April 2022 President's Message
Optimism
I never envisioned that the world would be in such a turmoil when I began my first year as President of IAWA. It seemed like the vaccinations and herd immunity would finally close the chapter on the pandemic. But then came Omicron and the devastating invasion of the Ukraine. Yet, despite all of this, the word that I am choosing for my first message is optimism. Optimism is defined as hopefulness and confidence about the future or the successful outcome of something. Even with all that is going on around us, I am optimistic that we will continue to see an increase in gender parity in the leadership of major aviation and aerospace companies. I am optimistic that we have the formula, which if followed, will lead us to reach this goal. Finally, I am optimistic that IAWA will play an integral role in this process through the many things that our talented members do daily. Is my optimism simply wishful thinking? Absolutely not, and here is why.
We are seeing an unprecedented number of women assume the role of CEO in major aviation companies. In the last two years alone, we have seen TAP, Global Aerospace, KLM, Pegasus Airlines, Air Lingus and Cape Air, among others, appoint women to head their companies. We can have no better assurance that the goal of gender parity will be furthered. We learned from the Oliver Wyman study, Liftoff to Leadership, that men and women often have very different career trajectories even when working in the same position in the same company. Women felt that they had to work harder and longer before advancing to positions held by their male counterparts. Measurable goals, which company executives will be held accountable for meeting, are needed to bridge the gap. I am optimistic that these new female leaders will lead the charge and make a difference.
Within IAWA, the creation of the Advocate role is a great opportunity for male leaders to become sponsors of their female colleagues; something that the Liftoff to Leadership study found was critical to closing the gap. If IAWA can identify and encourage male executives from aviation and aerospace companies around the world to become Advocates, we are advancing the sponsorship goal. In addition, as an added benefit, Advocate dues go directly towards funding our scholarships which are an integral part of the IAWA mission.
Finally, I am optimistic that the IAWA members and the Board of Directors will continue to connect, inspire, and lead women at all stages of their careers. Never before have the offerings of IAWA been so plentiful. IAWA provides career development, mentoring, virtual events, forums, Connects at major industry events, and our flagship Annual Conference. These events would not be possible without the time and effort of the IAWA Board, Advisory Board and committee members. So, invest in IAWA; an investment in IAWA is an investment in yourself. Together we can and will make a difference. Let’s remain optimistic, and I look forward to seeing you in Lisbon on November 9th – 11th.
Kathleen M. Guilfoyle
President, International Aviation Womens Association