WIA Bremen: Building an International Community for Women in Aerospace

Originally founded in 2009, WIA Bremen is the oldest Europe chapter of the global Women in Aerospace Association. Today, it is a vibrant and growing community at the heart of Bremen, one of Europe’s leading aerospace regions.

From Four Members to an International Network

Since relaunch in 2024 the chapter has grown from 4 to 150 members representing more than 20 countries. They work across the full spectrum of aerospace and aviation organizations, including major system integrators such as Ariane Group, Airbus and OHB as well as research institutes, start-ups as POLARIS Spaceplanes, students, and young professionals. 

The chapter is led by two co-leads, Dr. Anna Chrobry and Sahana Shastry, supported by a dedicated committee of ambassadors and volunteers. These volunteers coordinate events, facilitate onboarding, and promote WIA activities within their respective companies and institutes. The strong involvement of members has been central to the chapter’s rapid growth and renewed visibility. 

Collaboration and Community Engagement

WIA Bremen actively collaborates with other WIA chapters across Germany. The network also maintains a presence at major international fair Space Tech Expo Europe, where it connects with the global aerospace community and strategic partners.

A key pillar of WIA Bremen’s strategy is regular engagement. Monthly meetings and networking events provide a consistent platform for professional exchange. Industrial visits to organizations such as Ariane Group, POLARIS Spaceplanes, and the DSI Aerospace GmbH have offered members first-hand insights into ongoing projects and career paths.

These visits were made possible through the commitment of WIA coleads and members themselves, who coordinated access, presented their organizations, and shared their personal professional journeys. The network also values the support of male colleagues who contribute as guides and facilitators during these activities.

Highlights of 2025

Two standout initiatives reflect the chapter’s momentum:

• Valentina’s Nights – In collaboration with WIA Cologne, members visited the European Astronaut Centre (EAC). In 2026, the chapter plans to present a planetarium show co-created by WIA members: ‘Stars Among Us: Women in Aerospace’
• Walk & Talk at the Space Hub – Organized in cooperation with Bremen’s economic development agency (WFB), this guided tour through Bremen’s Space Hub allowed members to present their projects and discuss innovations.

Beyond aerospace facilities, the chapter also connects members with Bremen’s broader industrial heritage, including visits to Schuppen 1.

Career Development and Long-Term Strategy

Looking ahead, WIA Bremen aims to expand long-term collaborations with organizations, professional networks, and coaches in areas such as intercultural management, leadership, and strategy, and presentation skills, including a dedicated collaboration with media companies.  A structured Career Development Programme  “She Leads Tomorrow” will launch a new series of training sessions spring 2026, focusing on career empowerment and mentoring for international talent.

With many members originating from outside Bremen, the chapter also places emphasis on introducing international professionals to the regional ecosystem. Recent examples include participation in a lecture at Hochschule Bremen on “Space Made in Bremen,” highlighting the city’s aerospace strengths.

Regular astronomy evenings at Telescopium Lilienthal are also planned to combine scientific curiosity with community building.

Commitment to Equity and Outreach

Equity, diversity, and inclusion are core principles of WIA Bremen. Co-lead Sahana recently co-authored the chapter on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in the Oxford Handbook of the New Space Economy, contributing academic perspective to the evolving space sector. 

She also previously led the Working Group of ‘’Skills Gap in Aerospace Sector’’ for WIA-Europe where they published white papers to support corporate partners to better understand the skill gap while connecting jobs and potential candidates.

WIA Bremen members — both current and former — have also been featured in the book “We Reach For The Sky” by Claire Bradshaw FRAS, which celebrates 77 remarkable women in STEM and beyond.
The chapter intends to strengthen STEM outreach activities in order to inspire the next generation of aerospace professionals.

Expanding Partnerships

Future collaborations are being planned with additional professional networks, including Women in Rheinmetall and We in Quantum Development. These partnerships are designed to foster synergies across space-related sectors such as defence and quantum technologies, while further enhancing the visibility and leadership of women in aerospace.

Join the Network

WIA Bremen continues to grow — and welcomes new members who are passionate about aerospace, innovation, and professional development. We are also available as trainers or guest speakers. 

Become part of an international community!

E-Mail: bremen@wia-europe.org

Linkedin: WIA-Europe Bremen Regional Network