Meet the Women Who Shape SHY Aviation
This year’s International Women’s Day is celebrated on 8 March, and the theme of 2025 is ‘Accelerate Action’.
Here at SHY Aviation, we are passionate about women’s rights and gender equality, and as global aviation specialists, we are eager to honour the women who have played a vital role at SHY.
Read on to find out more about the women at SHY.

Iwona Smenda - Creative Marketing Executive

As a Creative Marketing Executive at SHY Aviation, I get to blend strategy with creativity, shaping the brand’s presence across digital platforms. I enjoy crafting engaging content that resonates with our audience, whether through social media, design, or storytelling. The fast-paced nature of private aviation keeps things dynamic, and I love the challenge of making luxury travel feel both aspirational and effortless.
What is your favourite holiday destination?
My favourite holiday destination is Japan, specifically Kyoto. It is a place that everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime. With a heritage spanning thousands of years, Kyoto feels like a living museum of history and culture. Every street and every building tells a story, making it an unforgettable experience.
What’s your must-have beauty or skincare item while travelling?
My one must-have skincare item for travelling is a face mask, it's the quickest and most efficient way to refresh before landing so you can always find one in my travel bag. My go-to in the SKIN|CYCLES Bio-Cellulose Mask, it takes just 15 minutes to do, and makes my skin look refreshed and radiant before stepping off the plane.

Lucy Cooke - Business Account Manager

I am an account manager within SHY Aviation's business development team, and what I genuinely enjoy most about working at SHY is the people. We have a great team where everyone works hard, but also have a laugh together, and this is what makes me look forward to coming into the office every day.
What is your favourite holiday destination?
My favourite holiday destination has to be Mallorca. I have visited Sóller every summer for the last 4 years and every time I have been impressed by the food, the weather, and the beautiful scenery. It really is the perfect island whether you want to lounge in the sun, or be more active and hike the Serra de Tramuntana.
If you could visit any country with an unlimited budget, where would it be?
If I could visit any country with an unlimited budget, Costa Rica would be at the top of my list. The beaches on the Caribbean Coast look absolutely beautiful, and I would love to trek through one of the many rainforests to see all of the wildlife and the spectacular waterfalls. Costa Rica is one of the top countries to go to for ecotourism, and if I have an unlimited budget, I would have to spend a few nights in a luxury eco lodge nestled in the treetops!

Sara Kirsop - Finance Director

I am the Finance Director, mainly overseeing the Finance team, but I wear different hats and help with HR, IT and the office. The team tracks money coming in from clients, pays operators and managers the cash flow as well as producing the monthly accounts. Recently, I have been working on a long-term business plan, which is what I enjoy the most as I can help to map out the future of SHY.
What is your favourite holiday destination?
I have been lucky enough to have had some amazing travel experiences and have seen some fabulous places, but I think my favourite destination so far is Granada in Spain. There you can find the Alhambra Palace, which is an architectural wonder and a place of quiet and serene beauty!
What is your most memorable travel experience?
My most memorable travel experience would be whilst I was in Egypt, and being able to see the Sphynx and go inside a pyramid. It was an incredible moment, to be able to stand in a space stepped in mysticism that had been carved out many, many years ago.

Rachel Foskett - Marketing Industrial Placement

I am currently on my placement here at SHY for my university studies, working alongside the marketing team. I love what each day brings; I am constantly learning about new things within marketing and also the aviation industry. It helps that the SHY Team are great and very supportive, we all get on well and they are always available to lend a helping hand.
What is your favourite holiday destination?
My favourite holiday destination would be Palma de Mallorca, Spain. I visit with my family, and it's perfect every time. The beaches, the food, the people are all amazing, and I can't wait to go back.
What are your future travel plans?
It sounds cliché but my future travel plans would be to travel around the world. From backpacking in Asia, to city-hopping around Europe, I am very keen to travel and experience different countries and cultures, and I would love to do this after I graduate.

Houda Amine - Flight Management Executive

I am a Flight Management Executive at SHY Aviation, based in our Dubai office. My role is taking care of the whole flight operation, and I enjoy the unpredictable challenges we face that teach me how to react and make a decision fast, which is useful for both my professional and personal life. That is the reason I love my job, every day is a different story.
What is your favourite holiday destination?
My favourite holiday destination is Palma de Mallorca, Spain as it offers a perfect blend of stunning beaches, rich history, and vibrant culture. The island's breathtaking coastline boasts pristine beaches with crystal-clear waters, perfect for a holiday.
If you could go anywhere for a weekend right now, where would it be?
If I could have a weekend getaway anywhere right now, it would be Istanbul. It offers rich history, stunning architecture, and incredible food. Its perfect for a weekend of exploration and culture.

Clare Jackson - Product Manager

I am the Product Manager here at SHY. I enjoy the diversity of the role, where no two days are the same. Each day is a learning day, where we always find out more about the specifics of the industry or our clients. I also enjoy the people; the SHY team has a great mix of people, and I love that.
What is your favourite holiday destination?
It's hard to say what my favourite destination is. I love a good city break, and Berlin has always been a favourite of mine as it has a great alternative music scene. However, I also love to drive through the Spanish mountains when I visit with friends and that road trip is breathtaking.
What is one thing you must do when travelling?
When I travel, we stay in rented apartments, so one thing that I must do whenever we visit a new place is going to a local grocers and seeing what new foods we can try, and new things we can make.
The women at SHY Aviation play a critical role in delivering our global private aviation solutions. At SHY Aviation, we provide bespoke private aviation solutions, whether you require a private jet charter, private group charter, or helicopter transfer. Our experienced aviation specialists are available around the clock to make sure every aspect of your journey is smooth and hassle-free.
And the SHY Lifestyle team of luxury travel experts provides concierge services to ensure your trip is seamless from start to finish, whether you need the finest accommodation, car transfers, or access to exclusive events, products, or services.
Do not hesitate to visit our online quote to obtain a price estimate for your next journey.
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