The International Aviation Womens Association (IAWA) has rebranded as the International Aerospace Womens Association in order to reflect its evolving mission to elevate women in leadership across these industries and gains 501(c) US tax status as a non-profit.

“Now more than ever, it is important that we, as women, remain resilient, emphasising the value we provide our members through an inclusive organisation, and companies recognise the value of diverse leadership,” said IAWA president and retired Boeing executive, Debra Santos.

The change of status means that any donations made to IAWA by people or companies will be tax-deductible, which it asserts will help improve its grant eligibility status, enhance the organisations programming in areas like mentorship and executive development, and attract more diverse donations.

IAWA has shifted to function more as a public service with its recently launched Committees and Communities initiative which serves to help members build stronger connections, advocate on behalf of each other, and provide daily support with smaller groups focused around common interests.

Keren Rambow, IAWA vice president of membership and vice president of Airbus relations for Pratt & Whitney, said: “With new opportunities for global, cross-functional collaboration through committees and communities, our members will be able to strengthen their networks and advocate for each other like never before.”