Oklahoma City, USA — The Oklahoma Aerospace Foundation has officially opened nominations for the 2025 Oklahoma Women in Aviation, Aerospace and Defense Awards, a major initiative celebrating the contributions of women to one of the state’s most vital industries.
In partnership with the Oklahoma Airport Operators Association and the Oklahoma Chapter of the Ninety-Nines, the Foundation is calling for nominations to recognise three exceptional Oklahoma women whose achievements have advanced aviation, aerospace, or defence. Entries must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Friday, 14 November 2025, with nomination forms and guidelines available through the Foundation’s official channels.
Recognising Leadership and Innovation
Award winners will be honoured at the Oklahoma Women in Aviation and Aerospace Day event, scheduled for Friday, 12 December 2025, at 11:30 a.m. The celebration will be hosted at AAR Oklahoma’s Hangar 4 at Will Rogers International Airport in Oklahoma City, drawing key figures from government, academia, and the aviation industry.
Three distinguished awards will be presented: the Pearl Carter Scott Aviator Award, the Geraldyn M. Cobb Military Award, and the Dr. Shannon Lucid Aerospace Award. Each accolade commemorates a pioneering Oklahoma woman who helped shape the state’s aviation and aerospace legacy.
These awards reflect Oklahoma’s commitment to recognising those who have broken barriers and inspired the next generation of innovators. The event has grown into a highlight of the state’s aerospace calendar, underscoring both historical achievements and ongoing advancements in a sector central to Oklahoma’s economy.
A Legacy Enshrined in Law
The origins of Oklahoma Women in Aviation and Aerospace Day trace back to 2017, when the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics (ODAA)—then known as the Aeronautics Commission—introduced Senate Bill 230 to the state legislature. The bill was enacted into law, establishing 9 December each year as the official day to celebrate women’s contributions to the state’s aviation and aerospace industry.
This legislative move marked a milestone for gender representation in aerospace, an industry that continues to expand in Oklahoma. The state is home to one of the largest aerospace and defence sectors in the United States, encompassing maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facilities, aircraft manufacturing, space research, and military operations.
Industry Leaders Behind the Event
A group of influential leaders continues to drive Oklahoma’s largest aviation and aerospace celebration. Among them are Kristy Slater, Manager of Wiley Post Airport and representative of the Oklahoma City Airport Trust; Sandra Shelton, Director of Government Affairs at the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics; and Alexis Higgins, Chief Executive Officer of the Tulsa Airport Improvement Trust.
Their collective efforts have positioned the Oklahoma Women in Aviation and Aerospace Awards as a major event for professional recognition and community engagement. The 2025 ceremony is expected to attract hundreds of industry professionals, students, and policymakers, reinforcing its role as a platform for mentorship and advocacy.
Building Momentum for the Future
Organisers describe the awards not merely as honours but as instruments of inspiration, designed to highlight role models and encourage young women to pursue careers in aviation, engineering, and defence. By spotlighting female leaders, the initiative seeks to strengthen the talent pipeline within a field critical to both Oklahoma’s economy and national security.
Oklahoma’s aerospace and defence sectors continue to experience strong growth, supported by state investment and partnerships with global manufacturers and military installations. Within this context, the Women in Aviation and Aerospace Awards have become a symbol of excellence and progress, reflecting the evolving role of women in shaping the industry’s future.
For nomination forms, eligibility details, and submission instructions, interested parties can visit the Oklahoma Aerospace Foundation’s official website or affiliated partner organisations.
