Why Is It So Hard to Get Men to Help Attract, Retain, and Promote Women in Aviation and Aerospace?
There’s a question I keep coming back to: Why is it so difficult to get men—especially those in leadership positions—to actively help attract, retain, and promote women in aviation and aerospace? It’s not enough to simply say, “We hire based on merit” or “We choose the best person for the job.” That’s the baseline, not the solution. True change requires intentional actions, not passive expectations.
Navigating the Bessie Coleman Women in Aviation Advisory Committee
Welcome to this week's edition of "Beyond the Flight Deck," where we continue our mission to empower and advance women in the aviation and aerospace industries. Today, we turn our attention to a significant legislative milestone—the establishment of the Bessie Coleman Women in Aviation Advisory Committee under Section 403 of the 2024 FAA Reauthorization Act, signed into law in May 2024. Despite its promising inception, there has been a noticeable silence surrounding the committee's activities since its formation. In this article, we explore the implications of this development and discuss actionable insights that non-governmental industry players can adopt to further gender equity in aviation and aerospace.
Why I Created the Lift Circle
For as long as I can remember, I’ve always been the only one—or one of a handful of women—in the room.
In high school calculus, I was surrounded by boys, feeling out of place but determined. When I pursued my degree in electrical engineering, the sense of being the “only one” deepened. Walking into lecture halls and labs where no one looked like me, I quickly realized that I was venturing down a path few women had taken before. And when I entered the aviation and aerospace industry, that feeling only intensified. I spent nearly my entire 37-year career often being the only woman or one of a handful in boardrooms, project meetings, and technical discussions. Not only was I alone, but I often felt lonely and isolated.
Why Choose a Career in Aviation and Aerospace?
Welcome to this week's edition of "Beyond the Flight Deck," where we dive into the myriad opportunities and advantages of pursuing a career in the aviation and aerospace industries. Our mission is to exponentially increase the number of women working in and leading these dynamic fields. In this edition, we explore the compelling reasons why a career in aviation and aerospace is not only rewarding but also offers unparalleled benefits. Whether you're a student contemplating your future or a professional considering a career change, discover why aviation and aerospace might be the perfect fit for you.
The Role of an Aviation Safety Inspector
Welcome to this week's edition of "Beyond the Flight Deck," where we focus on creating actionable change in the aviation and aerospace industries. Our mission is to exponentially increase the number of women working in and leading these fields. In this edition, we explore the critical career of an Aviation Safety Inspector.
We’ll also highlight the upcoming Elevate Executive Exchange on September 25, 2024, where industry leaders will come together to discuss strategies for building a more equitable future for women in aviation. Join us as we discuss the importance of investment in every phase of a woman’s career—from education to leadership. It’s time to commit to meaningful action.
Why Women in Leadership Are Essential for the Bottom Line
Welcome to this edition of Beyond the Flight Deck. In today's article, we’ll dive into a key business driver that often goes overlooked—female representation in leadership roles—and how it directly impacts the bottom line.
In industries like aviation and aerospace where women are woefully underrepresented, the need for diverse leadership has never been greater. Beyond the ethical and fairness arguments for gender diversity, the data shows that female representation at the leadership level is a strategic advantage that drives long-term success. For organizations looking to maintain a competitive edge, foster innovation, and achieve sustainable growth, the inclusion of women in leadership is not just a goal—it’s a business imperative.
Defining Your Career Non-Negotiables: Why Boundaries Matter for Your Success
Throughout my career, I’ve had firsthand experiences that taught me the significance of setting clear boundaries. I found myself in situations where I didn’t communicate or even recognize my own non-negotiables. For example, I once drove through a blizzard in the middle of the night to solve a work problem, leading to a spinout accident that left me stranded until daylight. Another time, I allowed myself to be available to my company 24/7, including holidays, until they began expecting it. When I took a few hours for myself during a holiday weekend to enjoy a hike, I was fired for not being immediately reachable.
Embracing “The Elevate Initiative:
Welcome to this week's edition of "Beyond the Flight Deck," where we tackle some of the most pressing issues within the aviation and aerospace industries. Our mission is to exponentially increase the number of women who work in and lead these fields. Today, we focus on the urgent need for gender equity in our industry, inspired by a recent LinkedIn post and a Forbes article on America’s Best Employers for Women 2024. This edition explores the current state of gender representation in aviation and aerospace, the challenges we face in attracting and retaining women, and the concrete steps organizations must take to create a more equitable workplace.
Charging Ahead vs. Self-Care: Navigating Conflicting Emotions After Career Loss
In my previous edition of Beyond the Flight Deck, I shared my journey through the stages of grief after unexpectedly finding myself unemployed. It’s been a process of reflection, acceptance, and determination to move forward. But as the days pass, I’m finding that navigating this new reality isn’t as simple as just putting one foot in front of the other. There’s a conflict within me—a push and pull between the drive to charge ahead into the next chapter of my career and the need to take time for self-care.
