Breaking Barriers and Building Legacies: Reflections from the IAWA Annual Conference in São Paulo

By Andi Sims, HPM VP of Business Development

At HPM, we believe that progress in industries like aerospace and aviation depends not only on innovation and infrastructure, but also on the people who lead them forward. That’s why our team is deeply engaged in organizations that champion leadership, connectivity, and excellence — including the International Aerospace Womens Association (IAWA), a global network who shape the future of leadership in aerospace.

I’ve had the honor of serving on IAWA’s Board of Directors this year and chairing its Marketing + Communications (MarCom) Committee, and recently, I joined colleagues and industry leaders in São Paulo, Brazil for the organization’s annual conference and board meeting. What unfolded was a week of reflection, reconnection, and renewal — not only for IAWA, but for me personally.

The Beginning of My IAWA Journey

My IAWA story began a decade ago, thanks to my dear friend and mentor, Norma Lantz of Safran. Norma encouraged me to join the organization and personally sponsored my membership — a gesture that changed the trajectory of my professional life. She passed away earlier this year, and I shared in a previous HPM blog post how deeply she influenced my path. Norma believed in lifting others, and through her, I found a network of women who do exactly that.

Shortly after joining, I was invited to serve on IAWA’s MarCom Committee, then chaired by Bobbi Wells — formerly of FedEx and now with American Airlines. Bobbi and Norma have been two of the most influential women in my professional life — mentors who became like sisters. We’ve traveled the world together, shared adventures and late-night brainstorms, and encouraged one another through every twist and turn.

A Milestone Year for IAWA

This year, our MarCom Committee took on what I can only describe as a herculean challenge — guiding IAWA through a complete brand evolution, including:

• Changing the organization’s name to reflect our global mission more inclusively.
• Updating the brand identity and tagline to align with IAWA’s future vision.
• Refreshing the website, modernizing both design and messaging.
• Supporting the launch of Altitude by IAWA, our new online learning platform.
• Strategizing the initialization of IAWA Communities, a new digital hub to foster global connection. (Coming soon!)
• Achieving and promoting IAWA’s 501(c) nonprofit status in the US, ensuring the organization’s long-term sustainability.

The scale of this rebrand required dedication, creativity, and collaboration across continents — and I’m incredibly proud of the remarkable women who made it happen:

• Ivon Aheart, Airlines for America – Washington, DC
• Jaclyn Decker, HPM – Birmingham, AL
• Kimberly Pearson, Boeing – Seattle, WA
• Madelyn Maier, GE Aerospace – Cincinnati, OH
• Claire Gini, Airbus – Herndon, VA
• Sia Schatz, ADK Consulting + Executive Search – York, Pennsylvania
• Roberta Miranda, Marsh – New York, NY
• Gayatri Rath, GE Aerospace – Gurgaon Haryana, India
• Nicole Zanelli, Lilium Aviation – London, England
• Ida Eggeblad – Dubai, United Arab Emirates
• Umutoni Ingrid, Rwanda Civil Aviation Training + Innovation Center — Kigali, Rwanda

Together, this team represented nearly every corner of the world — a true reflection of IAWA’s reach and purpose.

Unforgettable Moments in São Paulo

The week was full of unforgettable moments. One of the most meaningful was a surprise visit from Marion Blakey, a legend in aerospace and one of my personal heroes. Marion is a former FAA Administrator, former AIA President, and the retired President + CEO of Rolls-Royce North America. Today she serves on the boards of Eve Mobility and Sun Country Airlines, and her insight and presence continue to elevate everyone around her. Sharing an evening with Marion and her fellow Eve board members was a highlight of the week.

I also experienced the joy of sharing a “first IAWA conference experience” with Lisa Ousley from JetZero. Watching Lisa experience the IAWA community reminded me of that spark I felt years ago — when I first discovered that IAWA was more than a professional organization. It’s a global sisterhood.

The People and Purpose That Endure

A heartfelt acknowledgment goes to IAWA President Debra Santos and incoming President Marita Lintener for their tireless leadership and vision. Serving on the IAWA Board alongside such talented and dedicated women has been one of the great privileges of my career.

I was especially proud to celebrate Alina Nassar, this year’s IAWA Woman of Excellence Award winner — a dear friend, mentor, and the very reason I joined the IAWA Board six years ago. And to Elizabeth Freidenberg, whose leadership across Latin America continues to strengthen our network and inspire us all. My admiration and gratitude run deep for Elizabeth and her dedication and influence.

Why IAWA Still Matters — Ten Years Later

As I shared during the new member coffee in São Paulo, I joined IAWA for business reasons, but what I’ve received in return has fed both my mind and my soul.

That statement still holds true. Some of my closest friendships, most meaningful professional relationships, and proudest moments of growth have come through this organization.

IAWA doesn’t just advance women in aerospace. It connects people across borders, industries, and generations, and it reminds us that leadership and learning are lifelong journeys.

If you’ve been touched by IAWA’s mission or inspired by its impact, I invite you to join me in giving to support its vital work. Your support helps fund executive education, scholarships, and research that strengthen the global aerospace talent pipeline.

Obrigada, From the Heart

As my friend Cristiane Dart, this year’s conference organizer, once taught me, “Obrigada!” to everyone who made this year’s conference one to remember – especially her. To my colleagues, mentors, and fellow travelers on this journey, we are breaking barriers, building legacies, and leading aerospace into new frontiers.