Recognizing the pioneering women who have shaped Airborne Wind Energy
AWE has mostly been a goofy "little boys" game, with only two AWE women prominent as "Den Mothers" or "Godmothers", but also some young ladies in the many student projects.
Photo Credit: UDelaware
Original Godmother of AWE
Cristina Archer was the original "Godmother of AWE", pioneering research and advocacy in the field of Airborne Wind Energy. Her foundational work helped establish AWE as a viable renewable energy solution.
Current Godmother of AWE
Carin has taken on the role of Godmother of AWE as Cristina has faded from the fray, continuing the legacy of women's leadership in advancing airborne wind energy technology and community.
A key woman behind the first AWEC Conference (HAWPcon2009), PJ Shepard played a crucial role in bringing the AWE community together and establishing the foundation for collaborative research and development in the field.
While AWE has historically been male-dominated, there is a growing presence of young women participating in student projects, bringing fresh perspectives and innovation to the field. These emerging leaders represent the future of AWE technology and research.
We're working to increase diversity and inclusion in AWE. If you're interested in contributing to this field, we'd love to hear from you.