Women in Aviation Soars at BSU
With large issues like the gender pay gap in the global workforce, it can sometimes be intimidating for women to feel confident working in certain industries. However, at BSU, one campus organization in particular is helping to eliminate that lack of confidence. Women in Aviation (WAI) is an organization dedicated to serving female students pursuing the male-dominated field. After initially being founded in spring 2021 but enduring setbacks because of the pandemic, WAI was officially recognized as a chapter of Women in Aviation International in October 2023. Within the chapter, members can learn valuable information about the aviation field, including aviation management and flight training. They are also provided resources and a chance to network with peers of similar interests.
Networking is immensely important to Women in Aviation’s president and founding member, Sophia Schiappa (she/her), whose goal is to expand the organization’s alumni network before she graduates this upcoming spring. “I want our members to be able to know someone that was in this organization five years ago and contact them to have as a resource,” said Schiappa.
Vice President Kaylee Smith (she/her) added, “There’s not many of us on campus, so Women in Aviation is a way for us to get to know each other and know that we are not alone in this journey. We are surrounded by males in this industry, so being around other women to share progress and ask questions is what we’re here to do— to create a community within the school.”
Earlier this month, WAI hosted a guest speaker from the Federal Aviation Administration who spoke with students about future career opportunities. In early September, the organization held an event at the Myricks Airport in Berkley, Massachusetts, where members had the opportunity to view vintage airplanes. Just in time for Halloween, WAI also hosted a Paint-a-Pumpkin fundraiser for all students to partake in.
For those looking to get involved, Women in Aviation meets every Friday at 5 p.m. in East Campus Commons Room 113. Students can stay up to date with the organization by following their Instagram page: @bsu_womeninaviation.
