Women in A/AA Canberra Summit 2024

Join Women in Aviation/Aerospace Australia for a full-day Summit, Tuesday, 27th August at The Old Parliament House.

Women in A/AA has proudly delivered Summits across Australia for the last 10 years, bringing together leaders and change-makers across the aviation, aerospace, and space sectors to discuss the challenges and opportunities for the industry. We invite you to join us and bring your team to broaden your network, and take meaningful insights and key learnings back to your organisation.

This year we'll be looking at the conversations that can no longer be taboo in the workplace. We're giving space to some of the silent struggles that need to be articulated. How do we remove the barriers and the glass ceiling between women in middle management and C-Suite? Are organisations doing enough in engaging people around menopause, return to work, or parental leave?....Take part in workshops, fireside chats, panels and more!

*Program is subject to change

EVENT MC

Jacqui Tyack, Communications Consultant at The Write Space Communications & Media

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

GPCAPT Marija Jovanovich CSM, Royal Australian Air Force

INDUSTRY SPEAKERS

WGCDR Jen Arnold, Staff Officer Grade One – Military Employment Classification Review Board and Involuntary Separations at Royal Australian Air Force

Anny Dailey, Manager Government Relations at Virgin Australia, Co-Founder at Australian Space Diversity Alliance, Board member at Defence Council Victoria and Director at Aviation/Aerospace Australia

OFFCDT April Fleming, Officer Cadet at Australian Defence Force Academy

Alicia Fox, Engineering and Economics Undergraduate at The Australian National University

Angela Garvey, Founder & Director, Specialist Aviation Counsellor, Commercial Pilot at Navigating Aviation

SGT Karlee Goddard, Aviation Operations Specialist - Supervisor Aviation Squadron Operations at Australian Army

Catherine Lee, Director and Founder at The Neurodiverse Safe Work Initiative

Rachel Ong, Product Lead at BAE Systems Australia & Committee at NextGenNetwork

Yvette Payne, Senior Quality Assurance Analyst at Sikorsky Australia & National Committee at Women in Aviation/Aerospace Australia

Mitch Porteous, Business Manager – Technology, Cyber Security & Data at HorizonOne Recruitment, Vice President at EveryMan Australia & National Committee Member at Australian Space Diversity Alliance\

Charlotte Smith, Astronomy and Astrophysics Undergraduate at The Australian National University

Dr. Joni Sytsma, Chief Technology Officer at iLAuNCH

CMDR Penelope Twemlow, Deputy Director - Navy Administrative Inquiries Assurance at Royal Australian Navy

 

EVENT MC - BIOGRAPHY

Jacqui Tyack, Communications Consultant at The Write Space Communications & Media

Jacqui Tyack is a marketing executive and brings more that 25 years of experience leading this function for federal government agencies, and the private sector including startups through to multinational organisations.

She founded her own communications consultancy in 2022, The Write Space, where she now provides the space industry with strategic marketing and brand advice. In 2024 she co-founded the Australian Space Diversity Alliance to help transform and extend the participation of diverse and minoritised groups in the space industry.

Jacqui is currently working with space and defence organisations on media and stakeholder engagement.

Having the opportunity to work in well-established teams at Hewlett Packard and the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, Jacqui was able to take her skills to help start-up the new Australian Space Agency in Canberra in 2018. During her time at the Space Agency, Jacqui developed a new brand, led media and stakeholder management with ministers, heads of governments, and space agencies from around the world. A highlight of her time at the Agency was working on their first space mission with the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency in 2020 that saw a space capsule return with asteroid samples back to Woomera in the SA desert.

As a first generation Australian, she is passionate about diversity and highlighting what a diverse workforce can mean for employers when they hire and retain people that reflect our great nation.
 

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS BIOGRAPHY

GPCAPT Marija Jovanovich CSM, Royal Australian Air Force

Group Captain Marija “Maz” Jovanovich is a military test pilot, commander and Royal Australian Air Force’s most senior female pilot. She was born in the former Yugoslavia, immigrated to New Zealand in 1995 and subsequently to Australia in 2001. She joined the Royal Australian Air Force in 2001 and graduated from the Australian Defence Force Academy in 2004, with a BSc with Honours and a University Medal in physics.

Maz finished pilot training in 2006 and then converted to the P3 Orion aircraft. She flew Orions operationally until December 2011, including three tours of the Middle East area of operations and countless exercises and operations across the South West Pacific, South East Asia, the Indian Ocean and around Australia.

In 2013, Maz commenced training at the United States Air Force Test Pilot School. In 2014, she finished the course as a distinguished graduate and the first Australian since 1989 to graduate. On returning to Australia, Maz worked as a RAAF test pilot before moving into command positions.

