AICA President Darlene Yaplee Honored with the Walt Gillfillan Award at the Aviation Noise & Emissions Symposium – March 2025

Date: March 11, 2025

At the 2025 Aviation Noise & Emissions Symposium in Las Vegas, Darlene Yaplee, President and Co-Founder of the Aviation-Impacted Communities Alliance (AICA) and Co-Founder of Concerned Residents of Palo Alto, was recognized with the Walt Gillfillan Award for her exceptional leadership and dedication to addressing aviation noise and environmental impacts. In her remarks, she emphasized the power of advocacy and representation, stating, “If you aren’t at the table, you are on the menu.”

In its announcement, the Aviation Noise & Emissions Symposium stated, “Her advocacy has elevated community voices, fostered productive dialogue between policymakers, aviation stakeholders, and the public, and paved the way for meaningful solutions—embodying the spirit of collaboration and progress that Walt Gillfillan championed.” 

1. Walt Gillfillan Award: Awards Committee and Criteria

2. Acceptance Remarks: “If you aren’t at the table, you are on the menu” by Darlene Yaplee