Meet Ana

Define your job title in one sentence

I manage the Sustainability Environmental Portfolio, a set of programs driving Airbus’ High5+ initiative to achieve our decarbonization goals for 2030 and beyond. 

What’s one thing that makes your job exciting or special?

What I find exciting is that my team delivers a global and local impact for Airbus and humanity. Our portfolio is driven by the three pillars of sustainability - Planet, Prosperity, and People - and includes efforts like reducing our sites’ carbon footprint, leveraging renewable energy, and optimizing waste. 

What inspired you to join Airbus? 

My interest in Airbus began during my Georgetown University graduate Capstone, where I was partnered with the company. This allowed me to learn about the magnitude of Airbus’s products, its business model, and strong focus on safety, quality, and aviation. 

That was very attractive to me. Coming from 14 years of public service, I was drawn to the unique products and astounding industry. I knew immediately I wanted to be part of the mission of manufacturing aircraft. 

Is there something that surprised you about working for Airbus?

I had the wonderful opportunity of undertaking the role of Chief of Staff for the Airbus North America CEO of Airbus Helicopters in October 2021. This was unexpected, but I was thrilled, excited, and eager to understand. The 3-year journey as Chief of Staff was extremely rewarding and sensational. I feel very fortunate to have had this experience in my career. 

I learned so much from my leaders, the helicopter market, the unique mission each aircraft serves, and the vital role our aircraft play in enabling our customers to carry out life-saving missions. 

Explain what you do in simple terms

My role’s main objective is to introduce and execute our High5+ initiatives - a cluster of environmental projects focused on managing our product footprint and adopting circular approaches. The High5+ program aims to significantly reduce the environmental footprint in our manufacturing activities. We measure and report on progress in our Sustainability Statement which is part of the Annual Report of the Board of Directors. 

The primary goal of our journey toward 2030 targets is decarbonization. This is the process of reducing human-caused carbon dioxide and greenhouse gas emissions, specifically from our manufacturing sites. Primarily, this is by transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy, enhancing energy efficiency in our buildings, and adopting electrification onsite.

Achieving this is essential for understanding climate change, improving public health, and meeting international sustainability goals at our sites. The roadmaps ensure our business produces world-class products in a sustainable environment. 

How does your role contribute to Airbus’ mission or the success of its products?

My role involves monitoring US sustainability regulations and trends and escalating potential compliance impacts to operational teams and sites across the US. 

My role also supports the identification of risks and opportunities, contributes to the effective implementation of Airbus sustainability roadmaps, facilitates the development of the corporate Environmental Management System, and promotes sustainability awareness within Airbus US. 

At every milestone of my work, projects are initiated with environmentally sound responsibility across the entire lifecycle of every project. We impact Airbus culture and sustainable practices at our US sites. 

How has Airbus supported your career growth or personal development?

My Airbus Mentoring experience with the late Anthony Baker - Vice President of Customer Support for Airbus Helicopters Inc - was life-changing. He was inspirational and helped me build confidence to understand the Airbus business, culture and products. He supported me in my 5-year plan, which transformed my career within months.

Today, I myself am a mentor, and share the framework Mr. Baker taught me which focused on transformation, routines, and breaking limiting self-beliefs. The Airbus Mentoring program was a catalyst for my career, and I continue to share that experience to carry out Mr. Baker’s legacy as a mentor and leader at Airbus. 

How has your career evolved since you joined Airbus?

My roles at Airbus have evolved, leading to increased responsibility and scope, and expanding my knowledge across different areas including commercial and helicopter operations. 

I am grateful for this professional evolution, as each role has cascaded nicely into the next one. Roles and organizational changes at work are inevitable, and the ability to adapt is a critical aspect of career growth. 

What advice would you give to someone starting a career in aerospace?

My advice to someone starting a career in aerospace is to be curious and ask many questions, because knowledge is power.

The aerospace industry is complex, full of technical jargon, and many networks. 

Professional curiosity is a skill that demonstrates you are being proactive, seeking to be informed, and looking to understand the deeper context of a situation, especially in an environment of safeguarding.

It involves asking questions, triangulating data, and challenging assumptions to prevent over-optimism, requiring active listening and a non-judgmental, holistic approach. 

In aerospace, an inquisitive mind truly goes a long way. 

What advice would you give to someone considering a career at Airbus?

Airbus is a remarkable organization to be part of,  full of engineers, accountants, business savvy individuals, environmentalists, project managers, lawyers, sales leads, communication specialists, human resources leaders, strategists, and much more! There’s a home for everyone, because we are a diverse set of talented individuals, with one passion: the love of aviation. If you have that drive, you’re already part of the Airbus team! 

What would you say to someone who doesn’t think they “fit” in aerospace?

I have a bubbly, and quirky personality. I imagined the aerospace industry was full of only very serious engineers and pilots, but I was wrong. I fit in perfectly. We are a team of multi-faceted individuals with different backgrounds, personalities, and professional traits.

