We’re celebrating Women of Aviation Worldwide Week here at KF Aerospace! Every year, the first week of March provides us with an opportunity to honor the remarkable women who shaped the aviation industry, and those who continue to lead its future.

We’re deeply grateful for all the women in aviation around the world, and especially the incredible women here at KF, whose dedication and expertise fuel our progress and drive innovation every day.

To mark this special occasion, we met up with KF Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Ally Campbell and KF Project Management Specialist Dani Sacristan Moncayo to hear about their experiences as women in aviation and their vision for the future of the industry.

Ally Campbell, Aircraft Maintenance Engineer – Structures

What’s your role at KF Aerospace?

I have been an AME-S at KF since 2017, and I have spent the majority of my time here working on the AEI Cargo Door Program. I love working on this project because of how much structural work is involved – it’s very hands on and physical, and at the end of each day I can stand back and be proud of what I’ve built.

How did you start your career in aviation?

Growing up, I always knew I wanted to have a career in trades, but I will admit that I started in aviation by fluke. My family is full of pilots, and one day my stepdad mentioned seeing girls in coveralls working at the airport. I did a quick Google search, found an Aircraft Structures university program near me, and started the following week.

In your opinion, how has KF evolved in terms of gender diversity since you started your career?

KF has been the best company I’ve worked for in the sense that I have never felt like my gender has been a barrier in my career. Since the day I was hired, I have been treated with respect by management and I have felt like an equal among my peers.

Have you experienced any gender-related obstacles or stereotypes in your career? How do you deal with them?

I started my career in 2010, and at the beginning I did face struggles when it came to gender equality. In my first job (at another company), multiple crew leads refused to have me on their crews for the simple reason that ‘woman did not belong on the shop floor’. My second job actually hired me at a lower rate than advertised and I was told to ‘prove myself’ to get the starting wage. Fortunately, I took these obstacles as a challenge to prove I could make it with the men. I knew what I was capable of, and I wasn’t going to let anyone hold me back.

What accomplishment in your aviation career are you most proud of?

I am proud of the fact that I have been an AME for 15 years, I have a solid career that I actually enjoy and I feel very accomplished. My personal career highlights include getting to work on AOG trips to Eastern Canada, Alaska, and Cuba. It’s a great feeling to know that the company you work for trusts you enough to send you away from your base to repair customer aircraft.

What advice would you give to a woman who’s interested in starting a career as an AME?

My best piece of advice would be to focus on what you can do rather than what you can’t do, and be creative when it comes to using the resources and tools at your disposal.

Dani Sacristan Moncayo, Project Management Specialist

What’s your role at KF Aerospace?

I’m KF’s Project Management (PM) Specialist. I focus on analyzing and refining PM practices at KF, and I’m responsible for planning some of KF’s large aviation projects and programs.

How did you start your career in aviation?

I became interested in aviation while I was in high school. It seemed like a challenging and complex field, and I knew I wanted a career where I could learn and grow continuously. I got my degree in Aeronautical Engineering in Colombia (where I’m from), and decided I wanted to focus on improving processes and procedures in aviation.

In your opinion, how has KF evolved in terms of gender diversity since you started your career?

I think KF has made progress within the male-dominated aviation industry by focusing on the results, skills and performance of individuals, regardless of their gender. I hope the industry is able to continue moving towards this approach, so women can aim for opportunities that weren’t an option for them back when I started working in aviation.

Have you experienced any gender-related obstacles or stereotypes in your career? How do you deal with them?

I’ve noticed that many people aren’t even aware of their own bias against women, which has been the biggest obstacle for me. I learned that it’s better to proactively recognize sexist patterns and behaviours, such as promoting the use of terminology that doesn’t favor one gender over another. I’m also not afraid to speak up when things are unfair – gender equality should be the norm in all industries.

What accomplishment in your aviation career are you most proud of?

I’m very proud of the first project I managed, which was an Aeronautical Regulations Transition for a helicopter company in Colombia. It helped me find my strengths and weaknesses as a PM, and I got to experience the satisfaction of seeing the results of my work!

What advice would you give to a woman who’s interested in starting a career in aviation?

Be curious and take advantage of the many opportunities that are available to you! There are plenty of ways to reinvent yourself and grow over the time in the aviation industry.