New Members
March 2025
D'Heilly Agnès
Wendy Carrara
Wendy graduated in public affairs and negotiation, in Paris, France in 2027. Within public affairs and then following a 10 year journey in a global consulting company, Wendy has supported European institutions and led the development of policies and services that are fit for the digital world. In 2017, she was selected as UN expert in support of the update of the methodology for UNDESA’s flagship report measuring e-Government maturity across 193 countries.
Wendy joined Airbus Defence and Space in 2019, within the Intelligence programme line where she led the development of strategic digital initiatives. Her activities covered earth observation imagery, additional data sources, artificial intelligence, and digital enablers to deliver value add services addressing defence, institutional and commercial customers. Wendy has been particularly involved in ensuring space-based assets power a global approach to deliver secure and sustainable solutions for the Planet.
Early 2023, Wendy took a new role in the Space Systems business line of Airbus Defence and Space, as transformation leader. In her current role, she drives the turnaround of the business by reducing costs, driving efficiency and setting up critical enablers.
Bénédicte Doguet
Elisabeth Gautier
Elisabeth Gautier is a Franco-British communications and marketing professional who brings a strong passion for sustainability and innovation to her work. Holding a Master’s in Management from Audencia Business School and enriched by international experiences in Nepal, Chile, and India, she has cultivated a diverse skillset applicable across various industries, with a particular focus on aerospace.
Her career began with experiences in fair trade, marketing, and finance before she joined Airbus in 2010. Elisabeth initially worked in Communications and then in Environmental Affairs, followed by a role as a Buyer in Hamburg. Her growing interest in communications led her to positions in Investor Relations and International Communications in Paris, where she developed expertise in media relations, digital strategy, and stakeholder engagement.
Driven by a deep commitment to sustainability, Elisabeth took on the role of Communication Team Lead for Technology & Product Decarbonisation in Toulouse. She currently leads a team of seven communication advisors as the Head of Communication for Engineering, Technology & Product Decarbonisation.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Elisabeth is an active member of several organizations, including the Airbus Foundation. In her personal life, she enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking and scuba diving. She is the mother of two daughters.
Alizee Genilloud
Born in Marseilles, Alizee Genilloud began her career in an NGO in Paris before moving to Toulouse in 2011 to join the Airbus communication team, where she has been ever since. She is passionate about innovation, connecting people, and finding the most impactful ways to communicate messages. Alizee is a mother of two and enjoys dancing and reading in her free time.
Marta Gonzalez Quintairos
Heike Homann
Heike Homann is a passionate advocate for Operations Excellence. For her, the key lies in combining remarkable products and projects with numerous opportunities to create a significant impact. She believes in connecting clear strategic targets with the exceptional expertise and engagement of employees to develop and deliver solutions that effectively satisfy customer needs.
Heike brings over 18 years of experience in project and line management within Consulting, Supply Chain & Logistics, Support & Services, Quality, and Strategy at Airbus. Her deep insight across these functions, coupled with a solid finance background, provides her with strong end-to-end knowledge of the entire value stream.
Known for her excellent analytical skills, strong intercultural leadership, and a value-driven, can-do attitude, Heike consistently delivers impactful results.
Furthermore, Heike demonstrates a strong dedication to fostering diversity. She actively mentors and shares her experiences as a contribution to the growth of the next generation of female leaders. Her commitment reflects her passion for both people and performance.
Pragya Jain
Pragya Jain is a researcher specializing in multisensorial astronomy, with a particular emphasis on developing data sonification models for the exploration of gravitational wave data. Recognizing space science as an inherently cross-disciplinary field, she employs and superimposes scientific insights, cultural knowledge, and artistic strategies. As a transdisciplinary researcher, Pragya seeks to uncover and explore the often-invisible potential points of intersection between these diverse domains.
