The first of a two-part webinar series about diversity, equity, and inclusion in the aerospace community will be held 12:30–1:45 p.m. ET Wednesday, 15 July. The ASCENDxWebinar is hosted by ASCEND, a space ecosystem event from the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA).  

Part I on Wednesday, 15 July, will feature an interactive panel discussion about institutional transformations that address challenges and provide opportunities for African Americans in the aerospace workforce pipeline.  

Moderated by Enanga Fale from the National Society of Black Engineers, this session was developed in partnership with the Aerospace Special Interest Group of the National Society of Black Engineers. It also will feature opening remarks from Jandria Alexander, Chair of the AIAA Diversity and Inclusion Working Group. In the past two years, 159 underrepresented university students have attended AIAA Forums through the AIAA Diversity Scholars Program.  

Time: 12:30–1:45 p.m. ET 

Date: Wednesday, 15 July 

Link: www.ascend.events/diversity-equity-and-inclusion-webinars/ 

Wednesday’s webinar features:  

  • Jandria Alexander, Chair of the AIAA Diversity and Inclusion Working Group (opening remarks) 

  • Enanga Daisy Fale, Director of the Aerospace Special Interest Group, National Society of Black Engineers (moderator)  

  • Alec Gallimore, Dean of Engineering, University of Michigan (panelist) 

  • Scott Trapp, Director of Diversity Outreach, Lockheed Martin Corp. (panelist) 

  • Dexter Johnson, NASA Technical Fellow for Loads and Dynamics (panelist)

The series continues with Part II on Tuesday, 21 July, with the focus on the experiences of women in the aerospace community. This session was developed in collaboration with the American Indian Science and Engineering Society, the National Society of Black Engineers, the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, and the Society of Women Engineers. More information is forthcoming.  

More information about ASCENDxWebinars  

Media contact: Michele McDonald, michelem@aiaa.org, 703.264.7542   

About ASCEND  
ASCEND stands for Accelerating Space Commerce, Exploration and New Discovery and is designed to bring together technical and business leaders to solve problems that affect the entire planet and beyond. Powered by AIAA, the ASCEND event will happen online 16–18 November 2020. For more information, please visit www.ascend.events, or follow ASCEND on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn.  

About AIAA  
The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) is the world’s largest aerospace technical society. With nearly 30,000 individual members from 91 countries, and 100 corporate members, AIAA brings together industry, academia, and government to advance engineering and science in aviation, space, and defense. For more information, visit www.aiaa.org, or follow AIAA on Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn.