They innovate, they inspire, they move the industry forward.
Solveig Azaïs, Patricia Cadaval Pascual, and Angela Franco Daza are among the nominees for the first edition of the Women in Aerospace Awards, organized by GIFAS (French Aerospace Industries Association) and Le Journal de l’Aviation, which celebrate those who contribute, every day, to the growth of the sector.
Three journeys, three complementary visions of a shared ambition: building a more inclusive, high-performing, and sustainable aerospace industry.
Solveig Azaïs, Data Analyst, is nominated in the “Young Talent” category. At only 27, Solveig represents a new generation putting data at the heart of industrial transformation.
You led a major quality management transformation project at Latecoere. Can you tell us more?
I led the development of an application to track non-quality costs across the group. This integrated tool provides a consolidated view by plant and program, ensures traceability of impacts on the P&L, detects trends and cross-functional weaknesses, and identifies actionable levers. It’s a true decision-support system that offers concrete solutions. In aerospace, quality is our guiding principle, and data is not administrative—it’s operational. This project established a common language and strengthened our quality culture by giving teams the means to act effectively.
How can your career inspire other women in the sector?
I work at the intersection of two still very male-dominated fields: aerospace and data. At 27, I show that you can lead strategic projects from start to finish without being a technical expert, by focusing on responsibility, listening, and collaboration. Being comfortable with what you don’t know allows you to learn faster and create more value. If this inspires other women to start without being “perfectly” trained or expert in a field, I will have achieved my goal.
How do you see the evolution of women’s roles in the sector?
Women’s presence in aerospace is growing, but unevenly. In tech, technical stereotypes persist. It’s important to value a variety of skills—communication, product vision, coordination—to attract more talent at the intersection of technology and business. With the rise of AI, this ability to bridge business and technology is becoming essential. Early action is crucial: raising awareness among young people, dismantling clichés, and providing concrete role models.
What message would you give to young girls considering a career in these fields?
Go for it! Aerospace is a rich and varied field. Because airplanes are complex products, the jobs are equally diverse. There’s a place for every profile—those who love theory, those who prefer hands-on work, and those who excel in communication. Right now, the sector faces major challenges, especially environmental ones, that require creativity, innovation, and fresh perspectives. It’s the perfect time to join aerospace.
Patricia Cadaval Pascual, Head of Innovation Programs, Contracts, and Partnerships at Latecoere, is nominated in the “Innovation & Research” category. Through her career and projects, she embodies a strong conviction: innovation is a key driver of environmental transition.
You manage several innovation projects for Latecoere. What do they have in common?
They share the same goal: making innovation a tangible lever for sustainable transformation. My role is to bring together energies—internal teams, industrial partners, public stakeholders, and laboratories—around a shared vision: reconciling performance, sustainability, and added value. In our sector, innovation is never the work of a single actor. It’s a collective, collaborative journey where every expertise matters. I ensure each project aligns with this collaborative dynamic and contributes to our technological, industrial, and environmental objectives.
You have a degree in environmental sciences and are head of innovation in an aerospace group. How do these two worlds connect?
I’ve always sought to bridge technology and sustainability. Aerospace is undergoing a profound transformation: we need to develop more efficient solutions without compromising performance. My environmental background taught me to think systemically—considering the full lifecycle and impacts of an innovation. This approach guides me every day in managing innovative projects.
How can your career inspire other women in the sector?
I want to show that a woman can lead technical and strategic projects while integrating a responsible vision. It’s not about claiming difference, but showing that we can enrich discussions with a rigorous, open, and engaged approach. Women often bring heightened sensitivity to environmental, social, and human challenges—and this sensitivity is a strategic strength in a transforming sector. We need to normalize female presence in technological debates and decision-making bodies.
What message would you give to young women dreaming of innovation and aerospace?
Don’t doubt your place. You don’t need to conform to be legitimate. The industry needs your perspective, ideas, and boldness to build a more sustainable, inclusive, and ambitious aerospace sector.
Angela Franco Daza, Head of Industrialization & Quotation – Space, is nominated in the “Education & Knowledge Transfer” category. Her career demonstrates what it means to teach with dedication, transmit knowledge with rigor, and always share a passion for space.
Which space project has marked your career?
One of the most significant projects was leading the technical and educational aspects of a nanosatellite program developed in partnership between Latecoere and the Space Center of the University of Montpellier (CSUM). I supervised an international, multidisciplinary team of young engineers, interns, and apprentices. I guided them through the design, manufacturing, integration, and testing of the nanosatellite according to space standards. This project was a true bridge between academia and industry, combining technical rigor, innovation, and training the next generation of space engineers.
How do you contribute to training the next generation of space professionals?
Since 2020, I have taught in the Specialized Master’s program in Space Systems Development at the University of Montpellier and CSUM, working with international students. I mentor them in technical and methodological skills. I’ve also led knowledge transfer programs within satellite operations teams, promoting female inclusion. In parallel, I publish popular science articles to inspire future engineers. All these initiatives reflect my commitment to opening the path for the next generation of space professionals.
How do you see the evolution of women’s roles in the sector?
Women’s visibility is increasing, and companies are committing more to gender diversity. But challenges remain: persistent stereotypes, too few female role models, and parental policies that sometimes create career imbalances. Yet today’s context offers unprecedented opportunities: collaborative work, growing societal concerns, and recognition of cross-functional skills. The sector could become a pioneer in gender parity by adopting innovative policies.
What message would you give to young girls dreaming of aerospace or space careers?
Dare to dream. Trust your talents and curiosity. The path can be demanding, but you will never be alone: networks, mentors, and initiatives exist to support you. Move at your own pace and don’t pressure yourself to prove everything. Technical challenges can also be sources of satisfaction and growth. Your perspective, creativity, and engagement help build a more open and diverse sector.
Stay tuned for the announcement of the winners of the Women in Aerospace Awards at the beginning of December.
