Ivana Alvares – Marshall (Trailblazer)

Ivana Alvares-Marshall is a corporate pilot based in Malawi and a passionate advocate for breaking barriers and empowering women in aviation. She is the Founder and First Governor of the African Section of The Ninety-Nines International Organisation of Women Pilots, where she has played a pioneering role in advancing gender equality, education, and leadership within African aviation.

Through her flagship initiative, Girls Wings for Africa, and numerous STEM education programmes, Ivana inspires young girls to dream big and pursue careers in aviation, science, and technology. In collaboration with the Airbus Foundation Little Engineer programme, she introduced robotics and aviation awareness into schools across Malawi, alongside leading drone education workshops that equip youth with practical digital and aviation technology skills.

She is a recognised international speaker, regularly featured on aviation panels, conferences, and industry forums. A strong advocate for career development, Ivana has actively supported African female pilots in securing flying scholarships and training opportunities, helping many access pathways traditionally out of reach. Her mentorship has opened doors for women to enter, remain, and thrive in aviation careers. She  assisted an African Section Ninety-Nines member in securing multi-country flight permissions for a world record attempt across Africa, further demonstrating her commitment to supporting women pilots at every level.

In 2019, Ivana made history by organising the first International Women Pilots Conference ever hosted on the African continent, held in Malawi, an achievement widely recognised by regional and international media. Her leadership and impact have earned her numerous accolades, including the Ninety-Nines Award of Inspiration (2021) and nomination for the African Aviators Award for Community Building. She was also appointed an Aviation Ambassador for the UK Department for Transport by Minister Robert Courts for 2021–2022.

Currently, Ivana is a leading voice for mental health awareness in African aviation. In response to Africa’s high suicide rates and growing concern around mental health in aviation, she actively visits schools, collaborates with organisations, and advocates for the integration of mental wellness education, support systems, and policy reform across the sector. Ivana developed the ME Programme (Mindfulness & Emotional Programme), a three day workshop grounded in neuroscience, to support emotional resilience, wellbeing, and performance, particularly within aviation and high-pressure environments.

Her leadership roles include serving as a founding member of the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC) Women’s Steering Group, and active involvement with the Women in Aviation & Aerospace Charter and the International Aviation Women’s Association (IAWA). Ivana’s unwavering dedication continues to inspire and shape the future of aviation, STEM education, and mental health advocacy across Africa and beyond.

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