Alissar Kalmoni Madisa
Joanna Kapsalis
Joana Kapsalis is a dedicated, ambitious, and result-oriented business economist with extensive experience in the aerospace industry. She possesses advanced knowledge in quality management, project management, and leadership. New challenges, team success, and collaborating with diverse individuals are key drivers for her motivation. Joana is committed to contributing to a company's long-term success through her dedication, readiness to perform, and strategic thinking abilities. Her eagerness to learn and grow, the energy she brings to realizing ideas, and her strong interpersonal skills are defining characteristics of her personality.
Michelle Kimbrey
Michelle Kimbrey brings over 23 years of experience working across both commercial and defense markets, encompassing manufacturing, project, and service environments, as well as diverse functions. She is deeply passionate about enhancing both the Customer and Employee experience through operational excellence. With over 16 years of diverse, international leadership experience, Michelle is also an experienced mentor.
Florence Kuijpers
Florence Kuijpers holds a master degree in Physics / Microelectronics and a Ph.D. in Semiconductors Technologies.
She began her career in the Semiconductor Industry as a Researcher within Philips Research in the Netherlands and in Belgium. In 2006, she joined Airbus Defence and Space in the Earth Observation and Science division in France where she was in charge of the development of visible and infra-red detectors for several satellites programmes. In 2013, she joined Airbus Commercial Aircraft, first in the management of R&D European projects in Future Systems and then in the management of teams and departments in Airframe Engineering. Since 2024, she is leading the in-service Engineering Cabin and Cargo Systems department. Florence is also actively supporting women engineers careers in being part of the Women in Tech team in Airbus.
Birgit Kutschenreuter
Birgit Kutschenreuter has dedicated over 30 years to the aviation industry, gaining experience in diverse functions including Customer Support, Production, and as part of the Chief Technology Office (CTO). She is driven by a strong passion for both the products and the people within the industry.
Samantha Lawrence
Samantha Lawrence has spent nearly 15 years at Airbus, during which time she has held five distinct roles. Before joining Airbus, she worked as an Aviation Insurance Underwriter. Samantha holds both a Master of Science (MS) and a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
Julia Leue
Aina Monfort
Aina Monfort is the COO at Airbus Helicopters Spain.
Aeronautical Engineer by education, she reinforced her studies with an MBA and executive courses from LSE, HEC, NUS and CESEDEN.
Passionate about cultural fertilization, she began her international career at UNSW in Australia. This experience was key to move back to Singapore a few years later, where she acted as Head of Customer Training Center and Flight Operations for Airbus in Asia-Pacific.
Back in Spain, she has worked in Operations and Product Strategy, where she led the winning project in its category for European Defense funds.
Deeply involved in sharing back with the new generations, Aina maintains close contact with Universities and mentors students. In 2024 she was awarded the Outstanding Alumni award at the UPV, and participated in El País con tu futuro (Amazon Room), and in womENcourage.
In her free time she travels, learns Mandarin and dances lindy hop.
Gloria Ortega Pino
Gloria Ortega Pino leads a team of 200 people within the Operations domain in Cadiz, Spain.
Beth Owen
Beth Owen is a positive and determined leader with extensive experience in Quality, Operations, and Supply Chain Management. Throughout her career, she has successfully deployed quality standards, conducted audits, and ensured regulatory compliance across various manufacturing stages. Complementing her technical expertise with strong leadership skills, Beth drives continuous improvement across key business indicators by empowering and engaging her teams.
A mother of two, Beth values an active lifestyle, both physically and mentally. She enjoys embracing life to the fullest, experiencing new cultures, and exploring the world.
Nelly Phillips
Nelly Phillips is a Senior Professional in the Space industry, currently employed by Airbus Defence & Space in the UK. She has a proven track record in satellite delivery, business strategy and development, and operational responsibilities. Nelly graduated 20 years ago with a degree in Aerospace Engineering from Toulouse, France. Following her graduation, she joined Capgemini Management Consulting to broaden her understanding of various industrial sectors. During her time at Capgemini, she gained valuable experience as a Change Consultant for Air France at Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) and subsequently for Airbus in Toulouse. Nelly now resides and works in the UK, where she is in charge of the UK space strategy for Airbus Defence & Space. As a member of IAWA (International Aviation Women's Association), she is looking forward to embracing new opportunities for professional growth and networking.
