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WIA Chair Report

Bridget L. Chatman

Chair, Women in Aerospace

Dear WIA Members,

As 2024 draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on what has been an extraordinary year for Women in Aerospace (WIA).

From the very beginning of my tenure, one of my primary goals was to amplify WIA’s reach and visibility. I am thrilled to share that we have achieved remarkable progress in this endeavor. WIA has established itself as a dynamic presence on social media, connecting with diverse audiences and celebrating the exceptional contributions of women in aerospace. Our #TuesdayTrailblazer campaign stands out as a true testament to this effort. Since its launch, we have proudly highlighted over 60 trailblazing women whose groundbreaking achievements inspire us all. This initiative not only celebrates individual excellence but also reinforces WIA’s commitment to championing extraordinary talent driving our industry forward.

This year, WIA also made significant strides on the national stage. My appointment to the National Space Council’s Users Advisory Group (UAG) has enabled us to provide critical insights, advise on policy, encourage Public-Private partnerships offering programming recommendations in aerospace at the highest levels of decision-making in the United States. Additionally, to advance the efforts for a STEM and Space literate nation, WIA entered a Public Private partnership with AIAA, Blue Origin’s Club for the Future and Space Foundation and collaborated with 12 government agencies, corporations, Science Centers, Museums and other thought-leaders across the nation to co-create as a founding partner the Space4All campaign. It is a 5-year media campaign dedicated to promoting the limitless opportunities associated with space exploration and its’ benefits on earth to inspire the Artemis and beyond generation by promoting job opportunities in the space enterprise. The Space4All Public Service Announcements (PSA’s) have reached millions of viewers across large media networks. Lastly, we worked with the IMPACT Center along with NASA and other industry leaders to develop a comprehensive 12-week Women’s Executive Leadership Program designed for mid-career leaders entailing offsite retreats, personalized coaching sessions and virtual peer mentoring. These milestones underscore WIA’s position as a key stakeholder in shaping the future of the aerospace industry.

Our events this year have been equally impactful, bringing together professionals, thought leaders, and advocates to celebrate and advance our shared mission.

Some of our program highlights from 2024 include:

• WIA’s Breakfast Club Featuring Maria Vastola and Whitney Verett

At the start of 2024, we kicked off our Breakfast Club series with an exclusive roundtable discussion featuring Maria Vastola and Whitney Verett, Professional Staff Members on the U.S. House Armed Services Committee. Attendees gained valuable insights into the legislative priorities and trends shaping the government and the aerospace industry.

• WIA’s Program with NASA’s Dr. Wanda Peters and Cynthia Simmons

Their engaging discussion on Goddard Space Flight Center priorities and NASA’s upcoming missions left attendees inspired.

• WIA’s Program with The Honorable Frank Calvelli

The thought-provoking conversation on the Space Acquisition Tenets and expectations for space acquisition professionals generated incredible enthusiasm and valuable insights.

• WIA’s Breakfast (Lunch) Club Featuring Kristina Belcourt and Andrea Yaffe

In September, we hosted Kristina Belcourt, Professional Staff Member for the Senate Armed Services Committee, and Andrea Yaffe, Senior Advisor to the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space Policy. The candid and engaging conversation offered participants an inside look at policy priorities impacting the future of defense and space.

• WIA’s Virtual Program: Combatting Stereotypes and Bias – Breaking Through the Aerospace Ceiling with Registered Apprenticeships

In partnership with Apprenti, we explored how registered apprenticeships can diversify recruitment strategies, offering practical tools for our members to support workforce growth and career advancement.

• The WIA 39th Annual Awards Dinner & Ceremony

Held on October 10th, this completely sold-out evening was a true celebration of excellence, mentorship, and allyship. We honored our outstanding award winners and scholarship recipients, whose passion and dedication are driving the future of STEM and aerospace.

• Career Empowerment Webinar Series

This year’s series wrapped up on November 7th with an insightful session on “The Complexity of Conflict and Change: Lessons from Neuroscience.” These webinars provided leadership and professional development resources for our member companies, and we look forward to sharing our 2025 topics soon!

As my term as Chair comes to an end, I am filled with gratitude and pride for all we have accomplished together over the past three years. Leading WIA has been one of the greatest privileges of my professional journey. I am confident that WIA’s unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation, and inclusion will continue to inspire transformative change in aerospace where everyone feels that they belong.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve this incredible organization and for your continued dedication to our shared mission. Together, we are shaping the future of aerospace.

Enjoy your Christmas and all observances of this wonderful season of light, love, reflection, and renewal.

Best wishes,

Bridget Chatman (she/her/hers)

Chair, Women in Aerospace

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