In 2019, Maz was awarded the Conspicuous Service Medal (CSM) for achievements as the first deployed commander during Operation PHILIPPINES ASSIST, supporting the liberation of Marawi. In May 2020, she graduated from the USAF Air War College Grand Strategy program with highest academic distinction. In Dec 2020, she took over as the Commanding Officer of Number 10 Squadron at RAAF Base Edinburgh. She was the first woman to command this squadron which was formed in 1939, and only the second female pilot to command a RAAF flying squadron.

After a very successful command, Maz was promoted to Group Captain in December 2023, making her the first female pilot in RAAF history to make it to that rank. She is currently undertaking the Defence Strategic Studies Course, where earlier this year she became the first student to have a baby while on course.

Maz has approximately 3500 flying hours in over 30 different types of aircraft. She has a Masters of Systems Engineering, a Masters of Science specialising in Flight Test Engineering, and a Masters of Strategic Studies. She is also an experimental test pilot and speaks four languages. She is married to Phillip, a RAAF mission commander, and as of March this year is mum to young Angus.
 

INDUSTRY SPEAKERS BIOGRAPHIES

WGCDR Jen Arnold, Staff Officer Grade One – Military Employment Classification Review Board and Involuntary Separations at Royal Australian Air Force

Wing Commander Jen Arnold joined the Royal Australian Air Force in August 2006 as a Personnel Capability Officer. She has had a variety of postings within the Australian Defence Force at the operational, tactical, and strategic level. Jen has a passion for looking at ways to meet both the needs of the organisation and the needs of the individuals who serve within the Australian Defence Force. Jen is a very experienced officer in both developing and applying the policy which is used to guide the management of serving personnel.

Jen is married to Justin and together they have three lovely children, Asher, 13, Grace, 12, and Thomas, 10.
 

Anny Dailey, Manager Government Relations at Virgin Australia, Co-Founder at Australian Space Diversity Alliance, Board member at Defence Council Victoria and Director at Aviation/Aerospace Australia

Anntonette Dailey is a chartered engineer and brings more than 18 years senior executive capability, working across multiple Government agencies, not for profit and consultancies.

She has a recent ministerial appointment to the Defence Council of Victoria where she advises the Victorian Government on strategies to develop and sustain Victoria's defence and space industry capabilities.

Anny is currently working with a number of businesses to expand their footprint in the Australian space industry, mentoring start-ups and supporting the next generation of STEM leadership. She is also completing a Masters of National Security Policy where she was recently awarded an ANU-National Intelligence Community scholarship.

As a vocal proponent of diversity, Anny has been a natural advocate of supporting all forms of diversity, inclusion and equity. She has and proudly built teams with this as a central value.

Anntonette was previous the Executive Director at the Australian Space Agency, having commenced as part of the inaugural leadership team in 2018 with responsibilities similar to a chief operating officer. She was instrumental in the establishment of the Australian Space Discovery Centre, publishing the first three whole of Government State of Space Reports, the financial controller and management of the governance, outreach and parliamentary activity.

Anny has always had a soft spot for the space sector, attending space camps at school, presenting to Parliament on the need for better space coordination. She is also a major supporter for developing the current and future STEM workforce. Her leadership and passion were recognised by AFR as one of Australia’s 100 most Influential Women and as young graduate of the year by the University of Technology, Sydney.

As a mother to Skye (7) and Flynn (2), Anny enjoys caravanning, renovating, rugby union and car racing.

OFFCDT April Fleming, Officer Cadet at Australian Defence Force Academy

April Fleming is a pilot candidate and transgender woman in the RAAF, and currently in her first year at ADFA studying a Bachelor of Arts. In her short time at ADFA she's found an amazing community of women who share similar passions of aviation and have developed close friendships with many that she hopes to fly with someday. Several of them are highly involved in activities to promote women in aviation and have inspired her greatly, especially to join this panel.

While she has no pilots licence, she's flown lots of simulators, and can't wait to fly herself in pilots’ course at the end of ADFA, after which she hopes to be selected for jets. She also hopes that through her position she can eventually be a role model for all the young girls like her who want to fly someday.
 

Alicia Fox, Engineering and Economics Undergraduate at The Australian National University

Alicia Fox is an undergraduate student at the ANU and recipient of the Kim Jackson Award, currently completing a double degree of Bachelor of Systems Engineering (Research and Development)(Honours), and Bachelor of Economics. Alicia had the privilege of completing a research project into the feasibility of electricity microgrids under Dr Zena Assaad, which sparked an interest in renewable energy sources, and the future of the Australian electricity grid.

