ALEXANDRIA, Virginia — Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) and Milena Bowman, an executive with EUROCONTROL, will be honored for their contributions to aviation at Flight Safety Foundation’s annual Networking and Awards Dinner, scheduled for June 24 at the National Press Club in Washington.
Milena Bowman, executive manager of airspace, systems, and procedures at EUROCONTROL’s Maastricht Upper Airspace Control Centre in the Netherlands, was chosen from a strong field of nominees to receive the Foundation’s 2025 Gloria Heath Trophy, which recognizes a woman for notable achievements in civil aviation. In addition to overseeing the safety of day-to-day operations, Bowman has played a pivotal role in advancing the just culture concept across Europe, among other notable achievements.
“Milena Bowman exemplifies the spirit of the Gloria Heath Trophy,” said Hassan Shahidi, president and CEO of Flight Safety Foundation. “Her leadership and unwavering commitment to advancing just culture and safety performance in European airspace operations are an inspiration to our industry.”
ERAU was selected to receive the 2025 Richard Crane Award for its decades of being an international leader and innovator in aviation and aerospace higher education and for all the institution has done, and continues to do, to help ensure a vibrant and safety-focused future for the industry. The Richard Crane Award recognizes an organization for sustained corporate leadership through lasting contributions to civil aviation.
Embry-Riddle has shaped generations of aviation professionals and leaders,” Shahidi said. “Their legacy of excellence and commitment to the future of aviation industry makes them a truly deserving recipient of the Richard Crane Award.”
Both awards are named for aviation pioneers and visionaries who were instrumental in establishing Flight Safety Foundation. Gloria Heath was an aviator in the U.S. Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs) during World War II and was a pioneer during the early days of the commercial aviation industry. She developed the first formal course in aircraft accident investigation and was a driving force behind the Foundation’s efforts to disseminate aviation safety information worldwide.
Richard Crane was an entrepreneur who launched the first regional airline in the United States in the 1930s. His critical leadership role in the early days of the Foundation helped establish it as the preeminent global aviation safety advocacy organization.
The Foundation’s Networking and Awards Dinner is scheduled for June 24 at the National Press Club in Washington. The evening will begin with a networking and cocktail reception at 6 p.m., followed by dinner and the awards ceremony. More details on the event can be found on the Foundation’s website at https://flightsafety.swoogo.com/networking_awards_dinner_2025
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About Flight Safety Foundation
Flight Safety Foundation is an independent, nonprofit, international organization engaged in research, education, advocacy, and communications to improve aviation safety. The Foundation’s mission is to connect, influence, and lead global aviation safety.
Media Contact:
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