Innovate UK launches new mentoring scheme to support women in aviation

Aamna studied Electrical (Telecoms) Engineering at the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST) in Pakistan before completing a master’s degree in Electronics Engineering at the University of Sheffield. She began her career as a Graduate Engineer at UL solutions, working on cellular certification and R&D testing, before taking up roles at Samsung Electronics, ETS-Lindgren, and Zebra Technologies. Aamna now leads customer engagement for RoboK, where she has responsibility for cultivating customer relationships, implementing dynamic marketing strategies, and driving the commercialisation of AI-enabled computer vision SaaS solutions.

Participating in the Reaching my Potential mentoring scheme is an empowering opportunity for women to shatter barriers, broaden horizons, and soar to new heights. I am grateful to be a part of this transformative journey, connecting with exceptional mentors and fellow participants to expand my perspectives and foster valuable relationships. This experience fuels my determination to propel myself towards continuous growth in both my personal and professional pursuits. Together, we have the power to cultivate an industry that embraces inclusivity, celebrates diversity, and thrives on innovation and collaboration, leaving an indelible mark on the future of this sector.

Ceri is based in the Aviation Consulting and Mobility arm of Arcadis, working on developing technologies such as alternative fuels and the implementation of decarbonised energy solutions. Having graduated from the University of Southampton with a master’s degree in Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering, Ceri began her career as an analyst and then consultant at Egis. She later worked at the Midland Metro Alliance as a Project Controls Supervisor before joining Arcadis.

As investment in sustainable aviation technology and infrastructure accelerates, innovation in the aviation industry can be strengthened through the continued improvement of equality, diversity, and inclusion. I’m thrilled to be receiving mentoring support through Reaching my Potential from experts in a field I’m passionate in. I’m hopeful that mentoring will support my career development and confidence in navigating and breaking down barriers in the industry. It has already been wonderful to meet so many inspirational women at the mentee launch event and I hope schemes such as this encourage and promote further generations to pursue careers in STEM.

Alison Young is an international trade and investment expert with experience in project management across various industries in both the public and private sector. Alison began her career as a teacher of English as a foreign language, before working in project management roles in the creative and business consulting sectors. She has significant experience in international trade and investment, having spent several years at the Department for International Trade as a Commercial Attaché and a Trade & Investment Advisor specialising in technology and smart cities. She now leads on global investment for the Connected Places Catapult, with a focus on net zero mobility and built environment projects.

It’s a great opportunity to be selected as part of the mentor scheme. To have been given the opportunity to have access to a 12-month scheme to develop professionally, working with inspirational female leaders, really is priceless, as I am keen to learn from people’s lived professional experience within the aviation and aerospace sector, especially from an international and strategic perspective. The opportunity to network across the future flight eco-system, learn from people’s experience and skills, really is a fantastic opportunity and something I hope I can learn from, developing my own skills but also share with colleagues.