Two of the five honorees from Georgia Tech's 2014 Women's Leadership Conference have their roots firmly planted in the School of Aerospace Engineering.

AE Professor Marilyn Smith and graduating senior Veronica "Ronnie" Foreman were each recognized with awards during the WLC's 2014 gala, held Oct. 25.

Smith, who earned her bachelor's, masters, and doctorate at Georgia Tech, was named the 2014 Alumna of Distinction. This is the second time she has been recognized by the Conference. In 1999, the WLC named her the Faculty Woman of Distinction.

Find out more about the 2014 Women's Leadership Conference.

For Foreman, winning the WLC's 2014 Undergraduate Woman of Distinction award came as a bittersweet reminder that her days at Georgia Tech are numbered. The 22-year-old Maryland native will be graduating this December and does not yet know if she will be returning to pursue her masters.

"This award is the perfect way to mark a time that has been full of adventure and opportunity," said Foreman, president of the Alpha Omega Epsilon Engineering sorority and the winner of the 2014 Georgia Tech Outstanding Undergraduate Researcher of the Yearaward.

"Ever since I arrived at Georgia Tech, I've been given opportunities to take leadership, to shape my own future - in the classroom, in the lab, in my sorority. And when I've taken those opportunities, I've always had support."

Foreman made those comments just two days after competing for the title of Miss Georgia Tech, as the official nominee of Alpha Omega Epsilon.  One of just five finalists, she did not take home the crown. Neither, too, did she take home any regrets.

"The competition is a great chance for the Institute to showcase and celebrate the people who represent it best," she said.

"I was thrilled to be a part of that group, and I can honestly say that not winning it took nothing away from that thrill. I got to walk out onto the field with my father at the Homecoming game, which is something I'll never forget.  And I also had time to study for a test I have on Wednesday."

Check out these photos from Foreman's time at GT-AE.

Established in 1998, the Dean Gail DiSabitino Women of Distinction Awards annually honors students, staff, faculty and alumnae who show exemplary leadership skills in the Georgia Tech community. This year's event capped a series of day-long workshops all centered around the theme of women gaining momentum in business, personal branding, and the world.

Also nominated for the Undergraduate Woman of Distinction award was Nana Obayashi, president of the School of Aerospace Engineering Student Advisory Council (SAESAC).

Others taking home awards from the 2014 Women's Leadership Conference were Dr. Deidre Shoemaker (faculty), Assistant Director of Athletics Theresa Wenzel (staff), Andrea Welsh (graduate student), and Jasmine Burton (undergraduate student). All student recipients were given a $1,000 scholarship in addition to their formal award.