Female leadership drives ‘New Space & Solutions’ with inspirational message for new generations

• Almost 40% of the speakers in this first edition are leaders in the aerospace field. They will share their experiences to inspire girls and teenagers
• The event focuses on female talent in an industry that has undergone many changes, but is still far from reaching parity
• The event will be held from March 17 to 21, 2025 with two face-to-face days at the Cartuja Auditorium -managed by Yventu- and three virtual days

Coinciding with Women’s Week and International Women’s Day, this March 8, ‘New Space & Solutions’ highlights the role of women in the aerospace sector. It will do so with a day dedicated entirely to female talent within the first edition of this event “where it communicates what New Space does for citizens” to be held in Seville from March 17 to 21 with two face-to-face sessions in the Cartuja Auditorium – managed by Yventu – and three virtual ones.

On Friday, March 21, in the last virtual session, 15 leading aerospace professionals will share their experience and transmit motivational messages to the new generations. Although their presence has grown over time, the road to equality is still under construction.

Although the figures are still far from reflecting parity, the role of women in the aerospace industry is becoming increasingly relevant. An example of this is their presence at ‘New Space & Solutions’, where nearly 40% of the speakers are women. Among them, an outstanding representation of the Spanish Space Agency (ESA) that will be attended by Cecilia Hernández, Director of Programs and Industry of ESA, the first Spanish to chair the ESA Science Committee and Ana María Marín Pérez, Director of the ESA Technical Cabinet. “More than working in the industry directly, my work has been to support and defend it in the international arena. My key has been a vocation of service, honesty and demand”, says Cecilia Hernández, who invites young people to ‘pursue their dreams without fear’.

An inspiring message that will mark the entire day dedicated to female talent. Rocío García Rubio, coordinator of the local group in Madrid of Women in Aerospace Europe (WIA-E), will give her testimony after more than 25 years of experience in the sector. Rocío García Rubio is also director of the Galileo program at Thales Alenia Space España and ambassador in Spain for the ShaktiSat mission, an initiative that will teach 12,000 girls from 108 countries how to design, build and test a minisatellite. For her, the key skills for this sector are teamwork, pressure management and proactivity.

The Association ‘Ellas Vuelan Alto’ will have a prominent presence

The Association ‘Ellas Vuelan Alto’ will have a leading role in the first edition of ‘New Space & Solutions’. Its president, Gema Martín del Burgo, will moderate a panel on the first day of the event and will share her experience in the space sector on the fifth -third virtual- day. With more than 25 years of experience in the industry, she is now at the head of this association that was born six and a half years ago with the aim of making female talent visible in the aeronautical and aerospace sector, as well as creating references and inspiring new generations. Together with her, Irene Rivera Andrés, head of the Space Division of Ellas Vuelan Alto and head of patrol and helicopter pilot of the DGT, will also contribute with her inspiring message for young women: “Spain offers opportunities in a growing industry and we want the new generations, especially girls, to know it”, says Irene Rivera, for whom “it is never too late to pursue a dream”.

Silvia de los Santos, technical manager of the aerospace sector and Production Processes at the Technological Corporation of Andalusia (CTA), leads the Andalusian delegation of Ellas Vuelan Alto. Recognized for promoting the image of Andalusia in the aerospace sector, her work focuses on inspiring girls to explore this industry, since, as she says: ‘Many times they do not enter this sector simply because they have not considered it’.

The culture of effort as a principle

Carmen Sillero, Senior Economic and Policy Analyst at the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre, leads a project on dual technologies and defense. She stresses that the role of women in aerospace continues to grow. “We show that we have a complementary way of doing things, with ambition and rigor,” she says. She also stresses the importance of curiosity and ambition to learn in this industry. Her message to girls is clear: “There are no limits. With effort, hard work and resilience, they can achieve their goals.”

For her part, Esperanza Caro, technical advisor to the Ministry of Industry, Energy and Mines of the Regional Government of Andalusia, has contributed to the establishment of the Spanish Space Agency in Seville, as well as to the creation of the ‘Tertulia Espacial’ and the ‘Foro del Espacio’. For her, knowledge and attitude are key for future generations of women to achieve everything they set their minds to. Meanwhile, Eva Vega, director of the space programs department of the National Institute of Aerospace Technology (INTA), will also talk about her 25 years of experience in which the culture of effort has prevailed: “Space is not a world of geniuses, but of people who work as a team, joining efforts”, says Eva Vega. For her, New Space represents a revolution in the space industry, with a more commercial and industrialized approach.”