Navigating the Emotional Turbulence of Career Loss
Welcome to this edition of Beyond the Flight Deck. In aviation, we often talk about resilience—the ability to adapt, recover, and keep moving forward despite the challenges we face. But resilience isn’t just a professional skill; it’s a deeply personal one, too. In this edition, I’m sharing a very personal story about the journey through the stages of grief after facing a career setback.
For the third time in my career, I’ve found myself in a position I never expected—unemployed, not because of anything I did, but because the startup I was passionate about ceased business operations. This experience has forced me to confront some difficult emotions, and I’ve come to realize that, like many forms of loss, this situation required me to go through the stages of grief.
This isn’t a process that can be rushed. It’s something I’m still working through, and it’s a journey that will take time. But I’m learning to take it one day at a time, putting one foot in front of the other, and moving forward with hope and determination.
Resilience in the Face of Adversity: Reflections from My Journey in Aviation
For the third time in my career, I have found myself unemployed. Not because of anything I did, but because the startup that I chose to work for ceased business operations. Maybe I am naive because I chose not to see it coming, but I prefer to think of it as a deliberate choice to focus on the potential rather than the pitfalls. This optimism—or perhaps this willful determination—has fueled my career in aviation and anerospace and continues to guide me as I face yet another unexpected chapter in my journey. Today, I find myself reflecting not just on the challenges I’ve faced, but on the resilience and hope that have always driven me forward.
The Importance of Active Executive Engagement in Achieving Gender Balance
Welcome to “Beyond the Flight Deck”, a platform dedicated to shedding light on the critical roles within the aviation and aerospace industries. Our mission is to increase awareness and foster a more inclusive and diverse workforce, particularly by championing the representation and advancement of women in leadership positions. True innovation and operational excellence are achieved when diverse perspectives and talents are integrated at all levels of the industry.
As we prepare for the launch of our Monthly "Elevate Executive Exchanges" in September, it’s important to discuss why active executive engagement is crucial for achieving gender balance in aviation and aerospace. Passive support is not enough; we need proactive and committed actions from our industry leaders.
Rediscovering Audacity - The Elevate Initiative
Welcome to this edition of "Beyond the Flight Deck," where we share personal stories, industry insights, and practical advice to support and elevate women in the aviation and aerospace industries. Our goal is to exponentially increase the number of women who work in and lead these industries. In our newsletter, we explore topics ranging from mentorship and career development to overcoming challenges and celebrating successes, while highlighting the diverse career paths available in aviation and aerospace. Today, we focus on the vital role of confidence and authenticity, and how reclaiming these qualities can significantly impact career success and personal fulfillment.
The Power of Mentorship in Aviation and Aerospace
Welcome to this edition of "Beyond the Flight Deck," where we explore the transformative power of mentorship in the aviation and aerospace industries. As we broaden our focus to encompass the entire spectrum of aviation and aerospace roles, we emphasize the importance of fostering environments where women can thrive. Mentorship plays a crucial role in this mission, offering guidance, support, and inspiration to women at all stages of their careers.
The Role of Mentorship in Aviation and Aerospace
Mentorship is a powerful tool that can significantly impact an individual's career trajectory. In aviation and aerospace, where women are often underrepresented, mentorship provides a vital support system that can help navigate the unique challenges of these fields. Here are some key roles that mentorship plays:
1. Bridging the Knowledge Gap
· Technical Expertise: Mentors share their extensive technical knowledge and experience, helping mentees understand complex systems and processes that are unique to aviation and aerospace.
· Industry Insights: Experienced mentors provide valuable insights into industry trends, regulatory changes, and emerging technologies, keeping mentees informed and competitive.
The Essential Role of Aircraft Welders in Aviation
Welcome to this edition of "Beyond the Flight Deck," where we continue our mission to spotlight the critical yet often overlooked roles within the aviation and aerospace industries. You may notice that we’ve transitioned from "Beyond the Cockpit" to "Beyond the Flight Deck." This change reflects our commitment to encompassing the entire spectrum of aviation and aerospace, not just the cockpit but all the essential roles that ensure the safety, innovation, and success of our industry.
The purpose of our newsletter remains steadfast: to foster an environment that supports and advances women in aviation and aerospace. By highlighting critical roles, sharing stories of perseverance, and offering practical strategies for career advancement, we aim to inspire and inform. This week, we turn our focus to the crucial role of aircraft welders, whose expertise and dedication keep our aircraft safe and operational.
