The winners of the IATA Diversity and Inclusion Awards 2024 were revealed at this week’s AGM in Dubai.

The award for Inspirational Role Model went to Kendra Kincade, chief executive and founder of Elevate Foundation.

Mafunase Ngosa Malenga, founder and managing director, Southern Africa Institute of Aviation Science and Technology, was awarded the High Flyer award. British Airways scooped the Diversity and Inclusion Team award.

The judging panel also awarded a special commendation in the High Flyer category to Hana Al Awahdi, senior vice president, human resources business partner for dnata.

Yvonne Manzi Makolo, chief executive of RwandAir and chair of the IATA Board of Governors, who presented the awards, said:

“The winners are true beacons of the change that is happening as diversity and inclusion entrenches itself as a strategic priority for the aviation industry.

“Their contributions to righting the gender balance in aviation are truly inspirational and deserving of today’s recognition.

Karen Walker, editor-in-chief, Air Transport World and Chair of the judging panel, added:

“The quality of nominations gets more compelling every year as the results of aviation’s focus on diversity and inclusion become even more concrete.

“Real and important change has been affected by all the winners and our special commendation. By drawing attention to their impressive achievements, we hope to amplify that change even further.”

“I congratulate the winners and all who were nominated. Ensuring that aviation is a great career choice for all genders is critical because it helps our businesses individually.

“It makes the industry stronger, and it is what our customers expect. All those nominated, and particularly the winners, have moved aviation in the right direction,” said Willie Walsh, IATA director general.

The IATA Diversity & Inclusion Awards were sponsored by Qatar Airways. Each winner receives a prize of $25,000 for themselves or their nominated charities.

Qatar Airways group chief executive Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, said: “Qatar Airways is proud to once again sponsor the IATA Diversity & Inclusion Awards, shining the light on the incredible leaders that bring about positive change in the aviation industry. We congratulate this year’s winners on their remarkable achievements.”