Women in Aviation and Logistics new scheme calls for mentees

November 16, 2021: Movement for change Women in Aviation and Logistics (WAL) is calling for mentees to sign up to its mentorship programme and for organisations to nominate their aspiring young female professionals to join the free-to-access scheme.

The new WAL Mentorship programme, which will kick start in January 2022, is designed to support and encourage the next generation of female leaders in the aviation and logistics industry, bringing them together with a mentor who can introduce them to new ideas, help build confidence, and share knowledge and insight.

The scheme is free to join and requires a minimum four-hour commitment over four months, with mentees asked to provide a short write-up at the end of their mentorship.

“The air cargo industry needs to have more female leaders and we are proud to take concrete steps to make this happen," said Céline Hourcade, founder and managing director, Change Horizon, and co-Founder, WAL.

"A more diverse air cargo industry will be stronger, more resilient and more sustainable."

WAL will be matchmaking mentors and mentees this December ready for a January start. Mentee nominations close on December 10.

The WAL mentorship is tailored to each individual’s needs, with mentors and mentees agreeing on aims and outcomes at the start of their programme.

“Being a mentor for WAL for me is about sharing my knowledge from my past 30+ years in the industry, and that includes highs and lows,” said Ocean Wide Logistics UK's Paula Bellamy, one of the 25 WAL mentors.

“Our industry is certainly challenging in these times but it is always interesting, and to empower other people, especially women, is one of the most rewarding things we can do.”

Twenty-five executives representing airlines, airports, forwarders, tech and drone companies, associations, and logistics experts have registered as mentors, with the full list available on womeninaviationandlogistics.org

“Our mentors represent a fantastic cross section of invaluable experience and expertise, and they are ready, not only to share insight and knowledge, but also to help mentees to network and gain confidence,” said Emma Murray, founder and chief executive officer, Meantime Communications, and co-founder, WAL.

“These leaders have answered our call to help support and develop the NextGen of female leaders and it is with schemes like this one, which connect and strengthen our community, that we will future proof and improve our fantastic industry.

“Now we are calling for mentees to join us and reap the benefits of decades of experience."

The WAL movement for change has also launched an online free-to-access database of women experts, who are ready to speak at events, judge awards, or put themselves forward for Board membership.