President's Message

September 2025

Transparency and Inclusion in IAWA Board Leadership Opportunities


Dear IAWA Members and Supporters,

One of the questions I am often asked is: How does someone become part of the IAWA Board? This is a great question, and I want to take this opportunity to share our approach. At IAWA, transparency and inclusion guide how we build our leadership team, and I believe it’s important that all members understand both the process and the opportunities available.

Over the past few years, we have strengthened our succession planning to ensure diverse representation and continuity of leadership. We rotate board members through positions to prepare them for future roles, including the presidency, and we maintain a list of prospective candidates who meet clearly defined criteria. Today, I’d like to walk you through those criteria and the selection process.

What We Look For in Future Board Members

  • Active Engagement: Consistent participation in IAWA through committees such as membership, marketing, or the annual conference.
  • Commitment to Women in Aerospace: Dedication to advancing women leaders across the global aerospace and aviation industries.
  • Service-Oriented Mindset: A focus on serving and supporting the IAWA membership.
  • Prepared Participation: Attendance at all board meetings, with readiness to contribute meaningfully to the agenda (per our bylaws).
  • Strong Connector: Ability to network and link members across the industry.
  • Advocacy and Support: Willingness to assist with sponsorship efforts and to promote IAWA within your network.
  • Regional Balance: Consideration of representation from Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, based on open positions.
  • Professional Accountability: Timely preparation of board reports and attendance at in-person and virtual board meetings and ad hoc meetings.
  • Commitment to Tenure: Willingness to serve a standard 3-year term, which often extends beyond.

How the Process Works

The Board typically meets four times a year, including a two-day, in-person strategy meeting before the annual conference. At this meeting, we review potential candidates. Voting for new board members generally takes place in December, with terms beginning the following January.

As part of my presidency, we have also formalized an Executive Board — made up of the past president, current president, and president-elect. This group reviews candidate nominations and presents recommendations to the full Board. In some cases, we may also seek individuals with specialized expertise to meet specific organizational needs.

Interested in Serving?

If you are considering a board position now or in the future, I warmly encourage you to reach out. Please send an email to info@iawa.org by October 10, 2025, including either your questions or a brief statement of interest and qualifications. You will receive a direct response, and we are eager to hear from those who want to lead and serve.

Upcoming Opportunities to Connect

I hope to see many of you at our upcoming events:

  • IAWA EU Forum – September 25 in Toulouse, France
  • IAWA Annual Conference – October 28–29 in São Paulo, Brazil

Both events feature rich programs addressing today’s most pressing issues in aerospace and aviation, and I look forward to connecting with as many of you as possible.

Thank you for your ongoing support of IAWA. Together, we continue to build an inclusive, forward-looking organization where women in aerospace thrive.


With best wishes,
Debra Santos
President of the Board
International Aerospace Womens Association (IAWA)

Debra Santos
2024–2025 President