Mary W. Jackson Diversity and Inclusion Award Open for Nominations 10 February 2025 – 1 June 2025

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Originally named the AIAA 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.

Further information about the award can be found at aiaa.org/Diversity-and-Inclusion-AwardBrief. 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 

Award Recipients

2024

  • Amanda R Simpson
    Airbus Americas (retired)
    Awarded
    Award: 2024 AIAA Mary W. Jackson Diversity and Inclusion 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 Aviation
    Awarded
    Award: 2023 AIAA Mary W. Jackson Diversity and Inclusion 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 Diversity and Inclusive 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: 2020 AIAA Diversity and Inclusion 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
    Awarded
    Award: “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: 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.
    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: For significant contributions to AIAA diversity and inclusion as a champion of women’s leadership and technical advancements in Guidance Navigation and Control.
    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.