INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

#InspireInclusion

In the spirit of this year's International Women's Day #InspireInclusion theme, we are delighted to shine a spotlight on the remarkable women who are the backbone of Barfield.

From women engineers driving innovation to dedicated technicians ensuring the reliability of aircraft components and inspiring leaders shaping the path forward – meet the faces behind the excellence.

This special day is dedicated to amplifying the voices and stories of these trailblazers, united in their passion for aviation. As part of our celebration, we have conducted exclusive interviews with these exceptional women, providing a deeper insight into their inspiring journeys.

Dive into their stories, understand their experiences, and join us in acknowledging the amazing contributions of these women, and celebrating their achievements, dedication, and unwavering commitment to their craft.

Together, we inspire inclusion, foster diversity, and elevate the aviation maintenance landscape to new heights.

Interview with Mercedes, GSTE Research, Engineering & Development Director

What unique perspectives or insights do you bring to your leadership role as a woman?

- "I believe that, as a woman in a leadership role, I bring a unique perspective that enriches decision-making and problem-solving. I think my approach is characterized by empathy, inclusiveness, resilience, collaborative decision-making, balancing compassion with assertiveness, and breaking stereotypes. My perspective as a woman adds richness to the leadership landscape, promoting equality and progress."

Have you encountered any specific challenges or obstacles in your career progression due to gender biases, and if so, how did you navigate them?

- "As a woman, I’ve faced unique challenges in my career due to gender biases. Some of these challenges include stereotypes, microaggressions, lack of representation, negotiation and compensation, work-life balance, double standards, promotion, and visibility. I navigated these challenges by actively challenging stereotypes, addressing microaggressions, seeking out female role models and mentors, advocating for my worth, prioritizing self-care, embracing assertiveness, and proactively seeking out high-visibility projects. Navigating gender biases requires resilience, self-awareness, and a supportive network."

What advice would you give to other women aspiring to leadership roles in the aviation maintenance industry?

- "Here are my essential tips for women aspiring to leadership roles in the aviation engineering industry: Believe in yourself, build strong professional relationships, and seek mentorship. Also, continuously learn about new technologies, advocate for yourself and others, stay resilient, challenge gender biases, lead with kindness and assertiveness, understand your team, prioritize your well-being, celebrate achievements, and maintain a supportive work environment. I believe leadership is about creating your unique path. Be authentic, lead with integrity, and inspire others to follow."

Interview with Brittany, Technician

How did you become interested in aviation maintenance?

- "Honestly, I stumbled on it, but I’d always been interested in science and engineering.? I was unemployed and knew nothing of the Aviation field, but was always willing to learn something new.? I went to school, got the degree and here I am."

Have you experienced any challenges or barriers as a woman in your field?

- "Being a woman in a male dominated field, it was unnerving at first, but the men have always given me respect."

In the spirit of International Women's Day, what message or inspiration would you like to share with women considering careers in aviation maintenance?

- "Do it! Mind over matter always gives you the willpower to succeed."

Interview with Esmeralda, Engineer

As a woman engineer, how do you view the significance of International Women's Day?

- "I am proud of how far women have come. We have endured a lot through the generations and now that we have the right to work and make a career for ourselves, I am honored to be part of the movement. Women are creators not only of life but in every other aspect of life as well, we bring the magic."

Can you share any personal experiences or challenges you've faced as a woman working in a male-dominated industry like aviation maintenance?

- "The challenges I have faced have shown me to stand my ground and believe in myself. Sometimes, in my previous jobs, I have been silenced and shutdown, colleagues telling me to not speak because I’m too “loud” but then they’d be shouting something moments later, getting told to ask questions and then when I do they’d tell me I shouldn’t ask technicians questions because it would make me seem “unknowledgeable”, or comments about what I choose to eat and how it would affect my physical appearance. I am grateful for these experiences because they have made me more resilient in my field, life is a learning experience and the light in which we take it in is what determines who we become after the fact."

What advice would you give to young women aspiring to become engineer, especially on International Women's Day??

- "To stand your ground and speak up for yourself and your ideas, don’t settle because of fear. Reaching a goal is a journey, enjoy the process because the prize isn’t what you get at the end its who you become from doing the work, put yourself first and your needs first because you cannot operate from an empty cup. Believe you can and you’re already halfway there."

Interview with Felicia, Technician

How did you become an aviation maintenance technician??

- "I was seeking a job as a soldering tech and I was contacted by a recruiter about the position at Barfield for Aviation Maintenance Technician. I went to school to be an Electronic Technician and have more than 20 years of soldering, troubleshooting and repair skills. That is how I became an Aviation Maintenance Technician."

In your experience, have you seen any changes in the aviation maintenance industry in terms of gender inclusion???

- "I have observed a positive change in the aviation maintenance industry in terms of gender, with more and more women showing interest in technician careers."

What unique perspectives or skills do you believe women bring to the field of aviation maintenance??

- "The skills I feel women bring are organization, attention to detail, and different perspectives on working smarter and not harder."

Interview with Alexandra, Technician

Tell us a bit about yourself and your role as aviation maintenance technician.

- "I joined Barfield in 2007, where I found my niche in the Avionics Shop. Specializing in repairing Altimeters, my expertise expanded to include ELTs, Electronic Clocks, and Flight Attendant Panels, just to name a few. What sets me apart is my unwavering passion for this work—it's more than just a job to me. I take pride in ensuring the meticulous repair of avionic components, contributing to the efficiency and reliability of these systems."

Have you encountered stereotypes related to gender in your line of work, and how did you overcome them?

