As WIA-Europe enters a new chapter, on behalf of the entire WIA-Europe community, let us all welcome the new President of Women In Aerospace Women – Dr. Christina Giannopapa.
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Dear WIA-Europe Community,
There is an old quote that says, ‘If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together.’ In an industry as complex as aerospace, no one flies or reaches orbit alone.
One of the first things that drew me to this organisation was the incredible diversity of the people, the range of backgrounds, ages, and levels of engagement. I was inspired by the richness of views and ideas, all held together by a common passion: the drive to leverage diversity as an engine for competitiveness and innovation in the space sector.
I am humbled by the opportunities I have had throughout my career, across various institutions and positions, to meet so many incredible women who have inspired me. Each has an amazing story to tell, ideas to spread, and a helping hand to share. I thank you all for the support you have shown me at every step of the way; it is your collective strength that makes our mission possible. That passion remains my North Star. We are at a turning point where ‘diversity’ is no longer just a metric; it is a strategic requirement for Europe’s position in the stars.
Today, the aerospace sector stands at a transformative crossroads. Amid global challenges and geopolitical turmoil, aerospace is now a vital part of our daily lives, supporting everything from transport, energy, agriculture, health, public safety to national security and defence. We have a shared duty to help our community adapt to these changes. WIA-Europe will serve as a trusted link between talented people, government policy, and businesses. Together, we will build the future of our community.
As I begin my presidency, I am committed to ensuring continuity while taking the next bold steps toward increasing the leadership capabilities and visibility of women in the aerospace community. We have expanded our reach; now, we must deepen our impact. In 2026, our efforts will be anchored by four pillars:
- Pillar 1 | Talent & Innovation: we invite our corporate partners to co-design the workforce of tomorrow by identifying and bridging the critical skills gaps. Let us help you build the specialised, future-ready talent pool necessary for Europeās competitiveness.
- Pillar 2 | Standardising Excellence: we will further enhance our regional operations, providing our 20+ Regional Network with enhanced tools and instruments to ensure every member receives the same high-value experience.
- Pillar 3 | Digital Connectivity: in the coming months, we will roll out new digital tools and platforms. This will enhance and consolidate our communication channels, making it easier to increase our reach. We now have more than 1,000 members to network, share ideas, and build our community.Ā
- Pillar 4 | Policy Advocacy: as members of the EU DIVERIS Network and a permanent observer at UN COPUOS, we will ensure our members’ voices are heard in key discussions regarding topics of common interest for Europe.Now we must deepen our organisation impact towards our common vision.
WIA-Europe is, at its heart, a volunteer-driven community. I invite you to join us in this new phase. I look forward to meeting many of you at our events and activities. Together, let us prepare WIA-Europe for the next decade.
I also want to express my deepest gratitude to Luisella Giulicchi. Over the last eight years, her leadership has quadrupled our organisation in size and scope. I am grateful for her continued engagement during this year of transition.
My commitment to you is simple: I am here to listen and to work alongside every one of you. Whether you are a student, a mid-career professional, or a corporate leader, your perspective is the fuel for our progress.Ā
I invite your ideas, your initiatives, and your dreams for this community with open arms. Every one of you is an indispensable part of this journey; our success is not found in leadership alone, but in the heartbeat of our collective action.Ā
Let us construct this future together, knowing that every contribution, no matter how small, is a vital spark in our shared mission.
Let us build on our collective diversity not just to move faster, but to reach further for the benefit of our entire community.
Together, we are the future of European aerospace.

