Celebrating National Mentoring Day 2025 with alta

Reflecting on the Power of Mentorship at alta’s National Mentoring Day Event

On 23 October 2025, the Royal Aeronautical Society’s Headquarters at No. 4 Hamilton Place welcomed professionals, students and aspiring leaders from across the aerospace and aviation sectors for a special event marking National Mentoring Day. Organised by the alta Mentoring Steering Group and supported by the University of the West of England, the evening celebrated the transformative impact of mentoring and its role in supporting career development, confidence-building and professional growth.

The event brought together members of the aerospace community to explore how mentoring can help individuals navigate challenges, unlock opportunities and achieve their full potential. Attendees enjoyed an inspiring programme of personal stories, practical insights and meaningful discussions focused on the value of mentorship throughout every stage of a career.

A highlight of the evening was a keynote presentation from Ruth Mallors-Ray FRAeS, Consultant in Aerospace & Innovation, who shared reflections on her own career journey and the influential role mentoring has played in her professional development. Drawing on extensive industry experience, Ruth spoke about the importance of guidance, sponsorship and supportive networks in helping individuals build confidence, develop leadership skills and successfully navigate career transitions.

The evening also featured a fireside chat with Kirsten L. Riensema MSc FRAeS, alta Ambassador, who provided valuable insights into her experiences as a mentor on the alta platform. The discussion explored the mutual benefits of mentoring relationships, highlighting how both mentors and mentees gain new perspectives, knowledge and opportunities through the mentoring process. Kirsten encouraged attendees to embrace mentoring as a powerful tool for personal and professional development while sharing practical advice for building effective mentoring partnerships.

Beyond the formal programme, the event created an excellent opportunity for networking and connection. Attendees engaged in conversations with fellow professionals, exchanged experiences and explored ways to strengthen mentoring culture across the aerospace and aviation community. The welcoming atmosphere encouraged meaningful discussions around career progression, inclusion and the importance of supporting future generations of talent.

The event reinforced the alta platform’s mission to empower women and promote greater representation across the sector through mentoring, networking and professional development opportunities. It also highlighted the collective commitment of industry leaders, volunteers and organisations working together to create a more inclusive and supportive aerospace community.

As National Mentoring Day drew to a close, attendees left with renewed inspiration and a greater appreciation of the lasting impact that mentoring can have on individuals, organisations and the wider industry. The alta Mentoring Steering Group extends its thanks to all speakers, attendees and supporters who contributed to the success of the event and helped showcase the power of mentoring in shaping future careers.

For those interested in becoming a mentor or mentee, the alta mentoring platform continues to provide opportunities to connect, learn and grow within the aerospace, aviation and space sectors.

Watch the video below to relive some of the highlights from the event and hear from those who helped make the evening such a memorable celebration of mentoring and its impact across aerospace and aviation.