Hemalatha Pitchandi
Hailing from a small town in the south of India, Hemalatha Pitchandi's lifelong fascination with aerospace began at the age of eight, sparked by glimpses of rare aircraft soaring across the vast sky. Despite the field seeming distant during her upbringing, with limited access to mentors or community exposure, her natural aptitude for science and mathematics led her to pursue Electronics Engineering. This ultimately paved the way for her first job at Honeywell Aerospace in 2004, where she embarked on her career as a software engineer, immersing herself in the intricate world of aviation with a strong desire to learn and contribute.
Over the subsequent two decades, Hemalatha's professional journey spanned continents, taking her from vibrant cities in India to France, Germany, and the UK. She progressed through diverse roles in prominent companies including Honeywell, Thales, EADS, and currently Airbus.
Her advancement was not solely attributed to chance but rather to a series of intentional decisions that consistently pushed her beyond her comfort zone. Despite facing moments of doubt and discomfort, her resilience and unwavering determination propelled her forward.
Through each challenge encountered, Hemalatha emerged stronger, both as an individual and as a leader. Reflecting on her experiences, her favorite quote, "It always seems impossible until it is done," serves as a guiding principle, reminding her that no aspiration is unattainable and no obstacle insurmountable.
Today, Hemalatha serves as the Head of Landing Gear Technical, a testament to her journey from a curious child gazing at the sky. She is filled with gratitude for the opportunities that have shaped her and continues to navigate the boundless possibilities of her field, driven by the belief that perseverance and passion make anything achievable.
Sara Ricci
With 15 years of experience in Communications, Sara Ricci has explored a wide range of this dynamic field, including Media Relations, Thought Leadership Positioning, Sustainability Communications, Employee Engagement, and Events Management. She currently leads External Communications for Commercial Aircraft at Airbus, where she manages global media relations, website content, and social media activities.
Originally from Italy, Sara has spent most of her adult life living abroad in France and Singapore, fostering a deep appreciation for inclusion and diversity within global contexts.
Known for being solution-oriented and positive-minded, Sara consistently strives to achieve significant results through teamwork and strategic thinking.
Guided by her belief that "there is no problem without a solution," she embraces challenges as opportunities for both personal and professional growth and innovation.
Julia Rose
Julie Rose has dedicated 20 years to working for Airbus, gaining international experience across France, the USA, Canada, and Germany.
Maud Rotureau
Maud Rotureau currently holds the position of VP Commercial Services Offering & Pricing for Airbus Commercial, based in Toulouse. Married and a mother of two children, Maud holds a Master's degree in engineering and began her professional career in Paris in 2002. She spent her initial ten years in consulting companies, focusing on various aspects of the aviation domain with a strong emphasis on air transport regulation, gaining comprehensive knowledge of the global ecosystem.
In 2011, Maud joined Airbus with the specific aim of deepening her understanding of the industry. Since then, she has held positions in engineering, customer support, and sales, providing her with a well-rounded perspective on the market, customer needs, and how Airbus's portfolio of products and services addresses those needs.
Narges Sayre-Kaynia
Narges Sayre-Kaynia is an experienced leader holding a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from MIT, complemented by a strong background in digital transformation, cloud technologies, and strategic leadership. She has a proven track record of leading large-scale projects across diverse industries, including the development and delivery of digital solutions and platforms.
With expertise in managing cross-functional teams and overseeing complex initiatives, Narges is characterized by her:
- Commitment to driving high-quality and impactful results.
- Motivation to lead business growth and improvements through innovative and courageous thinking.
