For the penultimate post in our International Women’s Day 2024 series, we’re proud to feature two women who work in the Oceania and South-East Asia region.

Kayla Moa, pictured above left, began working at Menzies 19 years ago and was promoted in 2023 to Vice President Cargo Operations – Australia. Joining Kayla is Maria Poporis, Systems Support and Development Manager – OSEA, pictured above right, who has accumulated almost 15 years with the business.

Kayla Moa, Vice President Cargo Operations Australia
"Earlier in my career, my self-confidence was my biggest internal barrier. The opportunities and support I’ve had throughout my career with Menzies enabled me to push past these barriers.

I was fortunate to be part of first cohort for the Women in Leadership programme. The programme challenges you to ask hard questions and understand yourself on a fundamental level.

It gives participants the confidence to push through boundaries that can limit women throughout their careers, including the confidence to pursue leadership roles. Many women in our business second guess their ability and often we see roles advertised that don’t get the full range of applicants they deserve.

My personal experience of allyship in my early career has helped pave the way for me to be an ally for my team and ‘pay it forward’. International Women’s Day for me holds much more meaning than just celebrating the amazing women we have here at Menzies.

My advice to women considering a career in aviation with Menzies Aviation - don’t limit or define yourself by characteristics like gender, define yourself by your ability. Reach for the sky, Menzies will support you."

Maria Poporis, Systems Support and Development Manager – OSEA
"I love the diversity in the aviation industry and the great people I get to deal with daily. I love that I can help develop individuals and give them the same opportunities I’ve had during my career at Menzies.

Alongside the challenges of achieving a healthy work/life balance, aviation has historically been a male-dominated industry which is a barrier to recruiting more women into the industry.

Menzies has a track record of supporting its female employees to progress their careers by giving them access to development training, providing flexibility at work and encouraging the confidence to advance their careers.

I’m fortunate to have worked with male and female leaders who have contributed to my growth and recognised my contributions. I believe mentoring and networking programmes that give women leaders more access to industry professionals will open up more opportunities for females in aviation.

Aviation is a great industry to consider for your career. It has so many parts to it that it will never be routine and the people you meet along the way are great exposure to all the ways you can grow and develop your career."