CONNECT, INSPIRE, AND LEAD
Issue 1, March 2025 Table of Contents: President’s Address
IAWA’s New Look
Membership Committee Updates Career Growth
IAWA News & Views
2025 Annual Giving Campaign
Annual Conference Update
Event Recaps
Member Highlights
IAWA Mobile App
Our Supporters |
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IAWA President
Debra Santos
Boeing Retiree
Seattle, WA |
| Opportunities Abound Dear IAWA Members and Advocates,
As spring blooms in the northern hemisphere, it brings with it renewed energy and determination to tackle the challenges we face in the aerospace industry. For the past 38 years, IAWA has remained steadfast in its mission to uplift and support women in aerospace. Our focus is clear and unwavering: empowering women to break through glass ceilings and combat misperceptions of our worth and capabilities.
IAWA plays a vital role in helping women achieve their goals and succeed in this dynamic industry. Getting involved with a meaningful cause like ours can boost well-being, create a sense of purpose, and expand your network. Our community is a powerful tool for learning and future opportunities, often leading to new business connections. In light of the recent downsizing in our industry, IAWA has successfully helped several members connect with new employers, demonstrating the value of being part of a strong, supportive network.
I am optimistic about the continued progress of women in aerospace leadership, and I believe there are many opportunities ahead.
In addition, I would like to announce an exciting opportunity within IAWA. As part of our recent update to the bylaws, we’ve expanded our board by one position and are now seeking a new board member to serve as Vice President, Asia Pacific. The ideal candidate will be an active IAWA member who is passionate about promoting women in aerospace leadership and is committed to attending 3-4 virtual board meetings, as well as 1-2 in-person board meetings, including one prior to the annual conference. The IAWA board is a working board, supported by a dedicated management team.
If you are interested in this position, please send an email with your bio or resume to info@IAWA.org with the subject "Board Position" by April 5, 2025. We hope to approve the new board member during the June/July board meeting.
As women in aerospace, we are poised to continue driving positive change for years to come.
Together, we will make a lasting impact.
Warm regards,
Deb Santos
President, IAWA |
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Theresia H. Schatz, A.A.E.
Senior Consultant, ADK Consulting & Executive Search IAWA Member IAWA FlightPaths Editor |
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Welcome to the first edition of the newly revamped, all-inclusive FlightPaths Newsletter! Due to some creative and productive restructuring and creative input, it has been decided that a more efficient and effective communication method will now result in making the FlightPaths newsletter, which has its start under the Career Growth Committee, the go-to IAWA newsletter. The goal is to bring our members and hopefully potential members, all our news and resources in a bi-monthly issue so that you can stay informed and directed to all the wonderful resources and events that IAWA has to offer as well as where to find those resources on our website: www.iawa.org!
In addition to the tried-and-true content of career growth information (links to the library, podcasts, quarterly events, as well as the job board, and timely articles of interest), we have also featured highlights from throughout IAWA, spearheaded by the Mar-Com Committee Chairs. So, it’s a bit longer, but with our handy Table of Contents, you can pinpoint the information you want, all while having access to so much more. As always, as an IAWA member, you have access to a wealth of information that will enhance your networking, educate your curiosity, and help you to grow and prosper in the marvelous world of Women in Aerospace!
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IAWA's New Look!
IAWA is pleased to reveal our new name and logo! As our industry evolves, so must we; starting in 2025, IAWA will be known as the International Aerospace Womens Association. Read the Press Release here. |
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The Membership committee has hit the ground running this new year and we wanted to give you an update on some of our activities:
Website update: The Member Benefits page of the IAWA website has been updated to provide more clarity on how to make the most of your membership. Please visit the page and feel free to send feedback to info@iawa.org.
How to get my company to support my Membership: we have developed some justification material to help members articulate the value of being a member to their respective organizations. Please reach out to your regional VPs/Committees or info@iawa.org if you need this information.
Processes: We are reviewing and updating the “New Member” and “Renewal” processes to make sure they are as automated and streamlined as possible.
Advocates: We are working on better defining and then recruiting Advocates for IAWA.
Membership POC for each Regional Committee: Jenny Ann Urban is liaising with each Regional Committee to ensure better connectivity for members and provide an avenue for members to get help on “how to navigate” IAWA and get the most out of your membership. If you would like help to get more out of your membership please contact your Regional Committee, or email info@iawa.org and we’ll get you in touch with the right person.