- Passion for continuous learning and development, both for herself and her teams.
Carolina Trapero Antolín
Carolina Trapero Antolín is an Aerospace Engineer who joined Airbus Defence and Space in 2001. Throughout her tenure, she has held several roles within the company, including system design engineer, head of department, project manager, and currently serves as the head of domain within the engineering function, primarily overseeing software engineers.
Zandra Walker
Zandra Walker is a sophomore at Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSU Denver) majoring in Aviation Management. She has a strong passion for flying and also enjoys skiing, rock-climbing, and volunteering.
Mirjam Walters
Sarah Weiler
Sarah Weiler is a highly skilled and passionate aerospace engineer with a strong orientation towards management. An excellent communicator, she has a proven ability to assess and manage complex situations in fast-paced and intercultural environments. Sarah is known for her can-do attitude, which fosters a decisive team spirit by being reliable, honest, and goal-oriented.
Julia Werner
Julia Werner is currently the Head of HR & Security for an Airbus subsidiary comprising approximately 6,000 employees. Prior to this role, she held senior leadership positions in various parts of the Airbus Group.
Nicole Wettstein
Nicole Wettstein is a Computer Scientist and Senior Technical Lead at the Federal Aviation Administration, working at the William J. Hughes Technical Center for Advanced Aerospace in Southern New Jersey. She leads and mentors a cross-functional team in the integration and maintenance of software and hardware solutions for the Terminal Flight Data Manager, ensuring seamless system and site-specific adaptations to support air traffic operations. She is a member of the American Association of University Women (AAUW), the Society of Women Engineers (SWE), the Federal Innovation Network, Women in Aviation International (WAI), the Ninety-Nine's, Inc., and serves as a mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cumberland and Salem Counties. Nicole earned an Associate's degree in Information Systems from Cumberland County College, a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science from Stockton University, and a Master's degree in Information Science from Drexel University. Nicole is also enrolled in the Women in Leadership: Program for Emerging Leaders at Harvard University, which is tailored for women leaders in the aviation and aerospace industries. Beyond her career, she runs “South Jersey STEAM Inc.,” a non-profit organization dedicated to providing neurodiverse and middle-school girls with opportunities to explore the intersection of science, technology, and the arts. In her free time, Nicole enjoys singing, playing the trumpet, reading, hiking, and traveling the world with her family.
February 2025
Joy Posner
Natalia Vargas
Natalia Vargas is a Colombian aviation lawyer with over seven years of experience in the aviation and infrastructure sectors. Currently, she is pursuing an LL.M. in International Business and Economic Law at Georgetown University, where she has been recognized as a Merit Scholar.
Throughout her career, Natalia has managed complex legal processes for airlines, including securing route approvals across multiple jurisdictions, implementing regulatory frameworks, and ensuring compliance with international aviation agreements. Her responsibilities have extended beyond Colombia, providing her with a broad, cross-border perspective on aviation law.
Fluent in English and Spanish, with a basic understanding of French, Natalia excels in multicultural and interdisciplinary environments. She applies her legal expertise to address international challenges.
Alcinda Borja Dos Santos Pereira
Valeria Curi A. S. Starling
Sarah Nebbal
Georgie Field
Georgie Field is a banking and finance lawyer based in London. She joined our practice in September 2013. She has acted for airlines, operators, export credit agencies and lessors on a range of aircraft finance leasing matters, including operating leases, JOLCOs (including sustainability linked JOLCOs), finance leases, sale and leasebacks, wet leases, spare engine leases and aircraft acquisitions and disposals. Georgie has also advised airlines on new aircraft and engine acquisitions, aircraft and engine PBH/support agreements and aviation commercial matters, including MRO General Terms Agreements.
