Women in Aviation and Logistics’ mentor scheme launched
04 / 02 / 2022
Emma Murray (L) and Celine Hourcade. Source: Women in Aviation and Logistics
Women in Aviation and Logistics (WAL) has launched its mentorship scheme and has ambitions to grow the group even further.
The initial mentor programme matched 27 industry leaders, including 16 women and 11 men, with aspiring female professionals.
This programme runs until April, with mentors and mentees making a minimum four-hour commitment over four months.
Participants will provide their feedback and lessons learnt at the end of their mentorship for further improvement of the programme.
“We have received encouraging feedback from mentors and mentees who have already started their journey on the programme,” said Emma Murray, chief executive and founder, Meantime Communications, and co-founder, WAL.
Tristan Koch, chief commercial officer, Awery, and WAL mentor, said: “I am delighted to be part of the WAL initiative and I hope that my experience of the air cargo industry will be helpful in ensuring that everyone has an equal opportunity of succeeding in what is a vitally important global service.”
“I was fortunate to be one of the inaugural mentors on the [previous employer] American Airlines’ mentorship programme promoting female development throughout the company.
“I saw the incredible success stories that emanated from that and am keen to take that to the wider industry.”
Megha Palkar, assistant manager, Cargo iQ, and WAL mentee, added: “The mentoring programme and database of speakers are concrete steps that can change the tone of the entire industry.
“I am looking forward to learning from the experience of ‘people that made it’ and making air cargo a more innovative and equitable space for all.”
WAL also has ambitions to grow its membership.
Céline Hourcade, founder and managing director, Change Horizon, and co-founder, WAL, explained: “This year we want to double the number of female experts on our database from 43 to 86.
“We are encouraged as at least eight organisations have started to use the database and improved the gender diversity at their events, on their Boards, and in their articles.
“We now need more women covering all areas of expertise to give no excuse to all-male line ups at events.”
The WAL movement is also calling for event organisers to start monitoring and reporting on their gender balance.
