Women in Aerospace Europe (WIA-Europe) brought its hallmark spirit of connection, dialogue, and inspiration to the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) in Milan, held from 14 to 18 October 2024. Throughout the week, our booth at the MICO Convention Centre (Booth 153C) served as a lively meeting point for members, partners, and visitors from across the global space community.
The WIA-Europe booth hosted a full programme of activities — from Meet & Greets with leading figures in the space sector to award ceremonies, networking coffees, and collaborative discussions that embodied our mission to advance diversity and inclusion in aerospace.
Highlights from the Week
The opening day set a vibrant tone of unity and enthusiasm as attendees gathered for the first Group Photo Flashmob — a spontaneous moment that captured collective support for balanced gender representation in aerospace. The momentum carried into the afternoon with a series of Meet & Greets featuring Dr. Orsolya Ferencz (Ministerial Commissioner for Space Research, Hungary), Maria Cristina Falvella (Italian Space Agency), and Rodrigo da Costa (Executive Director, EUSPA), whose insights inspired a spirit of collaboration that lasted throughout the week.
On the second day, the atmosphere turned reflective and celebratory. The WIA-Europe Inspirational Award recognised Hypatia Mars, an all-female-led organisation pioneering inclusivity in space exploration. Soon after, WIA-Europe Rome led an engaging session, Women as Game Changers: Integrating Sustainability with D&I for Lasting Impact, featuring Raffaella Luglini, Chief Sustainability Officer at Leonardo. A networking coffee with the World Space Week Association followed, leading into the evening’s highlight — the Outstanding Achievement Award Ceremony honouring Simonetta Cheli, ESA Director of Earth Observation Programmes, for her outstanding leadership and advocacy for gender balance.
Midweek brought a sense of renewal and partnership. Day three celebrated the signing of a Partnership Agreement between WIA-Europe and SEELab, SDA Bocconi, marking a shared commitment to cultivating future space leaders through interdisciplinary collaboration. The day continued with Meet & Greets featuring Prof. Dr. Kai-Uwe Schrogl and Ersilia Vaudo, alongside a networking coffee welcoming PwC as WIA-Europe’s new Silver Corporate Member. Later, WIA-Europe Turin hosted Galactic Conversations, a dynamic discussion on gender diversity in the space industry led by Dr. Ilaria Cinelli.
As the week progressed, Day four turned the spotlight toward leadership, mentorship, and inclusion. Attendees connected with Christina Giannopapa (Chair of WIA-Europe, EUSPA) and Nicolas Peter (ESA) during an engaging exchange, while WIA-Europe Barcelona hosted a mentoring-focused networking coffee for professionals seeking guidance and connection. The day concluded with From Space With Pride, a moving collaboration with Space Pride that explored what inclusivity truly means within and beyond the workplace, encouraging open and honest dialogue across the community.
The final day wrapped up the week on an inspiring and playful note. The WIA-Europe Outreach Award highlighted the impact of the ESA x Barbie bursary and the PADAWANS initiative, sparking curiosity and confidence among young learners exploring STEM. Families joined the Family Day Treasure Hunt, turning the booth into a lively space for discovery, creativity, and connection.
Throughout the congress, the WIA-Europe booth remained a hub of activity — filled with interactive sessions, meaningful conversations, and moments of genuine connection. From goodie bag giveaways to discussions that bridged generations and disciplines, the week embodied what WIA-Europe stands for: collaboration, inclusion, and the shared pursuit of a more equitable future in space.
Showcasing WIA-Europe Talent at IAC
WIA-Europe members also took the stage at various technical sessions throughout the week, presenting papers and projects from across our regional networks — including the UK, Cologne, Austria, Rome, and Turin. Their participation demonstrated the scientific and professional excellence within our community and reflected the diversity of thought that defines WIA-Europe.
A Community Moving Forward
The IAC 2024 experience once again proved that WIA-Europe is not just an association but a thriving network of professionals committed to shaping an inclusive future for the space industry. From policy and partnerships to mentorship and public outreach, our members continue to drive meaningful impact across Europe and beyond.
We extend our gratitude to all who joined us in Milan — speakers, partners, volunteers, and visitors — for making this week unforgettable.
