WAI Founder Dr. Peggy Chabrian Is 2020 Cliff Henderson Trophy Recipient
Women in Aviation International is pleased to announce the National Aeronautic Association (NAA) has selected Dr. Peggy Chabrian, founder of Women in Aviation International, as the recipient of the 2020 Cliff Henderson Trophy. The Henderson Trophy, which is in the collection of the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum, was established in 1960 to honor the creator and Managing Director of the world-renowned National Air Races from 1928-1939. His work stimulated a generation’s interest in aviation and challenged the state of the art in aviation development.
The trophy is awarded to “...a living individual, group of individuals, or an organization whose vision, leadership or skill made a significant and lasting contribution to the promotion and advancement of aviation and aerospace in the United States.” A deserving nominee is put forth annually by the President of the National Aeronautic Association to NAA's Executive Committee for confirmation by majority vote. Previous recipients of the Cliff Henderson Trophy include Colonel Joseph Kittinger, Marion Blakey, The United States Air Force Academy, Anne Morrow Lindbergh, Lieutenant General James H. Doolittle, Senator Barry M. Goldwater, Clarence L. “Kelly” Johnson, Scott Crossfield, and the 2019 recipient –The Ninety Nines.
Dr. Peggy Chabrian is being recognized for the creation of WAI, which began in 1990 when she gathered 150 people for the first Women in Aviation conference at Embry Riddle’s Prescott, Arizona campus. Four years later, with the growing success of the annual conference, the aviation industry began to recognize and accept the need for the focus and energy offered by her vision. In December 1994, 16 founding board members, with Peggy as Founding President, established WAI as it is today. Presently, WAI’s diverse membership of more than 14,000 includes representation from virtually every corner of the world’s aviation community and the annual conference has grown to over 4,500 attendees and 175 exhibitors. WAI has awarded more than $12 million in scholarships at its conference since 1995.