We always welcome help so if you would like to join our committee and help the IAWA membership, please apply here. |
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Your career growth is our priority. IAWA provides exclusive resources to empower your professional journey.
Unlock Member-Only Career Resources: -
Exclusive Content: Access quarterly webinars, book reviews, podcasts (like "Connect, Inspire, and Lead"), and past FlightPaths editions in our members-only Career Growth section.
- Skill Development: Invest and reinvest in your career with content designed by IAWA members for IAWA members.
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"Connect, Inspire, and Lead" Podcast: Hear from women across generations and our Advocates on how they excel. Listen now
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IAWA Career Hub: Hiring? Share your company's open positions on our member-exclusive Career Hub and LinkedIn group. Learn more
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LinkedIn: How To Maximize This Platform To Boost Your Career
If you don’t already have a LinkedIn profile - do it! LinkedIn is the premier professional social media website for career professionals. Did you know it is highly utilized by recruiters who source for ideal, high quality candidates.
Recruiters use LinkedIn licenses that allow us to do comprehensive searches and find potential talent and direct them to many exciting career opportunities and engagements! LinkedIn also allows you to grow and connect with your network across many industries. You can join groups, search for articles, and take advantage of terrific LinkedIn educational tools. It also allows you to maintain your resume in real-time allowing others to engage with you and you with others more easily with the most updated information.
Remember to upload a professional photo with an optional Background photo, post uplifting comments and articles and treat your LinkedIn profile as your living document as you would keep your resume updated - just so much easier!
Accessing Member Resources:
Members: If you need access to the members' portal, contact info@iawa.org. |
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How IAWA Empowers Women in Aviation Beyond Entertainment S2 E6
In this podcast, IAWA President Deb Santos highlights the bold and evolving roles women are embracing in aviation and the broader aerospace industry. She also explores how organizations like IAWA are paving the way for the next generation, helping them to achieve success in aerospace. |
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Killing “DEI” – Is the need to attract diverse talent dead? By Marita Lintener
Within the first week in office, the US government has issued a record number of immediate executive orders, amongst them orders tackling the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives and programmes in the government. Globally, organisations, the press and governance bodies have started the discussion about their own stand on the matter.
The aviation and aerospace industries are facing a lack of qualified staff and the outlook on future staffing is not brighter. During the COVID-19-pandemic our sector laid off a significant number of people and most of these workers have not come back. On top of this, in many countries the baby boomer generation is entering retirement. Decades of operational experience were already disappearing and these qualified people are deeply missed in operations and maintenance.
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2025 Annual Giving Campaign
The 2025 Annual Giving Campaign is now live. If you or your company are interested in becoming an ally with IAWA for a Global Impact on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, read more about this year's campaign and how you can have an impact. |
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IAWA 37th Annual Conference - Save the Date! IAWA's 37th Annual Conference will take place on October 28-30, 2025, at the JW Marriott in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Book your hotel room now! |
Come Together. Right now!
We’re excited to announce that we have officially kicked off the planning for this year’s Annual Conference in Sao Paulo, with the theme "Breaking Barriers, Building Legacies: Leading Aerospace Into New Frontiers." As we prepare for another impactful event, we are looking for passionate volunteers from all over the globe to join the IAWA Annual Conference Committee.
This is a unique opportunity to help shape IAWA’s premier event. We want your expertise, creativity, and diverse perspectives to ensure our conference reflects the evolving needs and challenges of the global aerospace community. Our meetings are scheduled in Eastern Time, but if you’re in a different time zone, we’ll ensure you have access to the meetings and can actively engage with the team.
If you’re interested in joining the committee and being part of this exciting global collaboration, please contact info@iawa.org
Let’s come together to break barriers, build legacies, and lead aerospace into new frontiers!
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IAWA Speaker's Bureau
Interested in speaking at the IAWA Annual Conference or a future IAWA event?
Share your knowledge and expertise with others by joining the IAWA Speaker's Bureau. For more information, email info@iawa.org. |
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IAWA Washington DC Connect
March 12, 2025
We enjoyed another opportunity to connect for a Hotel Zena happy hour in Washington, DC. It's always a great time to sit around a table and exchange stories and ideas, provide insight and support, and last night was no exception. These gatherings are so precious to us all. |
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IAWA Connect at VERTICON 2025
March 12, 2025 We had a great time connecting in Dallas at VERTICON 2025. Thank you to our host, Safron. We appreciate the leadership of Norma Lantz -- who always connects, inspires and leads! |
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IAWA London Connect
March 6, 2025 The IAWA London Connect was a blast!
