About Us
Inspiring Tomorrow's Weather, Water, and Climate Leaders
At the AWEA Foundation, we are dedicated to advancing education, workforce development, and public understanding across the Weather, Water, and Climate Enterprise. Through charitable initiatives, academic collaboration, and community engagement, we work to inspire future leaders and highlight the vital role weather, water, and climate services play in keeping people safe, our country secure, and our economy competitive.
Our Founders
Jennifer and Douglas Hilderbrand
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Our AWEA Foundation story started after a combined 45 years working as federal employees at NOAA and the National Weather Service. Leadership roles within government and in the American Meteorological Society have shaped our love and passion for the Weather, Water, and Climate Enterprise. Both of us embraced the essential and symbiotic roles of the three sectors of the Enterprise – government, industry, and academia through our efforts establishing the Weather-Ready Nation Ambassador and social, behavioral, and economic science programs, respectively. Through this work, we came to deeply value the principles of partnership, fellowship, and honest brokerage. It was only natural to focus our efforts after leaving government on creating a trade association that works tirelessly to unify and advocate for the Enterprise, and in 2025 we launched the American Weather Enterprise Association. The growth and vitality of the Weather, Water, and Climate Enterprise is essential to meet the current and future demands from businesses, communities, and families across the country and globally. As a companion effort to empower academic institutions, philanthropic organizations, and passionate individuals, it is our pleasure to introduce you to the AWEA Foundation. Take a moment to explore and become curious how you can help advance our beloved Enterprise, and carry it forward during a time of tremendous technological advancement, increased weather-related vulnerability, and dynamic social change. Together, all things are possible. —Jennifer and Doug Hilderbrand
Looking Ahead
As the Weather, Water, and Climate Enterprise continues to evolve, the need for education, collaboration, and workforce development has never been greater. The AWEA Foundation is committed to supporting the next generation of scientists, engineers, educators, and innovators who will help shape the future of weather, water, and climate services. Through partnerships, outreach, and charitable initiatives, we are working to build a stronger and more resilient future for communities across the nation.
Partner With Us
The future of the Weather, Water, and Climate Enterprise depends on collaboration. Whether you're an educator, researcher, nonprofit organization, industry leader, or philanthropist, we welcome opportunities to work together in support of education, workforce development, and public engagement. Join us in creating new pathways for learning, discovery, and impact.