The Steering Group

Steering Group

Susan is Professor in Human Resource Management, at the Business School, University of the West of England. Her research expertise is in gendered employment, including women’s employment in male dominated areas (engineers, scientists, commercial pilots and senior managers) and working reduced hours at senior levels. She is a co-founder of the award winning alta mentoring platform, chairs the alta Steering Group and sits on the Women in Aviation, Aerospace and Space Committee at the Royal Aeronautical Society. She has published her work in leading academic journals and books.

Susan works with organisations in the public, private and not-for-profit sectors, to improve gender equality and provide support, including mentoring, for women. She is a Chartered member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development and a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society.

Alessandra is an executive level thought leader in Sustainability and Aerospace Technology, with over two decades of experience leading change programmes in complex organisations.

Alessandra is a Chartered Aerospace Engineer and a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society and started her career in Engineering with a focus on developing breakthrough innovation through large international Research Programmes, before transitioning to Business Development and Supply Chain Management.

Recognising the key importance of developing and integrating a sustainability mindset in both business and society, Alessandra has taken the role of Head of Sustainability and Environment for Airbus in the UK and has also co-founded an environment and people focused consultancy, Blue Futures Studio, to help the transition to a sustainability culture.

A passionate advocate and promoter for equal opportunities in the workplace, Alessandra is a founding member of alta and has represented Airbus on the alta steering group since its inception in 2010

Judith is a specialist aviation executive and founder of her company advising companies and individuals on all aspects of corporate strategy, including fundraising, sales, employment and international growth. In May 2007 Judith was honoured with the European Business Aviation Award for outstanding contribution to European business.

Having had a varied career in both Executive and non-Executive roles, Judith has led companies into international expansion into the Middle East and Asia Pacific supporting prime customers with the purchase of their own business jets, advising on the set up of aircraft operation and introducing individuals to finance for the purchase of the asset. More recently as Managing Director of a boutique hotel in the Caribbean, Judith is guiding the business through a major refurbishment and business transformation.

Wing Commander Daniela Nowalski joined the RAF in August 1999 after reading Physiology at St Andrews University where she was also a member of the University Air Squadron. In addition to completing Officer Training and Logistics Training at RAFC Cranwell, and specialist Air Movements Officer training, she also has a master’s degree in Logistics & Management from the University of Lincoln and is currently undertaking a PhD, having been awarded a CAS Fellowship in 2023.

Wing Commander Nowalski’s posts have primarily been at the forefront of the UK’s air movements & transport operations and included operational tours of Iraq and Afghanistan. She has served in the Joint Force Logistics HQ during Op HERRICK drawdown and in the UK’s Permanent Joint HQ in a planning role supporting emergent UK operations in the broader Middle East. She commanded Logistics Squadron at RAF Waddington, supporting and enabling the RAF’s ISTAR Force.

She has served as the Aide de Camp to Commander British Forces Cyprus and as the Military Assistant to the Assistant Chief of Defence Staff (Capability & Force Design) during a Strategic Defence and Security Review. Following a year planning and executing the nation-wide baton relay to commemorate RAF100 in 2018 she served as Executive Officer on 85 (Expeditionary Logistics) Wing at RAF Wittering, the home of the RAF’s high readiness deployable logistics capability. She transitioned into full time reserve service in 2021 and assumed the role of Deputy Commandant of the Tedder Academy of Leadership, a role that shapes and influences leadership training and education across the RAF Whole Force. She is also an Alumni of the Windsor Leadership Trust, a graduate of the Advanced Command and Staff Course (Reserves) and a mum to 2 very loud small people.

Ana Lopes is a Senior Lecturer in Work and Employment at Newcastle University, UK. She is a sociologist of work who develops research and teaches on Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion. She focuses in particular on gender inequalities in work and employment. Ana has a passion for participatory methods of research and research that ‘makes a difference’ by contributing to a fairer, better world.

Stella Warren is a Research Associate at the Centre for Employment Studies Research at the University of the West of England, Bristol (UWE). Stella supports a wide range of research project teams within the Faculty of Business and Law, contributing to theoretical and empirical research as well as publications, reports, conferences and seminars. Since a study carried out in 2004, which underpinned the university’s Women’s Research Network(WRN), Stella has worked with Dr Susan Durbin and other academic colleagues on a number of projects that have addressed gendered employment in the public, private and not-for-profit sectors in the UK. Stella became involved in the mentoring project through her work with Dr Susan Durbin and her own interests in women’s development in the workplace. Stella brings a wealth of research methods experience to the project as well as her specialist skills in quantitative data analysis

Lauren’s professional journey is a diverse tapestry, weaving through the dynamic realms of broadcast media, publishing, and the arts, before transitioning into the more impact driven charitable sector. Motivated by a sense of social responsibility, she has dedicated herself to supporting vulnerable groups within society. Her work with homeless individuals and young people allowed her to adapt her skills to different social needs. Lauren expanded her outreach to working with families and individuals with neurodivergence. In addition to her professional roles, Lauren has worked as a Coach guiding individuals towards achieving their goals.

Lauren recognising the power of firsthand learning and skill development, she has developed programs that equip individuals with the tools they need to succeed. Lauren’s career further evolved as she embraced the realms of Equity, Diversity and inclusion within STEM and apprenticeships with the aim of promoting a more inclusive and equitable environment for underrepresented groups.

With a career dedicated to fostering Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI), I am a passionate advocate committed to driving positive change within organisational cultures. With a foundation in academia and research management, I have seamlessly integrated EDI principles into diverse professional settings.

My journey began in academia, where I engaged with cutting-edge research and educational practices. Transitioning to roles in healthcare and social organisations, I applied my academic insights to design and implement inclusive programmes. At Asthma + Lung UK, I spearheaded a comprehensive diversity and inclusion initiative, delivering workshops that enhanced healthcare professionals’ cultural competence.

As a Senior EDI L&OD specialist at the British Red Cross, I navigated the unique challenges of humanitarian aid both in the UK and overseas ensuring that inclusivity was at the forefront of our aid strategies and solutions. I actively contributed to positive, sustainable change in addressing poverty, loneliness and discrimination, reflecting my commitment to social responsibility.

Living at the intersection of queerness, disability, and mixed-race identity, I bring a lived experience that enriches my approach to EDI. My work extends beyond policy creation; it embodies a personal commitment to dismantling barriers and creating environments where everyone can thrive.

In each role, I’ve fostered collaborative partnerships, designed training modules, and implemented initiatives that challenge systemic biases. My professional journey mirrors my belief that true inclusivity goes beyond checkboxes; it’s about creating spaces where diverse voices are heard, valued, and empowered. As a dedicated EDI professional, I continue to champion transformative practices that build bridges toward a more equitable future.

Steering Group

Prof. Sue Durbin

Alessandra Badino

Judith Milne

Daniela S. Nowalski

Ana Lopes

Stella Warren

Lauren Barnes

Gustavo Subero

Ana Lopes

Stella Warren

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