IATA 2024 Diversity & Inclusion Awards Recognize Inspirational Leaders

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The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has unveiled the recipients of the 2024 IATA Diversity & Inclusion Awards:

• Inspirational Role Model: Kendra Kincade, CEO and Founder of the Elevate Foundation
• High Flyer: Mafunase Ngosa Malenga, Founder and Managing Director, Southern Africa Institute of Aviation Science and Technology
• Diversity & Inclusion Team: British Airways

Additionally, the judging panel issued a special commendation in the High

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has unveiled the recipients of the 2024 IATA Diversity & Inclusion Awards:

• Inspirational Role Model: Kendra Kincade, CEO and Founder of the Elevate Foundation
• High Flyer: Mafunase Ngosa Malenga, Founder and Managing Director, Southern Africa Institute of Aviation Science and Technology
• Diversity & Inclusion Team: British Airways

“The winners are true beacons of the change that is happening as diversity and inclusion entrenches itself as a strategic priority for the aviation industry. Their contributions to righting the gender balance in aviation are truly inspirational and deserving of today’s recognition,” said Yvonne Manzi Makolo, CEO of RwandAir and Chair of the IATA Board of Governors (2023-2024), who presented the awards.

“The quality of nominations gets more compelling every year as the results of aviation’s focus on diversity and inclusion become even more concrete. Real and important change has been affected by all the winners and our special commendation. By drawing attention to their impressive achievements, we hope to amplify that change even further,” said Karen Walker, Editor-in-Chief, Air Transport World and Chair of the judging panel.

“I congratulate the winners and all who were nominated. Ensuring that aviation is a great career choice for all genders is critical because it helps our businesses individually. It makes the industry stronger, and it is what our customers expect. All those nominated, and particularly the winners, have moved aviation in the right direction,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.

The IATA Diversity & Inclusion Awards are generously sponsored by Qatar Airways. Each award recipient receives a prize of $25,000, which can be directed to themselves or a charity of their choosing.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, said: “Qatar Airways is proud to once again sponsor the IATA Diversity & Inclusion Awards, shining the light on the incredible leaders that bring about positive change in the aviation industry. We congratulate this year’s winners on their remarkable achievements.”

The 2024 IATA Diversity & Inclusion Awards were conferred at the World Air Transport Summit (WATS), held subsequent to the 80th IATA Annual General Meeting in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Winner Profiles

Inspirational Role Model Award: Kendra Kincade, CEO and Founder of Elevate Foundation
Kendra Kincade is the CEO and Founder of Elevate Aviation. Under her guidance, the Elevate Foundation has launched various initiatives to promote gender balance in the aviation industry. These include the Canadian Cross-Country Tour, a comprehensive mentorship program, and the Elevate Aviation Learning Center. This center offers a holistic kindergarten to career pathway with numerous programs such as a weeklong ‘Aviation Career Exploration’ experience for youth aged 11-18 and a nine-week program providing essential skills for women entering aviation careers. Additionally, Kincade directed the documentary “Only Up,” which motivates aspiring aviation professionals and highlights women’s contributions to the field.

High Flyer Award: Mafunase Ngosa Malenga, Founder and Managing Director of the Southern Africa Institute of Aviation Science and Technology

Mafunase Ngosa Malenga founded the Southern Africa Institute of Aviation Science and Technology, which boasts over 800 graduates, 80% of whom are women. Her dedication to increasing female participation in aviation is evident as these graduates now hold various positions in airlines, airports, cargo companies, and travel agencies, enhancing the industry’s diversity across Africa. Malenga also actively works to dismantle gender barriers and stereotypes, fostering a more inclusive African aviation sector.

Diversity & Inclusion Team: British Airways

In September 2023, British Airways initiated the “Inclusion starts with I” campaign. This campaign emphasizes the individual’s role in promoting inclusion through everyday actions and behaviors. This initiative is part of several efforts aligning with the airline’s strategy to be a diverse and inclusive organization. British Airways has exceeded its 2025 goal by achieving 40% female leadership a year early and is progressing towards its 2030 targets. The airline has also implemented inclusive leadership training for directors and established the WINGS Gender Equality network to promote gender balance and foster an inclusive culture.

Special Commendation for High Flyer: Hana Al Awahdi, Senior Vice President, Human Resources Business Partner, dnata

Under Hana Al Awahdi’s leadership, dnata became the first ground service provider to join IATA’s 25by2025 initiative, achieving 29% female leadership in its UAE operations by 2023. Her efforts extend to enhancing the presence of women and individuals with disabilities in leadership roles. Initiatives include ‘breaking the bias’ training for over 400 senior dnata managers in the UAE, mentorship programs, career guidance, a global celebration of workplace achievements (#IAmRemarkable), and a pioneering maternity coaching program to support mothers throughout their maternity journey.

The Judging Panel

The judging panel, led by Karen Walker, Editor-in-Chief of Air Transport World, featured winners from the 2023 awards:

• Poppy Khoza, Director of Civil Aviation, South African Civil Aviation Authority;
• Camila Turrieta, Chair of the Diversity, Equity, Belonging, and Inclusion Committee for the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) and First Officer with JetBlue Airways;
  -Donna Codrington-Moloney, Head of People Relations, People Policy, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Virgin Atlantic Airways.