Women in Aviation Panel Discussion
UNSW Women in Aviation and AvSoc co-hosted a panel on 20 March, celebrating #AccelerateAction for International Women’s Day. Alumni shared powerful insights, inspiring students to pursue their passion in aviation and contribute to a more inclusive industry.
In a sign of the great collaborative spirit that will be a mark of how this group will work with UNSW Aviation’s student society, AvSoc, the two clubs co-presented a spirited panel discussion on Women in Aviation on 20 March revolving around this year’s IWD theme #AccelerateAction. Hosted by UNSW Women in Aviation President, Jessie Huynh, the panel featured a group of illustrious alumni who reflected on their journeys and discussed how the industry can accelerate action to create a more equitable future.
AvSoc recorded some of what they had to say below:
Jessika Chong (QantasLink) - ‘For those that want to get into flying: if you love it, just persevere and always remember that you have friends and colleagues who will support you’
Vanessa Huron PhD, BSc (Hons), Dip Inn Man (UNSW Aviation) - ‘Be brave - the only thing you can rely on is being confident about who you are and being able to articulate that’
Jessica Rapkins (Qantas) - ‘Don’t be scared to be uncomfortable and challenge yourself- these opportunities will often be the most rewarding experiences’
Robyn Thomson (Sydney Airport) - ‘Don’t compare yourself to anyone else - everyone has their strengths and weaknesses’
Amy Warriner (dnata) - ‘Be yourself: there is so much strength in femininity and there is so much power in trusting that you are a strong person’
This event allowed our UNSW Aviation students, especially our aspiring female aviators, to learn from the panel's experiences and be inspired to follow their passions to pursue a career in aviation in what has historically been a male-dominated industry.