Elevate(her) Group Expands Women’s Advocacy Mission

The UK-based Elevate(her) Aviation group has taken its mission to boost the proportion of women in the industry workforce on the road in recent months. After exhibiting at the Dubai Airshow in mid-November, the organization headed further east to appear at the Aero Asia show in Zhuhai, China.

Founded in 2023 by Katherine Moloney, Elevate(her) has grown from a local initiative into a global network with thousands of members across 64 countries. Its work covering roles from engineering and air traffic control to fixed-wing and rotary pilots is supported by a team of 25 women.

“Aero Asia was an amazing first experience for us in the Asia-Pacific region,” Kate Lenny, a core team member of Elevate(her), told AIN. “It was fantastic to meet and connect with so many women across the industry, recognize common challenges, and gain a deeper understanding of the unique issues facing this region. The positive response was overwhelming. We’re excited to build on this momentum and make a meaningful impact here.”

In Zhuhai, research coordinator Eloise Shuckburgh presented the group’s data-driven approach to industry inclusion. Guided by women’s experiences, Elevate(her)’s surveys have already exposed challenges including ill-fitting personal protective equipment, limited sanitary facilities, and the absence of female-specific uniforms at 38% of UK aircraft operators.

Efforts focus on closing knowledge gaps and collaborating with authorities and stakeholders, including a scholarship launched with British Airways that has supported five women and girls and will expand in 2026. Upcoming research will examine the impact of maternity leave on career retention.

Leveraging its four operational pillars—social media, events, research, and outreach—Elevate(her) has hosted 37 events, attended global shows, and distributed nearly 50,000 career resources. Membership is open to all women and is free for life.

“Our long-term goal is to increase the percentage of women in aviation careers globally,” Lenny said. “Our community and research have always directed how we progress, and we look forward to learning how we can support women in aviation globally and help them feel informed, supported, connected, and inspired.”