviation, the more I feel attracted to it. The unique quality of bringing the world together and the opportunity it presents to a lawyer to work at an international level is in my view the defining character of aviation and what makes me want to pursue a career in aviation.

2015 Scholarship Award

Dayan Hochman

IAWA is pleased to announce that Dayan Hochman is the IAWA scholarship winner for 2015 from McGill University's Institute of Air and Space Law.

Dayan is a third generation pilot and self-professed aviation geek. She is a graduate of Colorado College, where she majored in Italian Studies, and the University of New Mexico School of Law. Dayan is a Masters in Law Candidate and Nicholas N. Matte Fellow at McGill's Institute of Air and Space Law. Before attending McGill, Dayan practiced law in Albuquerque, specializing in insurance defense work. At McGill her focus has been on international accident investigation laws as they relate to incidents involving large commercial aircraft. After completing her Masters Degree this fall, Dayan intends to return to the practice of law as a litigator or regulatory attorney, using her expertise in carrier liability and regulatory issues related to aviation safety and security.

2008 Scholarship Award

Jimena Blumenkron

IAWA recently awarded a scholarship on September 18, 2008, to Jimena Blumenkron who is majoring in aviation and aerospace at McGill University Montreal, Canada. The IAWA scholarship was presented by IAWA's board member Renee Martin-Nagle at the American Bar Association's Forum Committee's Air and Space Law program that was jointly sponsored by McGill University.

Jimena is working on her Master's Degree in aviation law at McGill University and will be pursuing a career in aviation law with an emphasis on aviation safety. During the past year she has been an intern for ICAO. Her aim is to help developing countries to identify the gaps in their aviation safety systems and help them to achieve a better understanding and compliance with international regulations. Jimena has served as a paralegal to the Supreme Court of Justice of Mexico in Mexico City.

2018 Scholarship Award

Katie Manworren

Katie Manworren is a second-year student at SMU Dedman School of Law in Dallas, Texas. She attended the University of Texas at Dallas and earned a degree in Criminology. After graduating, she spent two years working prior to starting law school. Katie is a Deans Scholarship recipient and a member of SMU Law Review Association, Women in Law, the Association for Public Interest Law, and Phi Delta Phi Honor Society. She has worked for a small law firm and both the District Attorney's office and a judge in Collin County. She looks forward to diversifying her experience while working with the General Counsel of a major corporation this summer. Though Katie has always loved traveling, her interest in air law developed while writing and editing for the Journal of Air Law & Commerce. This experience has shown her that aviation law is such a broad topic that it incorporates many of the practice areas she knew she was interested in.

Outside of school and work, Katie spends most of her time honing her photography skills and reading pretty much any book she can get her hands on, and she has been a Dallas Stars season ticket holder for four seasons.

2017 Scholarship Award

Courtney Luster

Courtney Luster is a second-year student at SMU Dedman School of Law in Dallas, Texas. After graduating from the University of Texas at Austin, Courtney taught freshman and sophomore English in the Texas public school system. After saving for several years, she left teaching to pursue her dreams of entering the legal profession. Since attending SMU, Courtney has served as the Vice-Magister of Phi Delta Phi Honor Society, as an Academic Mentor and Student Bar Association Mentor for 1Ls, and is now the Managing Editor of the Journal of Air Law and Commerce under SMU Law Review. She also participates in the Corporate Law Association, Women in Law, Attorneys Serving the Community, and the Board of Advocates. Each semester, Courtney has earned a spot the Deans List and is a Deans Scholarship recipient.

Courtney has always loved traveling, especially flying, but she had no idea about the exciting and challenging world of aviation from a legal standpoint until she was blessed with the opportunity to work for American Airlines legal department her 1L summer. Between working at American and serving on SMU's Journal of Air Law and Commerce, Courtneys interest in aviation law has only soared higher. After learning as much as she can in private practice, Courtney hopes to someday become in-house counsel for a commercial airline.

2016 Scholarship Award

Katherine Lowe

Katherine Lowe is a third-year student at SMU Dedman School of Law in Dallas, Texas. She is the Managing Editor of the Journal of Air Law and Commerce under the SMU Law Review Association. She also participates in the Corporate Law Association, Women in Law, Real Estate Law Association, and Dallas Association of Young Lawyers. She has achieved the Deans List each semester and is a Deans Scholarship recipient. She has worked for three law firms and one judge and plans to practice in general corporate affairs or real estate development.

Prior to law school, Katherine graduated summa cum laude from Oklahoma State University with a bachelor's degree in Strategic Communications and Political Science. She has received her Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest award in scouting, served as Vice President and President of her sorority, and held leadership roles and memberships in several organizations and honor societies.

Outside of academics and work experience, Katherine enjoys community service and spending time outdoors. She has participated in several community events, including Habitat for Humanity and Race for the Cure, and done pro bono work with Clemency Project 2014. She spends her free time at Lake Texoma with her family or taking walks and exploring Dallas with her friends. For the future, she plans to graduate in May 2017 and begin working as an associate at Winstead P.C. the following September.

2009 Scholarship Award

Genevra Williams

The next IAWA Scholarship was presented at the Forty-Third Annual SMU Air Law Symposium in Dallas, Texas on Thursday, February 26. The winner was chosen from the Dedman School of Law at SMU and IAWA President Elect Katherine Staton presented it to Genevra Williams on the basis of her aviation law review article which is required by SMU, her grade point average, financial need and statement of why she wishes to follow a career in aviation.