If you could give one piece of advice, what would it be?

You have to be your own biggest champion, cheerleader, inspirational speaker, and coach. 

You have to take responsibility for your professional life and career fulfillment. This means understanding and acknowledging you are responsible for your choices, the energy you bring everyday, and your career, rather than waiting for circumstances to change. It involves fostering resilience and taking action when needed. 

I wish I could tell everyone organizations will always recognize your value and bring an opportunity or promotion to you, but sometimes it doesn’t work that way. You have to place yourself in the right place, take a risk, be bold, and assert your drive and willingness to be where you aspire to be. 

My one piece of advice is: own your life, take ownership of your destiny, take that leap of faith. It always pays off in my experience. 

What do you appreciate most about Airbus as a workplace?

The most appreciated aspects of Airbus as a workplace is the supportive culture with our Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), the high level of flexibility for remote or in-office working, and the proximity to our products. At Airbus there are also plenty of opportunities for professional growth, and effective tools that encourage collaboration over competition among the workplace. 

My favorite part of the day is when we gather for events hosted by the ERGs which bring individuals from many teams, sites, and regions together. We share experiences, and learn from one another, fostering an environment of growth and vulnerability. 

Which Airbus value resonates with you, and why?

The Airbus value that most resonates with me is “We are One”. Teamwork enhances productivity, boosts innovation, and increases everyone’s morale by fostering a supportive, collaborative environment. It enables shared scopes, reduces burnout, and blends diverse skills, leading to faster, higher-quality project results and stronger workplace relationships.

Albert Einstein gets all the credit for discovering E = mc², but he relied on findings with colleagues to refine his concept. And that’s always the case with an organization that shares the same mission. “Behind every genius is a team,” says Einstein. When people play off each other’s skills and knowledge, they can create solutions that are practical and useful. 

Science reinforces the idea that many brains are better than one. Diversity is a well-documented pathway to unlocking new opportunities, overcoming new challenges, and gaining new insights.  

How does Airbus support you in maintaining work-life balance?

Work-life balance is all about creating a healthy rhythm between the demands of the job and the things that matter most outside of work: health, relationships, interests, and overall well-being. A strong work-life balance looks different for everyone, and it shifts as people move through different aspects of their careers. But at its core, it means reducing unnecessary stress, having room to breathe, and having the energy to show up fully, both at work and at home. 

At Airbus I have time to recharge by taking time off thanks to our paid leave to take holidays. This gives me time or space to rest, practice my hobbies, and spend meaningful time with my loved ones. We can also  have a flexible work schedule. At Airbus overall well-being is important, and commonly practiced. When people feel good physically and mentally, they show up better in every area of their life. 

What motivates you to keep growing in your career?

My motivation for career growth stems from a combination of personal transformation, achieving professional milestones, and making a meaningful impact everywhere I go. 

I love to help people, be a change agent, and support in making things better or easier for someone or a process. Since I was a little girl, I’ve always loved helping my family, neighbors or even strangers. I consider myself a vessel for driving positive change, and bringing meaningful impact to those that need it the most. That is my true passion and driving force. 

I like to put myself in places where I will help support the mission or objective, and hopefully drive an evolving positive impact. 

What’s one message you’d like to share with the next generation of aerospace professionals?

Thought leaders in the aerospace industry are the visionaries helping shape the future of aviation. Every thought, or idea is a burst of energy that is anticipating the next breakthrough, aircraft design, or space exploration mission. 

I encourage you to embark on a thoughtful journey for our aerospace industry, because by challenging conventional knowledge and promoting out-of-the-box thinking, you can foster an atmosphere where creativity thrives, enabling groundbreaking innovations that can redefine the industry. 

Do you have a favourite quote or mantra that inspires you in your work?

I often listen to Oprah’s podcasts as she invites scholars, scientists, writers or authors of self-transformation books, and many influential thought-provoked spiritual leaders to her show. 

My favorite mantra is always “Change Your Vibration” for the better. 

Everyone morning I remind myself of this mantra: that I am worthy of my professional career, of all the gifts and joys I have experienced in my life, and most of all of the love and appreciation from others. If I change my vibration for the better, my mindset shifts and usually my challenge isn’t as problematic as I thought. This vibration change usually helps smooth the highs and lows of the day, and also to be a light that drives change from the dark. 

One word to describe your experience at Airbus ? Which word would sum up your life at Airbus?

My time at Airbus has been truly extraordinary. It has given me the opportunity to engage with our customers' missions, collaborate with global suppliers, and build connections with colleagues across various international sites. Every experience of my journey - from our products, our intricate supply chains to our safety culture - continues to be inspiring. 

How do you see the next steps?

I wish to continue growing and developing my career at Airbus, by managing teams, or a set of objectives. I will continue to develop a 5-year plan that strives for growth, and mobility.