Emerging Leaders Forum 2020 Guest Speaker Introductions
Tam Camilleri – Commercial pilot, founder of WAI Australia
“There are many pathways into a career in aviation, depending on your choice of career there are different options on how you get there. My journey was one of a part time study, working two jobs to pay for my flight training whilst juggling work and family life. But it was one of the most rewarding journeys as I now find myself flying airplanes for a living – I love my office!”
View Tammy’s Introduction Video
Natalee Johnston – Forum MC – Navy Helicopter Pilot/Safety Manager & WAI Mentoring Cooridinator
Australian Navy’s first female SeaKing pilot, Flight Commander, Instructor and Executive Officer in the Navy, during her career she flew the SK50 SeaKing, AS350 Squirrel and MRH90 Taipan helicopters and conducted numerous Humanitarian and Disaster Relief operations and international military exercises whilst embarked on a number of HMAShips. Natalee is a mother of two and to date is the only female aviator to return to flying post children. Since retiring from NAVY Natalee is working in Aviation Safety and in her spare time volunteers within the Mentoring space of WAI Australia.
View Natalee’s introduction Video here
JILL R. MEYERS, PMP FRAeS Aerospace Engineering
Jill Meyers has more than 30 years of experience in the fields of aviation and aerospace. Her passion for aviation started as a teenager when she obtained her Private Pilot License at age 17. Her professional career started in the United States Air Force, where she operated and maintained communications systems worldwide for eight years.
View Jill’s introduction Video
Sarah Kane – RDA Hunter
Sarah is currently employed within the role of Regional Development Coordinator with Regional Development Australia Hunter working across their Skilled Workforce Initiative. Working within a coordination role, Sarah works closely with Hunter Region schools and industry to promote the opportunities of STEM careers within the region.
View Sarah’s introduction video here
FLTLT Caitlin Rytenskild – RAAF C-17 Pilot
FLTLT is now on her second posting at 36 Squadron based in Amberly flying the C-17 Globemaster. She has been there since 2017, achieved her command on the C-17 in September 2019 and is also responsible for running the Safety Management System at the squadron. In her time at 36 Squadron, she has flown to Europe, USA, Middle East and Antarctica, among others. In August 2020, twelve years after the first all-female C-17 crew that adorned FLTLT Rytenskild’s teenage bedroom, she found herself the captain on the second all-female crew on the C-17. Having once looked at the poster on her bedroom and wondering how those impressive women got to where they were, she is now hoping to inspire the next generation of impressive women.
View Caitlin’s introduction Video Here
Ebony Simonit – Airservices Fire Fighter
“What I love about being an Aviation Rescue Fire Fighter is the comradery within my crew, which I consider to be my second family. We eat breakfast, lunch and dinner together, share life’s ups and downs and I know they’ve got my back, and I’ve got theirs. I’d definitely recommend young women consider a career as Aviation Rescue Fire Fighter because of the mateship, work-life balance, and diversity of work from one day to the next and having the sense of accomplishment in
contributing to the community in a positive way. It’s a great place to work.”
View Ebony’s Introduction Video Here
Susie McGough, Airservices Australia Air Traffic Controller
My aviation journey started when I learnt to fly gliders in Central Victoria in the late 90s. Whilst flying and instructing
others, one of the club members suggested that I would be a good Air Traffic Controller. I was working as a Social
Worker in a non-government organisation and had never considered a career in Air Traffic Control. I was lucky
enough to have a tour of the Melbourne Centre and decided that this was for me.
View Susie’s Introduction video Here
Emma Tabener – Leadership Coach
Emma Taberner is a private pilot, past President of the Australian Cessna 180/185 Club and passionate supporter of vintage and antique aircraft. Her favourite day of the week is any day she can take to the skies in her bright blue Super Cub.
When she’s not aviating Emma is a leadership coach, and her business, New Wings Success, focusses on creating the innovative leaders of the future. Emma works with both companies and individuals to help them achieve outstanding business and personal results. Emma believes you don’t always need wings to soar!
View Emma’s Introduction Video Here
Stephen Hudson – Chief Engineer, Boeing Defence Australia
Stephen Hudson has been Boeing Defence Australia’s Chief Engineer since April 2016. In this role he is responsible for the technical and regulatory integrity of development and sustainment programs across the company and for leading the engineering capability for Boeing Defence Australia Stephen is a passionate advocate for encouraging females into the aviation and aerospace fields, a champion of change, Stephen gives his time to mentor and support those who wish to pursue a career in engineering.
View Stephen’s Introduction Video Here
Carley Scott CEO, Equatorial Launch Australia
Carley is leading the development of the Arnhem Space Centre, securing a world first with NASA planning to launch its rockets at the site in 2021 and undertaking discussions that can pave the way for enhanced international trade. She is an advisor to the CSIRO on advanced manufacturing; sits on the Space Industry Association of Australia’s Board, SmartSat CRC’s Aurora Formation Committee, and, is on the Inner Melbourne Metropolitan Partnerships Committee. Carley is passionate about enterprise, aerospace, and the role of new technologies in the delivery of positive outcomes for humanity.
View Carley’s Introduction Video Here
Felicity Brown, Chief Pilot Chinta Air Charter
Felicity Brown learned to fly for a bet, in 1998. At the time, she was 31 years old, a single mother with no previous interest in flying or aircraft, and living in regional Western Australia 180 kilometres from the nearest flying school. Felicity is the chief Pilot at Chinta Air and fly’s in some of the most remote locations within Australia.
WGCDR Marija “Maz” Jovanovich – RAAF Test Pilot
Maz is a military test pilot and the RAAF’s most senior female pilot. After graduating from ADFA and pilot training, she flew the P3 Orion on operations and exercises all over the world, including the Middle East, US, Asia, and Southwest Pacific. She is a distinguished graduate of the USAF Test Pilot School, where she flew everything from MiG-15s to F-15s. She has over 3,300 flight hours on over 30 different types of aircraft. Maz is about to become the Commanding Officer of 10 Squadron, making her only the second female pilot to take command of a flying unit in RAAF’s history