In Wingspan Conversations we shine a light on the people behind EUROAVIA, who keep the association running. This month, we sat down with Victoria, better known as Vicky, President of the International Board 2021-2022 and Vice-President in 2022-2023. So read on to learn more about her incredible journey in EUROAVIA, filled with contributions that will have a lasting impact on the association.
From member of Sevilla to President of everything
Vicky joined EUROAVIA in 2015 in Sevilla, where she was studying aerospace engineering. For her, it was the place to meet new people. After a few years as a regular member in the local group, she became President of AS Sevilla in 2018. That same year, she participated in her first international event, the AMEAC and ExMEAC in Bremen. At first, she was anxious about what to expect, but she was met with a group of amazing people and an inspiring event that made her fall in love with EUROAVIA international.
“In my first international event, I didn’t want to admit it, but I knew I wanted to become IB (International Board) at some point. I admired the IB at that moment, they were so involved and giving everything for the association. I had received so much, I wanted to give something back. That is why I joined EUROAVIA International.”
After the Congress in Bremen, Vicky joined the Affiliated Societies (AS) Working Group, which she stayed in for almost three years. After attending the EMEAC in Aachen in 2019, she also joined the Statutes & Bylaws WG. Of all the Working Groups in EUROAVIA, this one went through the most changes in the past couple of years. Vicky’s efforts in restructuring the WG and her initiative to focus on applying for European Grants cannot be understated (thank your founder, EG WG).
In 2020, the world got turned upside down by a little virus that turned into a pandemic. For EUROAVIA, that meant the cancellation of all international events and a switch to online alternatives. During this time, Vicky joined the HR Working Group (she’s a very busy woman). A year later, in April 2021, she applied for the Designated International Board during an online Congress. She then became part of the first all-female IB in EUROAVIA’s history, and the President of everything (or at least of EUROAVIA).
Contributions to two International Boards
To list all of Vicky’s efforts and accomplishments during her two-year term as IB member would take too long. As President, she was involved in many projects, both new and old. In fact, what she liked most about being IB was having an overview of everything happening in EUROAVIA. However, one of her biggest feats was successfully shepherding the association out of the pandemic. Vicky and her fellow Board members oversaw the transition from online to in-person events. In doing so, they managed to keep old EUROAVIA traditions and introduce exciting new projects. Moreover, her IB reeled in several new sponsors and partnerships, maintaining the association’s organisational and financial health.
Of all the projects Vicky managed, one of the most challenging was Future & Beyond. This online networking opportunity was introduced by her IB as a new EUROAVIA event. It is an innovative, one-of-a-kind platform for aerospace students and companies to gather and interact. Though challenging, it was also a very rewarding project, with participating students and companies expressing their joy and appreciation for the event. This year marks the third edition of Future & Beyond, with a whopping four days filled with panels, roundtables, meet-ups and trainings.
“After the second edition [of Future & Beyond] people were super happy, not only the participants but also the companies. It was a real pleasure to see that all this effort we put into it paid off.”
Happy memories and community values
After her years as IB member, it comes as no surprise that Vicky’s favourite type of international event is Congresses. It’s hard for her to express why, but they have a different environment and feeling compared to other international events. This might sound vague, but you should just attend one to understand. On a similar note, Vicky’s happiest memory in EUROAVIA is when she first got elected as IB. Not because she became the president of everything (sort of), but due to her fellow Board members, Francesca and Alejandra. As candidates, they collaborated and became friends, so Vicky was super happy to be able to work with them. This friendship shows in the work and dedication they gave to the association.
A staple question in Wingspan Conversations is what the EUROAVIA Spirit means to the interviewee. This intangible concept is both personal and strangely universal to all EUROAVIANs. For Vicky, it is about the multicultural nature of the association. It’s about getting to know different nationalities and making friends from all around the world, transcending country borders. Furthermore, she believes that the association’s biggest value is a community that offers opportunities and development.
“EUROAVIA creates a community. It brings opportunity to all its members, but more importantly it pushes their boundaries. Those are the most important values.”
These days, Vicky has graduated with a double master’s degree in aerospace engineering in Spain and France. She is now doing a PhD in aerodynamics, learning French (and generally being a hard-working independent woman). As alumnus she is still involved in EUROAVIA to a certain extent, so you might get the opportunity to ask questions to her in person. For now, you can read our other Wingspan Conversations articles and look forward to the next one in a month!