2026 WAI Conference Scholarship Winners

This year, Chicago’s Leading Edge was proud to support six incredible scholarship recipients in attending the 2026 Women in Aviation International (WAI) Conference in Dallas. Each attendee brought their own goals, experiences, and aspirations—and returned with renewed inspiration, meaningful connections, and greater clarity in their aviation journeys. From students just beginning their training to emerging professionals advancing their careers, our members took full advantage of everything the conference had to offer: impactful seminars, powerful networking, and the kind of encouragement that fuels long-term success in aviation.

Click the arrows in the image to see more photos from conference!

These stories are a glimpse into the profound effect our sponsors and donors has had—not just on these recipients, but on the future of aviation as a whole.

A heartfelt thank you to our generous sponsors who made this opportunity possible. Because of you, these aspiring aviators and professionals were able to gain knowledge, forge connections, and envision bold new possibilities. Your belief in our mission is helping to elevate the next generation of women in aerospace—and we are sincerely grateful.

If you would like to attend conference next year or support future women to attend the national WAI conference, please click the links below.

2025 Scholarship Winners

Below are our 2025 scholarship recipients and their reflections on the 2026 WAI Conference—sharing what the experience meant to them and how receiving this scholarship helped shape their aviation journey.

Azora R.

Hello, my name is Azora, and I very fortunately attended the Dallas WAI conference thanks to exceptionally generous donors. The Chicago leading edge brought many opportunities and furthered my aviation endeavors that I have been building since the age of 15. I have since gotten PPL, SES, Tailwheel endorsement and aerobatics training. This past year, I made the move from Pennsylvania to St Louis to enroll in Southwestern Illinois College in Belleville Illinois, pursuing a professional pilot degree. I have aspirations as a Fixed Wing Medevac pilot. I believe a career of air ambulance combines my passion of serving the community and aviation.

The WAI conference most benefited me with accessibility to multiple Medevac companies at the exhibit booth. I was able to speak with pilots, recruiters and learn information for hiring requirements. As well as, personal encouragement and advice from the company's pilots. These interactions built my confidence for the plan to turn my goals into reality. My perspective has been widened and my network has grown because of my attendance.

Additionally, the opportunity to sit in on multiple educational seminars brought me new knowledge of the community and career I am pursuing. Being surrounded by so many kind, generous and successful female aviators has widened my fish lens perspective of my current progress and all that I am working to become.

The opportunity to travel with other girls from the chapter, and be housed on sight for the conference, allowed me a chance to connect with the other passionate individuals. These connections bring my heart much joy to better understand the path I am on, as well as, the opportunity to give advice to others with the same goal. The venue was gorgeous and I feel very lucky to have witnessed such an extravagant conference with amazing and encouraging people.

Overall, my interactions with success females before me built my self confidence, network, and allowed me to realize the achievability of my goals. Thank you so much for providing this rewarding opportunity and experience.

Celine M.

Hi, my name is Celine. I am 25 years old and I have been in the aviation industry since 2019. I graduated in 2023 from Lewis University with my BS in Aviation Administration. I was grounded for three years 2020 to 2023 from obtaining my medical. Since clearing my medical I’ve been working on obtaining my private pilots license and have been hit with many different experiences that I wish were more positive.

When I went into the conference, I hoped to obtain mentorship, and find a school or Flight Instructor that can help me obtain my goals as I feel pressured by the time to keep going and have the goal to keep going part 61 since I work full time and Im a single mom to a 6 year old. This conference helped me connect with people all over the industry and reconnect with many people that I’ve met throughout the years. As well as motivate and give me the proper resources to keep going for my dreams.

Hearing from all the different speakers specially Olga Custodio, made me realize just how important it is to believe in yourself. I also left with many ideas and plans to get my hands on projects to help get more women in this amazing industry and bring it to my community. Im super grateful for this trip, it has seriously changed my approach and perspective to do and be more. It also helped me build friendships that I will carry for life.

Chloe A.

I feel incredibly grateful to have received a scholarship from Chicago Leading Edge. Attending the Women in Aviation Conference was an unmatched opportunity to learn, grow, and connect within the industry. I was able to attend corporate and airline pilot panels, AME discussions on women’s health, and hear from some of the most inspiring aviators—each sharing the same message: never give up and never let failure define you.

As I continue time-building and prepare for my CFI checkride, that mindset shift will be invaluable. One of my main goals was to explore different career paths, and I especially connected with corporate pilots, gaining insight into their experiences and how to ask strong, meaningful questions in interviews.

Through speed networking, I met CFIs and industry professionals who provided guidance, interview advice, and tips on standing out as a candidate. In such a dynamic industry, it was encouraging to see how many opportunities truly exist.

