Ahead of International Women’s Rights Day, Latecoere reaffirms its commitment to gender equality.
While progress has been made, challenges persist. To support this transformation, a mentorship program led by female members of the Executive Committee was recently launched, fostering the development of female talent and empowering them to grow within the company.
Through a series of interviews, three women at Latecoere share their perspectives on professional equality and highlight the concrete actions driving diversity forward. Three voices, one shared ambition: making change happen.
Photo credit: Latecoere
With your extensive experience in leadership and HR across the aerospace industry, how have you seen the role of women evolve in recent years? What key shifts stand out to you?
Sam Marnick: Over the past few years, we’ve seen some encouraging progress, particularly in the visibility of women in leadership roles—Kathy Warden, CEO at Northrop Grumman, and Marillyn Hewson, former CEO at Lockheed Martin, for example. At Latecoere, we’re fortunate to have outstanding women on our Board who held impactful senior roles at OEM customers, such as June du Halgouet and Jenette Ramos, showing that it can be done.
Despite these advancements, women still hold a minority of leadership positions in the aviation sector. Moreover, the pipeline of female leaders in the industry remains thin. The aerospace industry has certainly made progress, but women continue to be underrepresented.
While there’s growing recognition that the playing field needs to be leveled, we still have to figure out how to truly make that happen. Even today, equally qualified women may struggle to gain the right experiences without additional interventions, sponsorship, or guidance.
How has workplace culture evolved to better support women, and what lessons can we take from recent years?
S. M.: One of the biggest changes I’ve observed is the growing acceptance that we need to accommodate key talent. Earlier in my career, I worried about being perceived as not pulling my weight due to family commitments, and sometimes I took on too much to prove my dedication. Many women still face this dilemma today.
The pandemic reinforced the potential of remote work but also highlighted its limitations. While flexible working arrangements are essential, visibility remains a critical factor in career advancement. Remote employees, particularly women, may not always be top of mind when leadership opportunities arise. And for women without family commitments, barriers persist, proving that gender disparities aren’t just about accommodations—they’re about access, support, and recognition.
What do you see as the biggest obstacles to attracting, developing, and retaining women in aerospace?
S. M.: Barriers exist at every career stage, which is why open dialogue among women is so important. Sharing experiences helps us navigate challenges and build the networks we need to grow.
From an industry perspective, fostering an inclusive culture is essential. Women need to see themselves reflected in leadership roles and feel supported in their career growth. Companies also need to invest in consistent communication and outreach efforts to showcase why aerospace is an exciting field—especially during economic downturns when such initiatives are often deprioritized.
From an HR perspective, we must ensure that hiring and succession planning include qualified, experienced women. Leadership must set the tone by fostering a culture where women feel encouraged to take risks. When we take a chance on diverse talent, we must also set them up for success by providing the right support and environment.
You are actively involved in mentorship at Latecoere. What motivates you to support young female talent, and what message do you have for the next generation?
S. M.: I mentor because I believe in paying it forward. Throughout my career, people shared their insights and guidance with me, and it made a difference. Now, I want to do the same for others.
My top advice to women entering the aerospace industry? First, understand the business context and how your role fits into the bigger picture. Demonstrating strategic thinking and a strong grasp of industry dynamics will help set you apart as a leader. Second, build a strong network of trusted mentors and actively seek feedback. Learning how to ask for and implement constructive feedback will be invaluable as you progress in your career. Third, develop a realistic career plan that aligns with your aspirations and personal circumstances. Having a clear roadmap, regularly reviewed with mentors, will help you stay focused and adaptable in your career journey.
Why should women consider a career in aerospace, and why is Latecoere a great place for them to thrive?
S. M.: To young women considering this field: Aerospace is the right place for you. With the right planning and support, you can have the career you aspire to. Aerospace is one of the most dynamic industries contributing to the global economy. No two days are the same, and the learning and growth opportunities are endless. Whether you specialize in engineering, operations, or corporate functions, there’s a place for you here.
At Latecoere, we believe this industry needs pioneers, change-drivers, and barrier-breakers. As a company present in 14 countries, we offer the scale of a global business while remaining human-sized—meaning your actions, ideas, and career journey can truly shape the future of our company. If you want to be at the forefront of transformation in aerospace, Latecoere is the place to do it.
Want to be part of a company that values diversity and empowers talent?
Explore career opportunities at Latecoere and join us in shaping the future of aerospace.
