Claire Nixon | RAF
I joined the Royal Air Force in 2008 after completing a degree in Social and Political Sciences at the University of Cambridge. Fascinated by psychology and social anthropology, I joined the RAF as a Training Officer – a specialisation dedicated to the development of personnel. Within this role, I have been privileged to provide training design and delivery support to a wide range of organisations. Whether leading a design team within the School of Physical Training, managing instructors at a multi-role Reservist Sqn or providing training policy advice to aircrew, I am constantly inspired by the depth of talent and passion driving training forwards in today’s military.In addition to my day job, I am also passionate about military sport and am a member of the RAF Athletics and Combined Services Ski Race Teams. Whilst hugely privileged to compete at this level, I am most proud to be Captain of the RAF Ladies Ski Team. I love being able to promote the physical and psychological benefits of the sport, share an incredible opportunity and be part of an inspirational team.
Clair Ryer | RAF
Laura Dietz | Royal Navy
Emily Fowles | Royal Fleet Auxiliary
Patricia Patilla Sanchez | Rolls Royce Plc
Since I was 14 years old, I coveted to become an aerospace engineer. I was strongly motivated by the challenging nature of the degree together with a passion for space and the universe. In college mathematics and physics were my key subjects, which were the foundation of my degree at Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (Spain). In order to finish my MEng in Aerospace Engineering, I had the opportunity to perform my Master Thesis at the Von Karman Institute for Fluid Dynamics, a state-of-the-art research centre worldwide in the field of Fluid Dynamics. After this experience, I was eager to find an environment where I could apply my knowledge to solve every day challenges.
I have had the opportunity to work in different companies and sectors in Spain, Germany and the UK. I joined Rolls-Royce PLC in 2013 where I have worked in different positions in the Defence sector. These include the aftermarket business developing new services for customer worldwide and in engineering. In my current role as development engineer, I am responsible for ensuring that our products will be safe in service and fulfil airworthiness requirements, whilst meeting the requirement of the customer and our business.
In addition to my day job, I am truly passionate about inspiring the next generation to pursue STEM careers and changing the culture to bring gender equality into the workplace. I re-launched the Rolls-Royce WoMen network in September 2015. From the re-launch I was Chair of the Bristol Site until December 2016. Moreover, I am a founding member of the Steering Group for Bristol Women in Business, a network connecting professional women in corporates and large businesses based in Bristol, which helps its members to continue to progress, make valuable connections and achieve their full potential.