WAI & Harvard Partner on Women’s Leadership Training

Thirty rising female leaders in the aviation and aerospace industry have been selected to attend Women in Leadership: A Program for Emerging Leaders, a four-day professional development program hosted by Women in Aviation International (WAI) and taught by Harvard University’s Division of Continuing Education. Funded by the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, The Boeing Company, and United Airlines, this course will take place on Harvard’s Cambridge, Massachusetts campus from 7-9 May 2024.

WAI’s goal is to help high-potential managers master core business concepts, build key leadership skills, and explore and develop their personal leadership style. Three days will be conducted on campus with a fourth day of remote leadership coaching and learning augmenting the on-campus sessions. After the completion of the in-person course, Harvard faculty members will meet remotely with participants to discuss how they have applied their newfound skills. Participants earn a certificate awarded by Harvard University to add to their professional resumes.

“Women CEOs make up only about 3 percent of the industry,” says Stephanie Kenyon, WAI’s COO who oversees the Emerging Leaders program. “Helping women advance into leadership roles is key to changing the culture of the aviation industry. We are committed to promoting environments where women feel welcomed, are valued, and can be successful.”

WAI’s survey of the inaugural Class of 2023 showed 90% of the women who took the course last year have received promotions, taken on leadership responsibilities, received raises, or hired into new leadership jobs.

The WAI Emerging Leaders Class of 2024 includes WAI members from countries around the world, including Australia, India, Japan, the Netherlands, Zimbabwe, as well as women from across the United States. WAI will begin accepting applications online for the Class of 2025 in October 2024.