Aviation for Women is the flagship member publication of Women in Aviation International. Articles feature women who have made aviation history, professional development ideas, and current-topic articles.
Issue link: https://afwdigital.epubxp.com/i/638688
8 Aviation forWomen M A R C H / A P R I L 2 0 1 6 Why Is a WAI Chapter Right for Me? As we head into the spring trade show season, it occurs to me that one of the most frequently asked questions we get is, "Why would I want to be a member of a lo- cal chapter?" If you're already part of a chapter, the answer may seem easy. But if you've never experienced the camaraderie, energy, and unique opportunities a chapter provides, it can be a little more complicated. Sometimes the answer is more emotionally based and diffcult to answer succinctly. Many WAI chapter members share the pursuit of meaningful ways to give back. They incorporate reg- ular activities like serving food to the homeless, driving Meals on Wheels routes to neighborhoods around airports, and loading bags of food for charities serving needy communities and nations. We also all share the passionate call to introduce others to the many opportuni- ties aviation can provide. So, chapters work with local community groups, schools, museums, and the Girl Scouts to provide a unique look into careers and lifestyles made possible by and in aviation. And last year we launched our greatest universal chapter outreach activity, Girls in Aviation Day. Because the desire to participate and give back through GIAD was so strong, many chapters saw membership soar in 2015. The 2015 event was a re- sounding success due to the passion, dedication, creativity, and hard work of so many chapters and WAI members, and the 2016 event promises to be epic. There has never been a better time to get involved with a chapter—and if there's not one near you, consider starting one. The idea might be daunting, but you're not alone! New chapters are starting all over the world, from our frst WAI chapters in Alaska, India, Australia, and Alabama to new chapters in Washington, Utah, New York, and Texas. I'm here to help. Contact me anytime at mmartin@wai.org. ✈ W A I N E W S C H A P T E R S by Molly Martin WASHINGTON STATE CHAPTER Welcome New Chapters! P R O V I S I O N A L C H A P T E R S War Eagle Chapter (Auburn University) Auburn, Alabama President: Hannah Fowler Vice President: Monica Jensen Secretary: Mattie Mckenna Treasurer: Kayse Calton Membership Chair: Joseph Davidson Outreach Chair: Lana Watson Advisor: James Birdsong Chapter Contact Information: Hannah Fowler 404-395-7718; hrf0004@auburn.edu Utah State University Logan, Utah President: Makena Schevenius Vice President: Desi Malan Secretary: Ashley Martinez Treasurer: Hong Jun Kim Membership Chair: CJ Sharpe Outreach Chair: Autumn Allinson Advisor: Andreas Wesemann Chapter Contact Information: Makena Schevenius 208-964-0106; scheveniusm@gmail.com Australia Virtual Meetings and Varied Locations Across Australia President: Tammy Augostin Vice President: Samantha Freebairn Secretary: Heather Ford Treasurer: Nathalie Gochel Membership Chair: Peter Lubbock Outreach Chair: Natalie Burrowes Chapter Contact Information: Tammy Augostin +0409-868-380; tammy.augostin@yahoo.com.au WASHINGTON STATE CHAPTER The Washington State Chapter in Seattle had a busy fall hosting its annual Pampered Chef fundraiser, luncheon, and meeting, and participating in career fairs at Jackson High School and Snohomish High School. The chapter also held a second Girls in Aviation Day in November. Nineteen youngsters gathered at the Museum of Flight Restoration Center and were treated to tours of Paine Airport facilities, sitting in real airplanes, fight sim time, science experiments, vintage aviatrix photos, lunch, and goody bags. Several accomplished ladies talked about their careers and training, including Jen Ellsworth , WAI 39776, active USAF C-17 pilot. ✈