Amanda Swenson
Houda Kerkoub
Amanda Losacco
Amanda Losacco is a practicing aviation attorney in Washington, DC. Her practice includes advising U.S. and foreign airlines, air taxi and advanced air mobility operators and manufacturers, uncrewed aircraft systems operators, global business jet companies, and other aviation industry clients on federal aviation regulatory compliance, rulemaking, and litigation. She advises clients on U.S. laws, regulations, and federal agency policies related to operations, safety, administrative investigations, licensing, certification, civil penalty and certificate actions, and competition, including matters before the U.S. Department of Transportation, the Federal Aviation Administration, the Transportation Security Administration, and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection. In addition, Amanda counsels aviation businesses on compliance with economic regulations in connection with commercial agreements and corporate transactions.
Before entering private practice, she served as an attorney adviser at the Federal Aviation Administration’s Office of the Chief Counsel, where she advised stakeholders and industry personnel on regulatory and statutory compliance for aerospace operations, licensing, and certification. Amanda’s prior service with the Federal Aviation Administration allows her to offer clients unique insights on regulatory compliance and risk exposure and to develop strategies that holistically address an evolving regulatory framework.
Bonnie Dragotto
Bonnie Dragotto is a trusted senior aviation attorney and leader known for taking on complex and novel legal issues and succeeding at a variety of challenging roles. She advises on diverse subject matter areas related to FAA's regulatory practice. A problem solver focused on achieving positive client outcomes, Bonnie is skilled in advocacy, administrative law, drafting regulations and legislation, national security and foreign affairs, consensus building, communications, and policy.
Emily Day
Emily Day leads the Workers’ Compensation segment for Marsh’s Aviation practice. Before joining Marsh, she spent nine years at Starr as a Senior Underwriter on the Aviation Workers’ Compensation team. Emily has worked with a wide arrange of clients including FBOs, airlines, large and small fixed-wing and rotor-wing operators, maintenance repair and overhaul companies, aircraft charter operators, airports, corporate aircraft departments, aerial applicators, and aviation product manufacturers. She loves being in the Aviation industry and is excited to learn more!
Carol Beck
Carol Beck currently serves as the Deputy Executive Director for International Policy and Programs (IPP) within the Office of Policy, Plans, and Engagement at the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). In this role, Carol supports the implementation of international aviation and transportation security policy and regulatory requirements, security sector assistance, recognition programs, and multilateral engagement.
Prior to joining IPP, Carol served as Senior Counselor to the Senior Official Performing the Duties of Deputy Administrator, as well as the Senior Advisor to the Executive Assistant Administrator of Operations Support. Carol previously served as the Senior Advisor in the TSA Office of Global Strategies from 2016-2019, focusing on international aviation security mitigation, planning, and priorities for the agency. Carol has also held positions as the Legislative Director in TSA’s Office of Legislative Affairs from 2012-2016, the Assistant Director at the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Legislative Affairs from 2008-2012 and a Legislative Affairs Specialist at TSA from 2007-2008. She began her career working in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Carol is currently working to complete her Ph.D. in Planning, Governance, and Globalization from Virginia Tech with a focus on aviation security.
January 2025
Dionne Liu
Dionne is a lawyer at the law firm of Harper Grey LLP, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Her aviation practice comprises of handling personal injury and property damage claims in the context of aviation incidents, contract-related issues, passenger claims against airlines in relation to delays, cancellations, and baggage, and a variety of issues for airports.
Chinmayee Das
Fardus Jannatul Dolly
Jannatul Firdaus Dolly is a student at the College of Aviation Technology (Catech). She is seeking a BBA (Hon's) in Aviation Management.
Kerry Norman
Nackia Salmon
Mary Ellen Jones
Samantha Franks
Samantha Franks counsels global and U.S. companies on matters of international trade, including sanctions law, export and import controls, forced labor prevention, anti-corruption measures, government investigations and international arbitration. She maintains a cross-cutting regulatory practice, frequently advising international airlines on their entry into the U.S. market and their exposure to international trade law.