As an additional bonus, Elizabeth Freidenberg, IAWA Board of Directors was a guest speaker.

2008 Scholarship Award

Melissa Deal

Melissa Deal received the IAWA SMU Scholarship Award on February 21, 2008 at the Forty-Second Annual SMU Aviation Law Symposium in Addison, Texas, At the Hotel Intercontinental, Dallas.

Melissa is a second year student at the South Methodist University School of Law.

2018 TU Delft Scholarship

Nadine Duursma

Nadine Duursma is a first-year bachelor student Aerospace Engineering at Delft University of Technology, The Netherlands. In 2017, she won the national first prize Koninklijke Nederlandse Akademie van Wetenschappen Onderwijsprijs with her high school research project.

Besides, she participated twice in an honours programme at Leiden University and Delft University of Technology in astronomy and rocket development respectively. This year, she won several student design competitions and completed her studies cum laude.

In her spare time, Nadine is an active member at the study association and she guides students at open days of the University. This way, she hopes to inspire others while sharing her passion for Aerospace Engineering.

For sports, Nadine trains for athletics up to four times a week. Next year, she hopes to get in the national track championships.

2016 Scholarship Award

Grace Tatom

Grace Tatom is full time student and athlete who is currently attending Vaughn College of Aeronautics Aviation and Technology. She's currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in Airport Management, and also has high hopes for obtaining a degree in Airline Management as well. Her interest in aviation was one of the motivations to attend Vaughn College, and has also sparked her desire to obtain a career in either of these fields. Her expectations as a student here at Vaughn is to excel in all of her classes and begin a bright future.

Despite the challenging obstacles in her life, Grace is determined to become a successful person in life. She'd determined to finish college as a scholar athlete student, and she's also apart of Vaughns HEOP program as well. Being one of the captains of her former school, Flushing High School, has given Grace the experience and training she needed to obtain leadership characteristics as well. Over the years Grace has learned how to become a strong team player, work well with others, and she discovered her unique ability to encourage others to do their best, even when facing hardships. Grace has learned to never give up, and developed a strong sense of determination and inspiration that'll help guide her along her journey to a very successful career in aviation.

2015 Scholarship Award

Stephanie Correa

Stephanie Correa is a dedicated full-time student and aspiring air traffic controller. She is attending Vaughn College of Aeronautics where she is meticulously pursuing her bachelor's degree in airport management. Stephanie has already received an associates degree from Vaughn college where she dedicates most of her time. Her love of the aviation industry drives her desire to graduate and be able to make a positive impact in the usually male dominated industry. In doing so, Stephanie finds many ways to give back and help motivate others to follow their love for aviation. She can often be found back at aviation high school where she graduated, speaking to students about their futures. She has also worked with teachers of aviation high school to help create the schools first air traffic control club. Stephanie was also president of Vaughn Colleges Kiwanis Key club. In her spare time after her studies Stephanie spends countless hours in the state of the art air-traffic control lab at Vaughn college. Even though Stephanie has faced much adversity and sharing a male-dominated career field she has never back down. No challenge is too steep for her determination and desire for aviation. Stephanie is taking the aviation industry by storm and is laying the foundation for others to follow in her footsteps.

Vaughn College creates a culture of excellence where students, faculty and staff achieve their fullest potential. Providing students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills they need for professional success, Vaughn integrates technology into academic programs while emphasizing communication and analytical skills. Currently, only 13% of Vaughn's enrolled students are women.

Partnering with IAWA as an institutional scholarship recipient would ensure that the best and brightest women students at Vaughn will remain on a road to success and become leaders in the industry. Vaughn is committed to this partnership which will enhance the pathway we offer women in their pursuit of their chosen careers in the field of aviation. We are grateful to Kathy Posner, Esq. former IAWA President and current Vaughn College Trustee for helping to facilitate this request.

2009 Scholarship Award

Ana Cristina Galhego Rosa

The International IAWA Scholarship was given to Ana Cristina Galhego Rosa, a student at Leiden University in October, 2009, during IAWA's Annual Conference in Belgium.

Ana Cristina is a Brazilian student for a Master's of Law in the International Air and Space Law Program at the Leiden University, Netherlands. She received her law degree at the Catholic University of So Paulo, Brazil and has completed post graduate work in international trade and international law in the law college at The University of Lisbon, Portugal. She intends to obtain a solid background and degree in space law.

2008 Scholarship Award

Deborah Saban

IAWA's scholarship committee introducing Deborah Saban to the membership and guests at the IAWA Anniversary and Annual Conference in Chicago on October 24, 2008 and awarded her IAWA's International 2008 Scholarship.

Deborah is working on her Doctorate in aeronautical engineering at Cranfield University, Cranfield, England.

Deborah is from France and has an outstanding background. She aspires to obtain a position as a flight test engineer, or as a control and flight dynamics research engineer in the aircraft industry.

Her fascination with flying began as a child, watching the French Air Force Aerobatics routine practicing above her hometown. She is a pilot and is a member of the Cranfield Glider Club.

Her long term career prospects include working in areas such as Human Factors in Aeronautics, Air Safety Assessment and Aircraft Accident Investigation.

2007 Scholarship Award

Lidia Beatriz Quiroz

In November 2007, IAWA awarded its first international scholarship to Ms. Lidia Beatriz Quiroz during the IAWA's Annual Conference in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Lidia is a lawyer and a graduate student working on her Master's Degree in Aeronautical and Space Law at the National Institute of Air and Space Law in Buenos Aires.