The Steering Group
Prof. Susan Durbin
Founder – UWE
Susan Durbin is Professor in Human Resource Management, at the Business School, University of the West of England. Her research expertise is in gendered employment, specialising in women’s employment in extremely male dominated professions and occupations and senior executives who work reduced hours through job share partnerships. Susan has published her work in research monographs, edited book collections and leading academic journals. She is a co-founder and steering group member of the award winning alta mentoring platform and led/co-designed the UK Research and Innovation funded Reaching my Potential Future Flight Challenge mentoring programme. 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, a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society and a Committee member of the Women in Aviation, Aerospace and Space Committee at the Royal Aeronautical Society.
Alessandra Badino
Founder – Airbus
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 Milne
Founder – LB
Judith is a specialist aviation executive and founder of her company advising 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 led her company into a major 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 took the business through a major development and business transformation. Based in the UK & the Caribbean Judith consults on various business start-up and development projects, specialising in aviation but diversified across a variety of international businesses.
Emma Keith
Founder – RAF
Emma joined the RAF as an Operations Officer, graduating officer training as a prize winner. She has had a varied career serving both in the UK and abroad. In 2015 she became the first female to run RAF Officer Training with responsibility for the welfare, training standards, and outcomes for all staff and cadets at the Royal Air Force College. During her tenure the College won the first ever triple outstanding rating granted to a military officer training school. She also won a National Award as an Agent of Change. Emma now works as the Commandant of the Tedder Academy of Leadership and is responsible for the strategic direction of leadership, command, coaching and mentoring across the RAF.
Emma is passionate about human performance and helping people, and teams, to achieve their full potential. She has diplomas in Exec Coaching and strategic direction and is a qualified leadership instructor, NLP, McQuaig, MBTI and PRINT practitioner. A trained mediator (pairs and group) with 20 + years’ experience in conflict resolution. Emma is currently undertaking a PhD in the relationship between trust and interpersonal conflict.
Ana Lopes
Founder – NCL
Ana Lopes is a Senior Lecturer in Work and Employment at Newcastle University, UK. Her work focuses on mentoring and gender, examining how organisational practices can support equity, progression and inclusion. She has published in these areas and has secured research funding to advance understanding of inclusive workplace practices.
Ana was a Co‑Investigator on the research project that underpins the development of the alta mentoring scheme, contributing to its evidence base and design. She also brings expertise in participatory research methods, working collaboratively with organisations and stakeholders to co‑produce rigorous and impactful knowledge.
Committed to improving the workplace for all groups of employees, her research centres on inclusion, employee voice and fair opportunities, bridging academic insight with practical application.
Nicholas Davies
Founder – RAeS
Nick Davis is Head of Education, Skills & Diversity at the Royal Aeronautical Society, where he leads initiatives that connect education, industry, and inclusion to build a more diverse and future-ready workforce. With a background spanning energy, aviation, and sustainability, he brings extensive experience in partnerships, stakeholder engagement, and skills strategy.
Nick has worked internationally with businesses, policymakers, and academic institutions to deliver programmes that address skills gaps and support emerging sectors, including clean energy and carbon removal. Prior to his current role, he led global partnerships and advocacy work focused on advancing low-carbon technologies and sustainable innovation.
Passionate about creating equitable access to opportunity, Nick is committed to empowering the next generation of talent to thrive in a rapidly changing world. He is known for combining strategic vision with practical delivery to drive impactful, measurable outcomes.
Akelia Moxam-Black
Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Executive – RAeS
Akelia Moxam-Black is the Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (ED&I) Executive at The Royal Aeronautical Society. Since joining in 2021, she has been actively involved in promoting ED&I across the aerospace industry, leading and supporting initiatives that aim to encourage underrepresented groups to explore and pursue careers in the sector.
With over seven years of professional experience in ED&I, she brings a strong commitment to driving meaningful and lasting change. Akelia is passionate about promoting STEM opportunities to young people, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds.
Alongside her professional work, she is also an aspiring Sociology academic, with research experience in race, class and gender inequalities, sexuality and gender identity, and activism, which informs her inclusive and evidence-based approach to her work.
Vivaldo Victor
Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Officer – RAeS
Vivaldo Victor is the Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (ED&I) Officer at the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS). Since joining the Society in 2024, he has been actively involved in promoting ED&I across the aerospace, aviation and space sectors, supporting initiatives that encourage underrepresented groups to explore and pursue careers within the industry.
With a degree in Business Management and over six years of experience in marketing and communications, Vivaldo has worked across a variety of sectors, helping organisations engage audiences, strengthen stakeholder relationships and deliver impactful campaigns. His experience spans communications, engagement and brand development, with a focus on creating meaningful connections and inclusive opportunities.
In his current role, Vivaldo leads communications and engagement activities for the Society’s ED&I programmes and networks, helping to raise awareness of key issues and amplify diverse voices. He is particularly passionate about supporting women and other underrepresented groups, championing greater representation, visibility and inclusion across the aerospace industry.