Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility at AIAA
AIAA is the trusted voice of the aerospace profession through innovation, technical excellence, and global leadership in aeronautics, aerospace research and development and space. We recognize that this role can only be fulfilled if all voices, perspectives,
and talents are included in the conversation. We welcome and encourage contributions from people of diverse backgrounds and experiences across all facets of the Institute.
AIAA is committed to promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and
accessibility throughout all aspects of the Institute and the greater aerospace community. The future of the aerospace industry will benefit by utilizing and optimizing the contributions of the entire workforce. Our commitment is reflected in our
strategic goal to make AIAA’s membership and leadership reflect the demographics of society. View AIAA's DEI Plan .
Diversity Working Group
The Diversity Working Group was formed to provide guidance in all matters of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. The work is divided into four subgroups (Leadership, Outreach, Programming, and Recognition) that work together with the members, volunteers, and staff to accomplish the Institute’s DEIA goals and objectives.
Meet the DWG members Connect with the DWG
Requests to join the DWG will be accepted 1 February - 1 April 2025 for terms beginning May 2025.
Diversity Scholars Program
The AIAA Diversity Scholars Program provides opportunities for underrepresented university students pursuing a degree in aerospace to attend an AIAA forum. Learn More
AIAA Mary W. Jackson Diversity and Inclusion Award
This award recognizes an individual or group within AIAA who has devoted time and effort and made significant contributions to the advancement of diversity and inclusion within the Institute. It also seeks to raise awareness on the value of a diverse membership and inclusive environment, and of important and challenging issues pertaining to diversity and inclusion in the aerospace workforce at large. This award also seeks to bring champions of diversity and inclusion at AIAA to the attention of its members as inspirational figures and enablers of opportunities for successful careers in aerospace. Lastly, this award seeks to inspire other members to engage in activities that will promote the Institute’s diversity and inclusion.
Online Nominations open annually from 10 February – 1 June | Application | Past Award Winners
History and Heritage Month Salutes
To continuously reinforce our commitment to DEI, the Diversity Working Group, during specific history and heritage months, salutes the aerospace contributions and achievements of AIAA members.
If you would like to have a member recognized during one of the history and heritage months, please complete and submit a nomination . Self-nominations are accepted.
Upcoming Events
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DWG Panel: Bridging 1940 to 2040: Strategies for our Diverse Aerospace Future
7 January 2025 3:30 p.m. - 5 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time)
Orlando, Florida, USA
At the AIAA SciTech Forum and Exposition, panelists, which includes two Tuskegee Airmen, will reflect on their experiences and what should be done to reinforce positive experiences and eliminate negative experiences in the future.
Past Events
Webinars
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Celebrating Hispanic Contributions to Aerospace Webinar
15 October 2024 12 p.m. - 1 p.m. (Eastern Daylight Time)
Online
As we close out Hispanic Heritage Month, we continue to celebrate the contributions Hispanics make in the AIAA Domains of Aeronautics, Aerospace R&D, and Space. -
2024 Mary Jackson Named Lecture
26 March 2024 12 p.m. - 1 p.m. (Eastern Daylight Time)
Online
The Mary Jackson Named Lecture is given in honor of Mary Jackson (1921-2005), who in 1958 became the first black female aerospace engineer at the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). -
Black History Month HBCU Spotlight: Tuskegee University Aerospace Engineering Department
16 February 2023 12 p.m. - 1 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time)
Online
Join Tuskegee University for this virtual presentation. Come learn about how Tuskegee University continues to produce alumni who excel in aerospace. -
Mock Interviewing Webinar
7 October 2022 3 p.m. - 4 p.m. (Eastern Daylight Time)
Online
Are you seeking an internship or full time position? Join the members of the AIAA Diversity Working Group as they share interviewing tips. You will then be paired up with a member of the Diversity Working Group and will put these tips to practice during a mock interview. -
Resume Writing Webinar
16 September 2022 3 p.m. - 4 p.m. (Eastern Daylight Time)
Online
Join the members of the AIAA Diversity Working Group (DWG) as they share best practices for creating resumes to apply for government agency and industry jobs. -
AIAA and NSBE Aerospace Special Interest Group Present A Tribute to Service: Community, Country, and Humanity
18 January 2021 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time)
Virtual
AIAA encourages you to take the day away from AIAA 2021 SciTech Forum programming and find a way to enrich your community and give back to others. -
2021 Can I Be in Aerospace – Presented by WoAA
4 January 2021 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time)
Virtual
Join us as our panelists discuss several different technical and non-technical career paths to working in the aerospace industry! -
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Aerospace Community and Workforce – Part I (ASCENDxWebinar)
15 July 2020 12:30 p.m. - 1:45 p.m. (Eastern Daylight Time)
Virtual
Join us for an interactive panel discussion on institutional transformations that address challenges and provide opportunities for African Americans within the aerospace workforce pipeline. -
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Aerospace Community and Workforce – Part II (ASCENDxWebinar)
21 July 2020 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. (Eastern Daylight Time)
Virtual
Any shared vision of humanity’s future, whether on Earth or in outer space, must be grounded in the principals of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Join us.
Women at SciTech Event
2023 Women at SciTech Panel and Social Hour
2022 Women at SciTech Panel and Social Hour
Partnerships & Alliances
Resources (click to learn more)
Defining DEIA
Diversity – recognizing the similarities and differences of individuals and includes, but is not limited to gender identity, culture, ethnicity, race, age, physical or cognitive disability, national origin, or religion.
Equity – fair and impartial treatment, opportunity, and access for all. Equity is achieved by eliminating barriers to full participation.
Inclusion – an environment where everyone feels valued, supported, and respected as an individual.
Accessibility – provides an environment that is accessible to all individuals, including those with disabilities.