The International Aerospace Womens Association (IAWA), a global leader in advancing leadership across the aviation and aerospace industries, has announced 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, Airbus Relations, Pratt & Whitney Cincinnati, Ohio, 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.
