Safran participates in a panel on “The Important Role of Women in the Aerospace Industry”

November 5, 2019

An event themed “The Important Role of Women in the Aerospace Industry” was held on October 15 at the Ohio Aerospace Institute in Cleveland. The Ohio chapter of Women in Manufacturing (WiM) organized the event with Ohio Aerospace Institute to celebrate the 50th anniversary of humankind’s first landing on the Moon.  

More than 80 people and 12 companies were in attendance. The event focused on the contributions and advancement of women in STEM (the disciplines of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), aerospace, and aerospace manufacturing. Activities included networking, speakers, and discussion panels.  

The event was an excellent opportunity for women in the aerospace industry to connect, network, and share career experiences with each other. Relationships with those in the sector are important, as many women may not know about aerospace job opportunities, and as a result have begun their careers in other fields.  

Engaging with aerospace

“I started with biomedical engineering; another female I spoke with started in finance, but she is now involved with 3D printing in the aerospace industry,” explained Angela Presutto, Project Engineer at Safran Electrical and Power in Twinsburg, Ohio. “What I found is that many women didn’t think about aerospace as they were trying to select their career path.”

Presutto spoke about her role at Safran and in the aerospace industry. The panel discussed how to grow the number of females working in the field and the importance of STEM education. “As STEM programs increase, more and more females are becoming aware and engaged with aerospace. As this continues, we should see the number of women in the aerospace industry grow,” Presutto added.  

Safran’s attendance at “The Important Role of Women in the Aerospace Industry” event was paramount as the Group plays a key role in the aerospace business and in northeast Ohio. “Being present at this event allowed attendees to learn more about the company, what we do, and our impact in the aerospace industry as well as Ohio’s economy.  It also allowed Safran to show its support for women in aerospace,” Presutto said. 

In addition to Safran Electrical & Power, the state of Ohio is home to three other Safran companies: CFM International (a joint venture between Safran Aircraft Engines and GE); the support office that oversees Safran USA’s engine supply chain in the United States; and Nexcelle, the joint venture of Safran Nacelles and ST Engineering’s Middle River Aerostructure Systems.