Warning This site is not recommended for Internet Explorer browsers. Please use another web browser to get a better experience.

Safran joins Women in Aerospace panel discussion

Business

 

November 14, 2018

Safran company Zodiac Aerospace took part in the 13th annual Aerospace Futures Alliance (AFA) Summit, held October 10 in Washington state. This is one of the most anticipated aerospace events of the year in the region, with presentations, fireside chats, and in-depth analyses from top executives in the aerospace industry with unique and insider views of the trends and developments that are changing the industry today and into the future.

Beth DeYoung, Zodiac Aerospace’s Vice President - Business Development, Lease Customers, moderated a panel discussion during the summit featuring women in Aerospace executives. 

Panelists included Diana Birkett Rakow, VP External Relations, Alaska Airlines; Dr. Fariba Alamdari, Vice President, Customer and Partner Education Leadership, Learning & Organizational Capability; The Boeing Company; and Linda Orlady, President, Orlady Associates, former pilot and human factors expert for Boeing Commercial Aerospace.

Sharing experience and leadership expertise

During the popular panel discussion, executives shared their experiences, including why they entered the field and why they love the business. It was also an opportunity to share leadership tips that can be beneficial to other women in the industry. In addition, panelists shared examples of initiatives within their companies aimed at recruiting and retaining women in the aerospace industry. 

Beth DeYoung spoke to audience members about the Group’s Women@Safran network that recently was launched in North America, “It is an extended group that provides the ability to share best practices.” She also talked about Safran’s focus on ensuring internal visibility of women in leadership positions. 

DeYoung then went on to name women in leadership who have played a key role in the integration of Zodiac Aerospace following the acquisition by Safran. She also stressed the Group’s commitment to advancing women in the workplace.  

Safran’s high-level support for women

“Safran has demonstrated that they support women at the highest level and has multiple programs within their organization to encourage women as they join the company, to recruit women, and to retain women,” she stated.

This year’s AFA Summit Keynote Speaker was Kevin McAllister, Executive Vice President of The Boeing Company and President & CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. Other speakers included Bob Smith, CEO of Blue Origin; Ashish Kumar, Founder and CEO of Zunum Aero; Constance von Muehlen, COO of Horizon Airlines; and Ivan Madera, CEO of Morf3D, Inc.

The Aerospace Futures Alliance was formed in 2006 to provide aerospace companies with a single voice on policy issues affecting the sector.