The Amelia Earhart Aerospace Summit returns on April 5, 2025. Held in honor of the esteemed aviator and former visiting professor at Purdue, this annual event aims to expose students to their potential careers and impact within the aerospace community. 

The 2024 gathering held particular significance, marking the first in-person summit since 2019, and expanding its reach to welcome students from all backgrounds. With the theme of “Educate, Inspire, Empower,” the summit provided an ideal platform for expanding one’s knowledge in the field of aerospace engineering. 

Through panels, discussion sessions and speed mentoring, the summit facilitates direct interaction between students and leading aerospace industry professionals. Students were thrilled to engage with Purdue alumni holding executive roles in renowned aerospace firms — such as Yen Matsutomi, Lee Favour and Ed Yarbrough. These guests and others delivered captivating speeches and offered invaluable advice. 

The event had an overwhelmingly positive response. AAE undergraduate student Abby Frank said she “enjoyed the opportunity to connect with other students and widen [her] network across campus.”

Given the breadth of aerospace engineering, the summit addressed a wide array of topics, ranging from sustainable aviation to space debris to hypersonics — areas that both challenge and captivate the aerospace community. An "Exploring Careers" panel provided attendees with personal insights and strategies for success in aerospace engineering. Many students continued their discussions with speakers during the speed mentoring session, where small groups engaged in one-on-one conversations with industry experts. 

Events like this one play a crucial role in encouraging individuals to pursue careers in STEM fields. "Planning this event was my way of making a significant impact in my community," says Madeleine Yee, a junior in aeronautical and astronautical engineering (AAE). "Hearing the audience's feedback about being inspired by the speakers motivates me to continue working toward my passion for encouraging women to pursue STEM."