- "In choosing this career, I've consistently been in predominantly male environments, starting from my school years where I was one of the few girls in my field. However, this dynamic never affected me, quite the opposite. It strengthened my determination and will to succeed. In my daily work, I don't feel any less respected because I'm a woman. My expertise is recognized for its true value, regardless of my gender. This experience has taught me that determination knows no gender boundaries."

What can be done to attract more women in technical aviation maintenance?

- "To attract more women to technical aviation maintenance and break gender stereotypes, it's crucial to implement outreach programs in schools before they specialize in a particular field. Additionally, arranging company visits and internships can offer firsthand insights into the profession, encouraging women to consider technical aviation maintenance careers before making specialized choices."

Interview with Mounia, Engineer

What did you want to be when you were a child?

- "When I was a child, I was fascinated by the vastness of space and wanted to become an astronaut. I was always curious about how aircrafts and spacecraft work and their sophisticated design. The idea of exploring the skies and pushing the boundaries of technological innovation fascinated me."

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What advice would you give to young women aspiring to pursue a career in engineering, drawing from your own experiences and journey in the field?

- "I would encourage young women to pursue their passion, stay curious and embrace challenges. And remind them that gender doesn’t limit their potential in engineering fields. I was proud to see that almost 40% of my classmates in the aerospace engineering program were female, it shows that we have the potential to greatly contribute our talent and skills in STEM fields. I’m grateful for my teammates who have encouraged and supported me along my engineering journey without doubting my skills and understood the valuable perspective that women bring to the aviation field."

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Looking ahead, what are your hopes and aspirations for the future of women in the aviation maintenance industry?

- "I aspire for a greater representation and support of women in the aviation maintenance industry. And for more inclusive environments where women are enabled to achieve their fullest potential and contribute to the advancement and innovation in the industry. I encounter more women every year that join the aviation maintenance field and remain hopeful that it will inspire the next generation to be more involved and follow their passion despite the challenges that they will face."

Interview with Rita, Technician

Tell us a bit about yourself and your role as an aviation maintenance technician.

- "With over 17 years at Barfield, I started in the Manufacturing (MFG) department, where I had the privilege of learning alongside individuals with over 30 years of company experience. It was a great school. Later, I moved to the Avionics department and learned about altimeters and airspeed instruments, guided by an experienced professional. In this department, I also obtained certifications for various equipment from other functions. Aviation is a passion for me. As an Aviation maintenance technician, my role is to ensure safety and optimal functionality through preventive and corrective maintenance, as well as identifying and solving any technical issues with quality and safety."

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What is the best part of your job??

- "The best part of my job is the satisfaction of repairing and calibrating an instrument and delivering it as per the manual specifications."

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What advice would you offer to a young individual aspiring to pursue a career in this field?

- "Advice for a young person starting in aviation is to set clear goals and work towards achieving them. Maintaining a constant learning attitude is crucial and being willing to face challenges. Additionally, seek opportunities to gain practical experience. Always keep in mind the importance of perseverance and a passion for aviation, as these are fundamental qualities to thrive in this exciting yet demanding field."

Interview with Rosalinda, Technician

Tell us a bit about yourself and your role:?

- "I've always been fascinated by hands-on work, particularly in repairing PCBs (Printed Circuit Boards), involving modifications, and replacing parts. My interest led me to attend Aviation Institute of Maintenance (AIM) for several months, although I didn't complete the program. Currently, I work as an aviation maintenance technician."

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Are there specific skills or experiences you believe are crucial for success in this field?

- "My experience at Rockwell-Collins Avionics has underscored the importance of technical proficiency, attention to detail, and problem-solving skills in the aviation maintenance field. Working extensively with Engine Alert Processors (EAPs) and Traffic Control Avoidance Systems (TCAS) has emphasized the significance of hands-on expertise, precision, and a thorough understanding of avionics systems for achieving success in this industry."

Can you share a particularly rewarding or proud moment in your career?

?- "A particularly proud moment in my career was receiving a letter of appreciation from a major airline in connection with Service Bulletin 29, which was mandated by the FAA for all airlines. I secured a certification from IPC-610-001 and J-Std-001, meeting the Department of Defense (DoD) requirements for Electronic Assembly and Inspection Class 3."

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Interview with Cynthia, Technician

Tell us a bit about yourself and your role as aviation maintenance technician.

- "My first experience in the aviation industry has been with Barfield. I began as a seat technician and with the help of my teammates I learned new skills that have helped me become a better technician. Now, my current role at Barfield is Seat Shop Lead in Phoenix. In my new role part of my job is quoting and repairing seats."

Can you share some key milestones and challenges in your career journey?

- "As a woman in the aviation industry, finding a company that allows you the opportunity to grow professionally was very important to me. Barfield was a key milestone for me because they granted me an opportunity to be a part of this team while I was a new graduate."

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What advice would you give to a young woman aspiring to become an aviation maintenance technician?

- "The advice I would give to a young woman in aviation is to be confident in her abilities and strengths. I would also tell her to not be afraid to ask questions and to know that she can be successful as a maintenance technician despite it being a male dominated industry."

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To celebrate this significant day at Barfield, we have also organized a special “Plane Talk” session featuring our CEO Gilles Mercier and some of our team members. This exclusive event aims to delve into discussions exploring innovative ways to dismantle barriers, promote inclusivity, and ignite inspiration for the upcoming generation of women pursuing careers in aviation.

At Barfield, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and empowering environment that promotes growth and excellence.

For more information, please visit our website .