Stars of the North
Since 1990, Women in Aviation International (WAI) has been dedicated to the encouragement and advancement of women in all aviation career fields and interests. Forming in 2014, Stars of the North became the 97th chapter of WAI, located in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Women in Aviation International (WAI) is a nonprofit organization with a diverse membership that includes astronauts, general aviation corporate and airline pilots, maintenance technicians, engineers, air traffic controllers, business owners, educators, journalists, flight attendants, high school and university students, air show performers, airport managers, aviation enthusiasts, and many others. WAI provides year-round resources to assist women in aviation and encourage young women to consider aviation as a career. WAI offers educational outreach programs to educators, aviation industry members, and young people nationally and internationally. With chapters in 85 countries, WAI is an international powerhouse with representation all over the world with over 12,000 active members.
About Us
The Stars of the North (SOTN) chapter was formed in 2014 as the Minneapolis area chapter of WAI. With over 250 members, we are proud to represent those in Minnesota – our rich diversity within the commercial, corporate, military, and general aviation sectors, helps us showcase the amazing people who are or wish to be aviation professionals.
Our chapter holds monthly events with an emphasis on aviation education, networking, and community engagement. In the past, we have held various events, including interview prep workshops, mock interview events, ATC and fire facility tours, community volunteering, holiday parties, and virtual gatherings. While some events are member-only, we encourage people to come to our open events to learn more about us! As anyone within the aviation industry can tell you – having a strong network can make a tremendous difference in searching for new career opportunities.
Our Mission
At WAI and SOTN, we strive to encourage, empower and educate all those whose interests, lives, and work involve aviation and aerospace without regard to race, ethnicity, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, physical or mental abilities, or point of view. We know with certainty that our shared passion for aviation transcends any differences among us.
Women and Men Working Together
Though women is in our name, membership at both WAI and SOTN is open to women and men from all segments of the aviation industry and in all stages of their career.
Volunteer
Volunteering is a key aspect of membership at the SOTN chapter. Mentoring and networking go hand in hand with community outreach. We encourage all our members to engage in local community outreach efforts to network and grow into well-rounded aviation professionals. SOTN peak at schools and organizations about the aviation industry and is always seeking help with the annual Girls in Aviation Day (GIAD) event. Helping and giving back are integral to the Stars chapter.
Girls in Aviation Day
The first Girls in Aviation Day (GIAD) held in Minnesota was hosted in 2015 at the Downtown St Paul Airport with over 1,500 attendees. Each year, the event has grown with more attendance and exhibitors, thanks to all the support of our members and volunteers! The event offers speakers, exhibitors, educational activities, demonstrations, static displays of aircraft and is FREE to attend! As GIAD events take flight all around the world, we’re proud to see the mission and spirit of WAI grow and expand – the Minnesota event is one of the largest in the world, if we may take a moment and brag!
Scholarships
WAI has disbursed more than $10 million in scholarships over the last 20 years to help its members advance in the aviation and aerospace careers they have always dreamed about. These scholarships are awarded annually and only available to WAI members. At SOTN, we search for opportunities for our members to pursue higher education and prepare for the next step in their careers around the state of Minnesota.
We exist to inspire, teach, and encourage women to pursue aviation.
Membership for WAI and SOTN is open to everyone.
Membership levels are available for both students and adults.
Membership has two parts: The international organization WAI ($32 for students, $45 for individuals) and the local chapter SOTN ($15 for students, $30 for individuals).
You must first become of member of the international WAI organization before becoming a member of the local SOTN chapter.