I plan to earn my CFI and multi-engine rating before May, then pursue a master’s in safety management. My goal is to become an airline or corporate pilot, with the long-term aspiration of becoming a professor. This experience strengthened my confidence, expanded my network, and created connections that will last a lifetime. I am truly thankful and hope to give back by helping create these same opportunities for others.

Daniela G.

My name is Daniela and I am a senior at Lewis University majoring in Aviation Flight

Technology minoring in Dispatch and Airport Administration. I am a CFI/CFII currently working towards my Commercial Multi-Engine add on rating. I was given the honor and privilege of attending the 2026 Women in Aviation International Conference in Dallas, Texas.

I am so grateful for this experience, as it gave me the opportunity to grow professionally, connect with incredible women, and explore the endless possibilities that this industry has to offer. In addition, I was able to gain invaluable mentorship that will help guide me through my career. I attended insightful seminars, had one on one mentorship sessions with industry professionals,

and heard countless inspirational stories from accomplished women. The conference left me

inspired and motivated to continue achieving my goals and to reach for even greater heights in my career.

Thank you to the sponsors and for Chicago’s Leading Edge Chapter for granting me this

unforgettable experience!

Emily L

Through Chicago's Leading Edge, I was honored to receive this scholarship to attend the WAI conference in Dallas. An event that has drastically shaped my professional growth and personal

journey.

As a first-time attendee and still a current student pilot working towards my instrument rating, I wasn’t too sure what to expect. Sure enough, it has been one of the pivotal experiences in my aviation journey. The conference provided me with the opportunity to meet such incredible,

inspiring women leaders and professionals across the country. I attended leadership sessions, and the one that stood out to me most was an inspiring woman speaking about her experience in a male-dominated field. Towards the end, we were all able to share our experiences, relate to each other, and guide one another; having a secure place to share was extremely comforting and

reassuring. Additionally, I was able to find more scholarship opportunities and networking

opportunities. As someone who advocates for volunteering, I found several volunteer

opportunities with nonprofit organizations that aim to shape future aviators. All these

connections will surely shape my path moving forward.

While at the conference, I met some members of another organization I am also proud to be part of: Latino Professionals in Aerospace. After speaking with them, I secured another sponsorship opportunity to attend MRO Americas in Orlando next month! Being at the conference inspired me to dream bigger. I came away not only with new knowledge but also with a more intense sense of purpose and greater confidence in my goals. Without your support, I would not have been able to participate in such an inspiring experience. From then on, I have made it my goal to attend the WAI conference every year, and I can't wait to eventually pay it forward as well. I appreciate your generosity and belief in my potential.

Katelyn G.

My name is Katelyn, and I am currently a Certified Flight Instructor at Lewis University. I was given the incredible opportunity to attend the 2026 Women in Aviation International Conference

thanks to Chicago’s Leading Edge and their charitable sponsors. I am truly grateful for their support in helping me take this next step in my aviation journey.

Attending the conference was such a meaningful experience for me, both personally and professionally. One of my favorite parts was reconnecting with friends I hadn’t seen in a while,

while also building new connections with people from all areas of the aviation industry. There’s something really special about being surrounded by so many passionate and accomplished

women who all share the same goal of supporting and encouraging the next generation of pilots.

As I get closer to reaching my R-ATP minimums, this opportunity came at the perfect time. I

was able to have real conversations with pilots who are currently working in the roles I hope to step into soon—people who were once exactly where I am now. Hearing their stories, advice, and experiences made my goals feel even more within reach and gave me a lot of motivation moving forward. I also learned a great deal about both airline and corporate aviation paths. Being able to speak directly with recruiters and industry professionals gave me valuable insight into what companies are really looking for, from résumé tips to interview expectations. That kind of firsthand knowledge is incredibly helpful for someone like me who is actively preparing to enter the next phase of their career. More than anything, what stood out to me was the overwhelming sense of support and encouragement throughout the entire conference. Aviation can be a challenging and competitive field, but being in a space where people genuinely want to see you succeed was both uplifting and reassuring. It reminded me why I chose this career path in the first place.

I am so thankful to Chicago’s Leading Edge Chapter and their sponsors for making this

experience possible. This opportunity meant so much to me, and I’m excited to carry everything

I learned and the connections I made with me as I continue forward in my career.

Chicago Ladies at 2025 Women in Aviation International Conference in Denver

Thank You Conference Sponsors!

We extend our deepest gratitude to our anonymous and private sponsors, whose quiet generosity made a loud impact. Thank you also to Chicago Executive Airport, Southwest Airlines, Pilot Institute, and Women in Aviation International for your unwavering support in helping our members take flight—both literally and figuratively.

2025 Scholarships

Our scholarships for the 2027 WAI conference in Savannah, GA will open up in the fall. We are hoping to double our scholarships and send 10 women to conference in 2027, and we need your continued support! If you would like to attend conference next year or support future women to attend the national WAI conference, please click the links below.