Since moving to Canberra, Alicia has enjoyed exploring the beautiful ACT landscape; loving trail running, hiking, and swimming.

Angela Garvey, Founder & Director, Specialist Aviation Counsellor, Commercial Pilot at Navigating Aviation

Angela Garvey is the founder and director of Navigating Aviation, a specialist aviation counselling and support service designed to meet the urgent and specific needs of the aviation community.

Angela's experience as an aviation business owner and commercial pilot has provided her with an intimate insight into the industry and its culture. Aviation is one of the most highly regulated industries in the world, yet it often lacks basic care and support for its people and their families. The perceived fear of losing one's medical certification or job creates a culture of stoicism and silence, acting as a significant barrier to seeking help when it is needed. This 'root cause' of psychosocial hazards has a ripple effect that impacts careers, relationships, and health - not only of individuals but also of those around them in the workplace and at home.

Navigating Aviation is gradually breaking down these barriers by making people and businesses feel supported and understood, creating a cultural shift and a smoother path for the next generation of aviation workers, especially our female group.

Under the Women in Aviation Initiative, Navigating Aviation (in partnership with Bastions Insights) will conduct the industry’s first 'National General Aviation Culture and Wellbeing Survey' to highlight the root cause issues starting at the foundation of aviation - General Aviation. The data collected will enable the design and implementation of targeted and equitable ‘Navigating Aviation: Leadership, Culture, and Visibility Programs’. These programs will support General Aviation businesses and the women working within them by helping management, chief pilots, engineers, and heads of flying operations better understand and address key issues, ultimately fostering a more supportive environment for women in the industry.

SGT Karlee Goddard, Aviation Operations Specialist - Supervisor Aviation Squadron Operations at Australian Army

Sergeant Karlee Goddard is a Supervisor Aviation Squadron Operations within the Royal Australian Amy, Aviation Corp. SGT Goddard enlisted in the Royal Australian Army August 2012 as an Aviation Operations Specialist. She has had multiple postings around Australia throughout her career and participated on various combined Exercises. SGT Goddard has a passion for personnel management and soldier welfare within the Australian Army Aviation Corp. SGT Goddard has been awarded the Australian Defence Force Bronze Commendation, Australian Army Group Gold Commendation and was the Army Aviation 2023 Soldier of the Year.

SGT Goddard has one amazing son, Hendrix, 8.

 

Catherine Lee, Director and Founder at The Neurodiverse Safe Work Initiative

Through her company, Lethbridge Piper, and Associates Catherine partners with client organisations to support and guide their Boards and Executive Leadership in setting and achieving strategic occupational health and safety objectives.

Catherine is a Registered Nurse, an Occupational Health Nurse, a Certified Occupational Health and Safety Professional, a Professional Coach, Certified Principle OHS Auditor, Licenced Private Investigator and Management Consultant. She is currently undertaking a Master of Arts Research at Griffith University in which she is studying the impacts of ADHD on safety critical roles within the civil aviation sector in Australia.

She is member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, the Institute of Management Consultants, the Australian Institute of Health and Safety, the International Coaching Federation, and a Professional Member of ADDA, the Attention Deficit Disorder Association.

In 2020, Catherine founded the Neurodiverse Safe Work Initiative, a pioneering social enterprise aimed at fostering awareness among employers regarding the advantages of embracing neurodiversity in the workplace.

Through comprehensive offerings such as training courses provided by the Neurodiverse Safe Work Academy, and the Neurodiversity Workplace Profiler and Coaching Programs, Catherine equips employers with the tools and strategies necessary to adapt their management frameworks. These resources facilitate the accommodation of the diverse cognitive, emotional, and risk-response needs of all employees, thereby promoting an inclusive and supportive work environment.

With its unique perspective on neurodiversity through a work health and safety lens, Catherine’s work is achieving international recognition and leading to positive change both for employers and neurodivergent workers.

Yvette Payne, Senior Quality Assurance Analyst at Sikorsky Australia & National Committee at Women in Aviation/Aerospace Australia

Yvette ‘Vee’ Payne is a third-generation aircraft mechanic and an Aviation Quality and Safety Assurance Analyst for Sikorsky Australia, supporting the RAN Navy Romeo Seahawk platform. Vee has spent the last 20 years working within Defence Aviation, achieving certification in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering before developing a passion for Human Factors and completing a Graduate Certificate in Human Factors and Safety. She is currently undertaking a degree in Neuroscience and Business to further complement her skills in the area of human behaviour.

Vee has navigated an apprenticeship, motherhood, military partner life, full-time work, and study throughout her career. She is committed to supporting the well-being of all aviators and is a passionate advocate for neurodiversity, aviation, and representation within the industry.
 

