PROFILE - Glawdys Flora AKETE OYONO (MS AM 2019), Civil aviation officer, safety strategy expert on ICAO-TCB's roster of experts for SGS/NASP/SSP iPack.

1. Can you introduce yourself in a few lines? How would you describe yourself today?

A civil aviation executive and expert, thanks to my qualifications (air traffic control, airport management, training) and my extensive professional experience (air safety, airport management, training).

An ambassador for the development and influence of the aviation industry in Africa and beyond.

Having been an instructor in the industry for almost 20 years, I'm proud to also be involved in skills development for current and future generations.

2. What has been your biggest challenge so far in your professional career?

Conducted a major air safety project for the ICAO Technical Cooperation Office, coordinating the development of an African member state's National Air Safety Plan. I was responsible for leading a multi-disciplinary team of executives representing the various stakeholders in the State's air safety chain (regulator, accident investigation body, airports, air navigation service providers, airlines, etc.).

The challenge lay not in the subject matter of the project, but more in getting these managers from various sectors of the industry to produce the deliverables expected of them, developed by themselves, and within the prescribed deadlines.

On an associative level, I had the honor and heavy responsibility of coordinating from start to finish the very first edition of the ENAC Alumni Etats de l'air in Africa, which took place on July 4. The aim of the event was to mobilize managers from the main regional air transport organizations and structures around a founding event focusing on constructive exchanges concerning the future of the sector.

3. What do you think are the keys to success as a woman in the aeronautics industry?

I can sum them up in these qualities to be developed:

- professionalism

- assertiveness (asserting yourself while respecting others)

- Curiosity about the field, don't get stuck in one area of expertise

- Loyalty and credibility

- Ignore the clichés that portray women as having inferior abilities, and above all develop "soft skills".

- Believe in yourself... and love what you do.

4. In your opinion, what is female ambition?

It's about setting yourself apart through excellence, to express your potential to be capable of more than you could ever be limited to, it's about having dreams you believe in and work for, it's about being a credible and inspiring professional.

5. What is the impact of ENAC Alumni networking in your professional environment?

-facilitating professional relations in our local, regional and even international environments,

- help in exchanging ideas useful in running projects and activities

\ a support for our personal development in soft skills

- technical development in terms of knowledge of industry trends shared in network activities

- A connection to the diversity of the world, the friendship, the sympathy of the members, that's the best part, because it gives us confidence.

- an opportunity to make significant contributions to the air industry's influence

6. What advice would you give to the women who read us?

- believe in yourself

- Always show your full potential

- Be credible and trustworthy women

- Keep it professional

- rub shoulders with leaders, people whose profiles inspire you

- Develop attractive, competitive interpersonal skills (communication, leadership, availability)