We had an amazing turnout with 84 women joining us for a fantastic panel discussion and truly engaging networking.
The panelists sparked open and honest conversations about overcoming barriers, leading to a truly empowering atmosphere. |
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IAWA Lunch Connect at the ICAO GISS25 in Abu Dhabi, UAE
February 12, 2025 The International Civil Aviation Organization Global Implementation Support Symposium in Abu Dhabi was a fantastic opportunity for an IAWA connect with industry professionals.
The UAE Civil Aviation Authority hosted a wonderful lunch at the stunning Emirates Palace Hotel. |
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MRO Middle East Connect
February 10, 2025
We launched the MRO Middle East & Aircraft Interiors Middle East with an IAWA Connect event at the Airline Club Lounge. As the largest event of its kind in the region, it provided a fantastic opportunity to connect with industry professionals over the past two days! |
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Welcome the New Year with co-host IAC
January 29, 2025 We gathered in DC last week for first opportunity to join to ring in 2025. Thank you to Airlines For America (and Ivon Aheart) for hosting, and to the Intl. Aviation Club (and Amna Arshad) for co-sponsoring. Thanks to IAWA's Orla Brady for once again doing her social magic. |
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IAWA Washington D.C. Connect
December 12, 2024
It was cold outside, but we all warmed ourselves with enjoyable beverages and enjoyed the festive lights of the season together at our recent DC Connect. What a fun evening of seeing old and meeting new colleagues, who we hope will become IAWA members too. |
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IAWA 36th Annual Conference
November 5-7, 2024 IAWA celebrated its 36th Annual Conference in Dublin, uniting leading women in aviation and aerospace for an inspiring series of discussions on industry advancements, gender equity, and the future of flight. See the event photos: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjBR13F |
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IAWA Swinburne Connect
October 17, 2024 Last month, IAWA had a wonderful networking event with members of the Swinburne Aviation community, as well as members of the Melbourne Aviation community ✈️ Thank you to everyone who attended. Click here to see the photos: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjBRTfs |
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New IAWA Event Suggestion Form
Have an idea for an IAWA event but not sure where to start? IAWA has created a new form to submit your idea for an event. Once submitted a contact from IAWA event planning will contact you to discuss.
Click here to submit your idea today!
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The accomplishments of IAWA members are an integral part of who we are. It‘s important our members and future members know who has helped make our organization what it is today. If you would like to be featured in a Member Highlight on our social media channels, please click here to fill out the form.
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IAWA is excited to celebrate another remarkable career milestone! Congratulations to IAWA member Sophie Ghezai on becoming the new Director of Operations at Africa Air Transport Solutions Associates International. |
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"Another of Nassar’s profound professional contributions has been her commitment to working with IAWA to foster greater opportunities for women working in the aerospace industry."
Read the story highlighting IAWA member Alina Nassar: https://utx.global/4gssDQG |
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IAWA had the privilege of engaging with the bright minds at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University's Career Expo! We connected with talented women, sharing our passion for aviation and aerospace, and discussing career paths and leadership opportunities. |
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IAWA President-Elect Marita Lintener was featured on an episode of the Radar Contact Podcast:
"Our guest today is Marita Lintener - President-Elect of IAWA and MD/founder of Lintener Aviation Consultancy, talking about the current struggle of attracting and retaining new talents in the aviation and ATM industry. We listen to Marita's views about how to attract new talents, which skills will be of a value in the future, what skills make great leaders, how to encourage diversity in work teams and design attractive workplaces, the importance of role modelling in Europe and all over the World and how to win the war for talents."
Listen to the episode here! |
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Congratulations to IAWA member Katia De Loose, who was awarded the Sustainability Advantage Award at the Atlas Globe Awards 2025! |
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New Member Highlights
Since December, IAWA has welcomed 47 amazing women as new members of IAWA. Additionally, IAWA also welcomed 3 Scholar members and 9 Apprentice members and to its membership.
Please join us in welcoming our new IAWA Members by visiting the New Member webpage. Learn more about each of our new members! |
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| Download the IAWA Mobile App!
IAWA has launched their first mobile app! This app is available to Apple and Android cellphone users. It will offer users the opportunity to learn more about IAWA, register for upcoming events, view event photos, renew their membership, connect with members and committees, and much more. Any questions or comments regarding the app, please email info@iawa.org. |
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Follow us on social media, including our new Instagram account, @iawa_inspire to keep up on the latest news for our events, annual conference, members, and all things IAWA!
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