The Importance of Accountability and Change in Aviation and Aerospace
The Importance of Accountability and Change in Aviation and Aerospace
Welcome to this edition of "Beyond the Cockpit," where we delve into critical issues impacting the aviation and aerospace industries. My mission is to foster an environment that supports and advances women in these fields, ensuring their contributions are recognized and valued. This edition focuses on the recent allegations of sexual harassment and retaliation at SpaceX, a high-profile case that underscores a pervasive issue within our industry.
While the lawsuit against SpaceX and Elon Musk garners significant attention due to the company’s prominence, it is far from an isolated incident. Harassment, retaliation and other forms of gender bias are deeply ingrained problems that affect many women across aviation and aerospace. Men, who predominantly hold the leadership roles, must recognize the experiences of their female colleagues and take proactive steps to create safer, more supportive workplaces.
In this edition, we explore the broader implications of these allegations, the necessity of accountability and change, and the concrete steps companies can take to foster a respectful and productive work environment. By addressing these issues head-on, we can drive the industry towards a future where everyone, regardless of gender, can thrive.
Digging a Little Deeper Into Male Allyship: The Importance of Performance Metrics and Accountability
Digging a Little Deeper Into Male Allyship: The Importance of Performance Metrics and Accountability
Welcome to Beyond the Cockpit, a platform dedicated to shedding light on the critical yet often overlooked roles within the aviation and aerospace industries. My mission is to increase awareness and foster a more inclusive and diverse workforce, particularly by championing the representation and advancement of women in leadership positions. I believe that true innovation and operational excellence are achieved when diverse perspectives and talents are integrated at all levels of the industry.
In a previous article, I addressed a stark reminder of why our mission is so crucial. A response from a male C-level executive to a LinkedIn connection request—“What does this have to do with me?”—exemplified the pervasive disconnect and lack of awareness about gender equity issues in aviation. This prompted a call to action for male leaders to take a hard look in the mirror and recognize their role in fostering gender equity.
The Essential Role of Aviation Meterologists
The Essential Role of Aviation Meterologists
Welcome to Beyond the Cockpit, a platform dedicated to highlighting the critical yet often overlooked roles within the aviation and aerospace industries. My mission is to increase awareness and foster a more inclusive and diverse workforce, with a particular focus on championing the representation and advancement of women in leadership positions. I believe that true innovation and operational excellence are achieved when diverse perspectives and talents are integrated at all levels of the industry.
While pilots frequently capture the public's imagination, countless other professionals work diligently behind the scenes to ensure the seamless operation of the aviation industry. From aircraft mechanics and maintenance technicians to flight dispatchers and aviation meteorologists, these roles are indispensable for maintaining the safety, efficiency, and reliability of air travel. By shedding light on these essential careers, I aim to inspire and educate the next generation of aviation professionals, promote gender equity, and drive meaningful change within the industry.
In this edition, I focus on the critical role of aviation meteorologists. These professionals provide the vital weather information that underpins every flight operation, ensuring that flights are planned, executed, and monitored with precision and safety. Join me as I delve into the life and work of aviation meteorologists, exploring their key responsibilities, educational pathways, daily tasks, and the interests that might lead someone to this dynamic and essential career.
Male Allyship in Aviation: It’s Time to Step Up
This morning, I experienced a moment that crystallized the very challenge we face in the mission to increase the number of women in leadership roles within the aviation and aerospace industries. As part of my ongoing efforts, I frequently send personalized connection requests on LinkedIn to senior leaders, introducing myself, sharing my background, and explaining my mission to foster gender equity. My intent is to build meaningful connections and collaborate towards a more inclusive future.
Typically, these requests are met with positive responses such as “Thanks for connecting,” “I love your mission,” or “Please let me know what I can do to help.” However, today, a male C-level executive in aviation responded with:
“What does this have to do with me?”
The Critical Role of Flight Dispatchers in Aviation
Welcome to this edition of Beyond the Cockpit, where we delve into the often-overlooked yet indispensable roles that keep the aviation industry running smoothly and safely. While pilots are frequently the focus of aviation, the industry is supported by a vast network of professionals whose contributions are critical to the success of every flight.
Beyond highlighting the essential functions of aviation professionals, this newsletter aims to educate companies, industry groups, and educational institutions on strategies to attract and retain women in the aviation industry. By fostering a more inclusive and diverse workforce, the aviation sector can tap into a broader range of talents and perspectives, driving innovation and operational excellence.
In this issue, we shine a spotlight on flight dispatchers, the unsung heroes of aviation operations. These professionals play a pivotal role in the seamless coordination and execution of flights worldwide, ensuring that every journey is safe, efficient, and on schedule. From meticulous flight planning to real-time crisis management, flight dispatchers are at the heart of aviation logistics and safety.