Mary W. Jackson Award Open for Nominations 1 March 2026 – 1 June 2026

This award honors the achievements of Mary W. Jackson, a groundbreaking female African American mathematician and engineer who loved science and overcame societal challenges to become a NACA/NASA aeronautical researcher. Later in her career, she selflessly led programs that retained and advanced employees from underrepresented communities.

The Mary W. Jackson Award recognizes an individual or group who achieved significant impact for the advancement of underrepresented communities in aerospace, raised awareness of the value of reflecting the demographics of society in the pursuit of science and brought attention to important and challenging issues within the aerospace workforce.

This annual award is generally presented during the AIAA Science and Technology Forum and Exposition (AIAA SciTech Forum).

Deadlines:
Accepting Online Nominations: 10 February
Nomination Deadline: 1 June
Endorsement Letters Deadline: 1 July

Online Nomination System  AIAA Mary W. Jackson Award Nomination Form

Award Recipients

2025

• Prof Karen A Thole
  University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

  Awarded

  Award: 2025 AIAA Mary W. Jackson Award

  AIAA Citation: For sustained significant contributions to raise awareness of the value of diversity and inclusion in the aerospace workforce at large, an AIAA core value.

2024

• Amanda R Simpson
  Third Segment LLC

  Awarded

  Award: 2024 AIAA Mary W. Jackson Award

  AIAA Citation: For being a trailblazer in the aerospace community, a champion of diversity and inclusion in industry and government, and an inspiration to future generations.

2023

• Dr Eric J Ruggiero
  GE Aerospace

  Awarded

  Award: 2023 AIAA Mary W. Jackson Award

  AIAA Citation: For leadership in bringing the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion to the forefront for the aerospace community through sustained efforts through professional societies.

2022

• Mr Eric B. Holmes
  NASA HQ

  Awarded

  Award: 2022 AIAA Mary W. Jackson Award

  AIAA Citation: For your sustained significant contributions to raise awareness on the value of diversity and inclusion in the aerospace workforce at large, an AIAA core value

2021

• Dr Dexter Johnson
  NASA Langley Research Center

  Awarded

  Award: 2021 AIAA Mary W. Jackson Award

  AIAA Citation: For your significant contributions to advancing diversity and inclusion within the aerospace and astronautics community through your AIAA collaborations with students and industry partners.

2020

• Charles F Wilson
  AIAA New England

  Awarded

  Award: 2020 AIAA Mary W. Jackson Award

  AIAA Citation: “For zealously pursuing AIAA’s Diversity and Inclusion initiative, hosting special events and collaborating with organizations to promote progress in diversity for AIAA and with the AIAA New England Section team.”

2019

• Dr Susan A Frost
  NASA-Ames Research Center

  Awarded

  Award: 2019 AIAA Mary W. Jackson Award

  AIAA Citation: For shaping AIAA s Diversity and Inclusion initiative and moving it forward throughout the AIAA community and beyond. Her passion, dedication and leadership role make her the ultimate role model for everyone who follows her footsteps.

2018

• AIAA Guidance Navigation And Control Technical Committee
  AIAA Guidance Navigation And Control Technical Committee

  Awarded

  Award: 2018 AIAA Mary W. Jackson Award

  AIAA Citation: For significant contributions to AIAA diversity and inclusion as a champion of women’s leadership and technical advancements in Guidance Navigation and Control.