The sixth annual Women’s Aviation Career Symposium (WACS) held in Battle Creek, Michigan, earlier this month is celebrating record-breaking attendance.
“We are overwhelmed by the support, outreach, and continued success of the WACS event to highlight women in aviation and support our next generation of leaders in this industry,” said WACS co-founder Mary Poirier. “The interest from companies shows a growing desire to invest in women to fill talent pipelines, and our increased attendance showcases a continued passion for women to receive aviation training, mentorship, and job opportunities to support their career endeavors.”
The conference showcased more than 130 representatives from aviation companies, schools, and organizations from the Great Lakes region who connected with 140 attendees. In addition, $30,000 in scholarships were awarded at WACS to 12 women for aviation education, flight and maintenance training, and professional development. Workshops on career and professional development were also offered.
Fifty-two companies sponsored the symposium, including Gulfstream Aerospace, Western Michigan University, Duncan Aviation, the Michigan Business Aviation Association and Foundation (MBAA/MBAF), AvFlight, Dassault Falcon Jet, Dow Chemical, GrandAir Aviation, and Jackson National Life.