WIA-Europe Announces Honorary Presidency and Leadership Transition.
Following the General Assembly on Saturday, 29 November, WIA-Europe is pleased to announce a leadership transition within the association.
The current President, Luisella Giulicchi, will step down from the presidency and has been appointed Honorary President, in recognition of her outstanding dedication and contribution to advancing diversity, inclusion, and professional development in the European aerospace sector. In her roles as Immediate Past President and Honorary President, she will continue to support the association and its community as it moves forward.
At the same time, Christina Giannopapa has been confirmed as President-Elect. Christina has served on the WIA-Europe Board and was also theĀ Chair of the Board, playing a central role in advancing the associationās mission and supporting its continued growth across Europe.
The transition comes at a time of strong momentum for WIA-Europe, following a year of significant growth and recognition, including:
- Receiving the IAF 3G+ Diversity Award, honouring the collective commitment of all those working towards the associationās goals.
- Becoming a permanent observer at the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UNOOSA/COPUOS), formalising WIA-Europeās role in promoting diversity and inclusion in the global space sector.
- Joining the DIVERIS Network (Diversity & Inclusion in Space & Defence), becoming a key supporter of its mission to foster diversity, equality, and inclusion in the European space and defence sectors
WIA-Europe would like to warmly thank Luisella Giulicchi for her leadership and dedication over the past eight years.Ā
WIA-Europe continues to grow in both size and relevance, and we look forward to further building onĀ thisĀ progress.
Dear Members,
Thank you for your ongoing support of Women in Aerospace Europe. This year, we have continued to advance our mission, connect members, and provide professional growth opportunities.
After the General Assembly on 29 November, I am honoured by my nomination as Honorary President and grateful for your approval of the Honorary Senateās recommendation.I would also like to extend my congratulations to Christina Giannopapa who will begin her term as WIA-Europe President Elect on 1 January 2026. I am confident that Christina’s leadership will enhance our association’s capabilities and reach, benefiting the entire aerospace community.
To ensure a smooth transition and continuity, the President-Elect and Immediate Past President will work closely together over the next year. I am committed to supporting Christina during this period with specific tasks and any assistance she may need.
After eight years serving as President of WIA-Europe, I am deeply proud of the significant progress we have achieved together during this period. With a focus on sustainable growth, we successfully quadrupled the organisation in both size and scope, expanding our programmes and delivering numerous initiatives that benefit the aerospace community. Today, WIA-Europe comprises over 1,000 individual members, 50 corporate members, 16 international partners, and 20 regional networks, establishing a vibrant and influential aerospace community.
Our associationās impact and importance were particularly evident last year, as WIA-Europe attained permanent observer status at the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) and joined the European Union DIVERS Network – both testaments to our commitment to advancing equity and inclusion across Europeās space and defense sectors. Furthermore, we were honored with the International Astronautical Federation’s 3G+ Diversity Award.
While I leave my leadership role in the association, my dedication to WIA-Europe and our community remains unwavering. Beyond my duties as Immediate Past President and Honorary President, you can continue to count on my support as we move forward together.
With my best wishes for the year to come,
Luisella Giulicchi
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