Mitch Porteous, Business Manager – Technology, Cyber Security & Data at HorizonOne Recruitment, Vice President at EveryMan Australia & National Committee Member at Australian Space Diversity Alliance

Business Manager at HorizonOne Recruitment, Vice President at EveryMan Australia, and member of the National Committee of the Australian Space Diversity Alliance, Mitch has seen the challenges faced by a variety of excluded demographics. With extensive experience recruiting for technical and executive roles in the space sector, advanced manufacturing, cyber, and tech, he understands the barriers to inclusivity and knows what works and what doesn’t for inclusive hiring and promotion.

Charlotte Smith, Astronomy and Astrophysics Undergraduate at The Australian National University

Charlotte is an undergraduate student at the Australian National University. She is studying a Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours), majoring in astronomy and astrophysics. Charlotte is a proud recipient of the Jan Morgan Award and ANU’s Changing Futures Award.

She is actively involved in youth advocacy groups both on a national and international stage. Charlotte was appointed to the Federal Government’s Youth Steering Committee and was selected as Australia’s representative on the Commonwealth Youth Council. She is passionate about being a voice for other First Nations people and disabled youth, around the world.

Charlotte is dedicated to paying her successes forward to younger generations and aims to make STEM a more inclusive space for Australia’s future STEM leaders.

 

Dr. Joni Systma, Chief Technology Officer at iLAuNCH

Dr Joni Sytsma is an aerospace engineer hailing from the USA who, as a recent citizen of Australia, is committed to building innovative technologies within our country. Dr Sytsma has over 16 years’ experience in the research, development and commercialisation of extremely complex aerospace systems where combined interactions of hardware, software and physics are the defining value-add.

As the Chief Technology Officer (iLAuNCH), Dr Sytsma leads the program’s research portfolio in space, satellites, rockets, hypersonics and advanced manufacturing and materials.

Joni was most recently Chief Technology Officer at Department 13 in the counter unmanned aerial systems field. Joni began her career with a decade of developing cutting edge aerospace systems at the United States Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). In her time at AFRL, Dr Sytsma led research and development teams to design and optimise aerospace technologies and develop academic concepts into fully tested systems.

Dr Sytsma moved to Australia to join the Hypersonic International Flight Research Experiment (HIFiRE) program with Defence Science and Technology (DST) group. She then joined Gilmour Space Technologies as Head of GNC to work on software stack development, performance simulations and design optimisations.
 

CMDR Penelope Twemlow, Deputy Director - Navy Administrative Inquiries Assurance at Royal Australian Navy

Penelope is a multi-degree qualified professional with over 20 years’ experience in strategic and operational management, program, project and risk management, and governance and compliance. Penelope demonstrates people management, organisational culture and communications skills across a wide demographic and range of disciplines, including time in the Australian Defence Force.

Penelope’s service in the Royal Australian Navy has seen her undertake strategic level appointments in project, human resource, safety, culture and risk, as well as being a member of the Maritime Warfare team and the Australian Defence Force Investigative Service. Penelope also boasts the ability to drive an 8,500 tonne armed warship.

From 2010 to 2018, Penelope was the Chief Executive Officer of two different organisations, providing services for national and international clients in the government sector, mining and resources, oil and gas, public utilities, transport and civil construction as a consultant. During this tenure, Penelope was a national representative on government boards for industry in matters pertaining to training and skilling, and workforce planning and development.  

In 2016, Penelope co-founded and now Chairs Women in Power – a Not-for-Profit organisation created to advance and empower women in industry. These days, the organisation provides training, coaching, mentoring and consultancy services to any member who seeks to be better. 

Penelope is currently a Senior Director with Ashurst, providing expertise to multifaceted Commonwealth government, Defence and mining, energy and resource clients across the nation. She is a sought-after speaker, an author, a national Ambassador for various domestic violence, mental health and veteran-related organisations and was previously a Board member for Durack College and the Department of Veterans Affairs. She currently sits on the DEFGLIS Board, the information service for the Defence LGBTIQ+ community.

Penelope is a true leader of people and operations. She has been recognised as an innovator with unsurpassed drive and passion. Her stamina, resilience and wicked sense of humour have carried her through extraordinary challenges. She continues to receive accolades for her vision and entrepreneurship, including being named the Queensland Telstra Business Women's Award for Social Enterprise and Not-For-Profit and winner of three separate categories in the national Women in Industry Awards. She has also been named APAC CEO of the Year, the winner of Canberra’s ‘Women of Spirit’ Award and was a finalist in the Women in Business Awards, the National Association of Women in Construction Awards, the Australian Institute of Management Leadership Awards and the Lord Mayors Business Awards.

 

More details to be released.