FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact:
Andi Sims, VP of Marketing/Communications
International Aerospace Womens Association (IAWA)
+1 205 213 7955
asims@hpmleadership.com

IAWA Announces New President, Board of Directors and 2026 Initiatives

Leesburg, Virginia, USA — January 29, 2026 — The International Aerospace Womens Association (IAWA), a global leader in advancing leadership across the aviation and aerospace industries, proudly announces its incoming President, Board of Directors, and a slate of transformative initiatives planned for 2026 that further its mission to connect, inspire, and lead.

2026 Board of Directors: Global Leadership, Collective Impact

IAWA’s 2026 Board reflects a diverse and accomplished group of senior leaders representing aerospace, aviation, insurance, consulting, sustainability, and global operations across multiple regions, with leadership based in Europe, India, the Middle East, and the United States.

Marita Lintener, President
Managing Director, European Aviation Consultancy
Frankfurt, Germany / Perth, Australia

Connie Avery, Vice President, Association Development + Affiliations
SMS and Operational Safety Senior Manager, Wisk Aero
Phoenix, Arizona, USA

Karen Blanks Ellis, Vice President, Treasurer/Secretary
Chief Sustainability Officer, FedEx Corporation
Memphis, Tennessee, USA

Kaaren Cramer, Vice President, Americas
Director of Engineering Strategy + Operations, Long Wave Inc.
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA

MC Ernst, President-Elect
Senior Vice President, Special Risks Underwriting Department Manager, USAIG
New York, New York, USA

Donna Gerber, Vice President, Annual Conference
GM Services, GE Aerospace
Cincinnati, Ohio, USA

Sophie Ghezai, Vice President, Africa/Middle East
Director of Operations, Africa Air Transport Solutions Associates (AATSA) International
Washington, D.C., USA

Selda Konukcu, Vice President, Europe
Senior Director, Commercial Aircraft Sales, Airbus
Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Roberta Miranda, Vice President, Events
Managing Director, Marsh Aviation
New York, New York, USA

Keren Rambow, Vice President, Membership
Vice President, GTF Aftermarket and Transformation, Pratt & Whitney
Hartford, CT, USA

Debra Santos, Past President
Boeing Retiree
Seattle, Washington, USA

Nackia Salmon, Vice President, Leader Development (Next Generation)
CEO & Founder, Nackia Salmon Global Consulting
Cincinnati, Ohio, USA

Mansi Singh, Vice President, Asia-Pacific (APAC)
Partner, BTG Advaya
Mumbai, India

Andi Sims, Vice President, Marketing + Communications
Vice President of Business Development, HPM
Birmingham, Alabama, USA

“This Board brings diverse industry experience and a unified vision to expand IAWA’s impact on leadership development, inclusive culture growth and global engagement,” says Marita Lintener, IAWA President for the 2026–2027 term.

What Is IAWA?

Founded in 1988, IAWA empowers women across aviation and aerospace with access to leadership development, mentoring programs, research insights, and a global community of peers and advocates. The organization recently enhanced its structure and broadened its mission through its rebrand as the International Aerospace Womens Association, achieving 501(c)(3) status in the U.S. to support expanded programming and grant opportunities. IAWA also hosted dozens of global events, including its 2025 annual conference in São Paulo, Brazil.

Strategic Initiatives for 2026

Altitude by IAWA

In 2026, IAWA will offer Altitude by IAWA, an executive leadership development initiative designed to equip members with advanced strategic skills, mentorship access, and career-acceleration tools. The program connects participants with expert leaders and tailored resources to support leadership readiness and professional growth.

Lift Off to Leadership Report

Building on prior research that explored barriers and pathways for women in aerospace leadership, IAWA, in partnership with Oliver Wyman, will release an updated Lift Off to Leadership Report in early 2026. This industry-leading research delivers actionable insights into sponsorship effectiveness, talent pipeline challenges, and strategies for equitable leadership advancement across sectors. Early findings have generated meaningful dialogue at industry forums and reaffirm the importance of systemic support mechanisms to strengthen women’s leadership progression.

IAWA Annual International Conference — Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA

Mark your calendars for the IAWA Annual Conference, coming November 3–5, 2026, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This premier global event will gather senior executives, innovators, and rising leaders from across aerospace to engage in thought leadership sessions, inclusive leadership workshops, career strategy forums, and high-impact networking. Event details and registration information will be announced in the coming months via iawa.org.

About IAWA
The International Aerospace Womens Association (IAWA) is a global aerospace association at the forefront of influence and advocacy. IAWA elevates women leaders who value career growth and connection — and who inspire the next generation. Through leadership development, research, and global engagement, IAWA connects and empowers women to shape the future of the aerospace industry.

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