The Ninety-Nines, International Organization of Women Pilots, will launch a fundraiser May 1, 2024, to support a new award designed to bring greater diversity to women pilots around the world.
The Beverley D. Sharp Aviation Diversity Award, named in honor of a past president of the 99s, who was a member of the Washington, D.C., chapter, aims to “recognize and promote programs and efforts that increase the participation of individuals from diverse backgrounds in aviation,” according to 99s officials.
Association officials note that women of color and Hispanics are barely 1% of the roughly 6% of pilot certificates issued to women in the United States.
All chapters and international sections of The Ninety-Nines can apply for the $1,000 award, officials noted.
The Washington, D.C. Chapter and Mid-Atlantic Section have started fundraising to support this effort, hoping to reach their goal by 2025.
During the May 1 event, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth, who is chair of the Senate Subcommittee on Aviation Safety, Operations and Innovation as well as a member of the Chicago Area 99s, will host a “fireside chat” with Commander La Shanda Hawkins of the U.S. Coast Guard, who is a member of the Washington, D.C. 99s.
For more information on the event: DC99s.com.
To contribute to the fundraiser: Ninety-Nines.org