Samantha’s global experience is complemented by her time as a Dean Acheson Legal Fellow at the Court of European Justice, where she clerked for Advocate General Nicholas Emiliou and studied the confluence of U.S. and European Union law. She currently serves as a subject matter expert on the forced labor prevention task force established by the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Trafficking in Persons. Prior to law school, she studied international conflict prevention as a Fulbright postgraduate scholar in the United Kingdom.
Melissa Griffiths
Melissa (Mel) was born and raised in Scotland and began her engineering career 26 years ago in the UK Military completing 14 years in the Royal Navy, retiring as a decorated Aircraft and Propulsion Chief Petty Officer with extensive operational experience, holding a variety of leadership and management positions. On retirement, she joined Rolls-Royce in 2012 where she held a variety of leadership roles supporting multiple international military and civilian customers with their gas turbine maintenance programs. She held a variety of roles in engineering including investigating engine events and aircraft accidents, engine maintenance, Engineering Customer Support and MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul) and was the subject matter expert in Root Cause Investigations and analytical techniques for Rolls-Royce both in the UK and in their US office in Indianapolis, IN. She joined Delta Air Lines in 2019 into Propulsion Engineering, based in Atlanta, GA where she manages multiple engine fleets and the Propulsion Operations team for the Delta mainline fleets under Part 121, as well as engine maintenance for several customers under Part 145 with her previous OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) knowledge and experience. Mel has an MSc Forensic Engineering from Sheffield Hallam University (UK) and a First Class BEng(Hons) Mechanical Engineering degree from the University of Bradford (UK). She also holds qualifications in Leadership, PPM (Professional in Project Management), Airworthiness and Accident Investigation. Mel and her family currently live in Atlanta, GA and have been living and working in the USA for the last 10 years.
Cora McCormack
Córa is the Executive Vice President of Airline Marketing in the EMEA region of SMBC Aviation Capital, one of the top aircraft leasing companies globally. Previously held positions include Airline Marketing, Commercial Negotiation and Deliveries and Funding operations all within SMBC Aviation Capital. With almost 20 years experience in the Aviation Sector, Córa has a proven track record of developing and deepening new markets, growing a strong customer base while focused on deepening relationships within the industry. Córa holds a degree in Economics and Finance from the University of Limerick (Ireland) and a Masters in International Securities and Investment Banking from the University of Reading (UK).
Gillian Cooney
Gillian is Head of Human Resources, responsible for leading our HR team and for partnering with the business to deliver People Strategy. Prior to joining SMBC AC, Gillian was Head of Talent Management at AIB where she led the Talent and Performance Management team for 5 years. Earlier in her career, Gillian qualified as a Chartered Management Accountant and worked for ten years as a Management Consultant with Accenture, where she delivered business, IT and people change solutions to a diverse client base.
Julia Dib
Julie Dib graduated from Pontifícia Universidade Católica de São Paulo (PUC-SP) with a Law degree and currently works as a Junior Associate at the Brazilian law firm Veirano Advogados, specializing in Banking & Finance and Aviation Finance. She is proactive, organized, and constantly seeking new opportunities for learning and professional networking.
Amanda Hoyt
Amanda Hoyt is a senior at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University majoring in Aeronautics. She is passionate about and loves aviation, and is working to discover what career in the field is the best fit for her. Amanda is the treasurer for the Granite Mountain Ninety-Nines. As a board member for her chapter, she works to encourage and support other young women as they get their pilot's licenses.
Gabriela Del Mastro
Gabriela Del Mastro is a dedicated aviation enthusiastic, and is proud to be a woman thriving in this dynamic industry. Her journey began at Aviation College, where she honed her skills and knowledge to embark on this thrilling career.
With a strong background in aircraft leasing, financing, and procurement, Gabriela brings a wealth of experience to the table. She has had the privilege of forging relationships with key stakeholders, including lessors, OEMs, and financiers. These connections have been instrumental in shaping her expertise and contributing to successful aviation ventures.