EU Career Talk Takes Flight with ‘Women in Aviation’ in Abu Dhabi
Equinoccio organized a high-impact Career Talk in Abu Dhabi on 13 March 2025, focused on the theme “Women in Aviation.” Held in partnership with Etihad Airways and Abu Dhabi University, the event brought together female aviation professionals from both the UAE and the EU to inspire young Emirati women to explore career opportunities in the aviation sector.
The session was the fourth in the EU Career Talks series, aimed at encouraging Emirati female students to consider professions in fields not traditionally perceived as female-oriented. The aviation sector, often dominated by men, served as an ideal setting to explore the intersection of technical excellence, leadership, and gender inclusion.
The talk featured powerful testimonies from professionals such as Ms. Samia Adil Othman, Engineer; Mrs. Valentina Leone, Pilot; and Ms. Shaikha Hasan Nawab, Pilot. Each shared her personal journey, outlining the professional challenges and achievements that defined their paths in aviation. Their stories illustrated the potential for women to excel in complex and high-responsibility roles within the aviation industry.
Dr. Nadia Bastaki, Chief People and Corporate Affairs Officer at Etihad welcomed the EU’s initiative, underscoring the vital role female aviation professionals play in the airline’s success: “At Etihad, we are committed to fostering an inclusive work culture where diversity thrives. Being the first woman to be promoted to an executive level within the airline was a significant milestone, I believe that women across all different work sectors are making a substantial difference, contributing to the success of the aviation sector and the UAE as a whole.”
Hosted at Abu Dhabi University, the event also benefited from the active involvement of academic leadership, reinforcing the connection between education and professional aspiration.