We are delighted to welcome Wendy Siabato, Arti Dhole and Tejal Thakore as the new WIA-Europe Munich Regional Network leaders!
Wendy, Arti, and Tejal will be taking on the roles formerly held by Andrea Jaime Albalat, and Maude Robichaud, who were outstanding leaders in Munich, advancing the organisation and expanding the Munich Regional Network. We sincerely thank them for their dedication and valuable contributions.
It’s been an honour to lead the WIA-Europe Munich Regional Network for a few years.
Together, we’ve built a strong community of professionals, hosted engaging Stammtisch gatherings, events and industry visits, and promoted the importance of diversity in the space sector.
After few years of “ruhige Zeiten”, I’m thrilled that Tejal, Arti, and Wendy take now the lead, bringing fresh energy and ambitious goals for the network! They’re already organizing fantastic events in the region—don’t miss the chance to connect and expand your network.
Exciting times ahead for WIA-Europe Munich!
Andrea Jamie Albalat
We look forward to the future contributions under the new leadership of the Munich network!
For more information on the Munich RN, please click here.
With an intercultural background that has shaped me since childhood, my first encounter with space topics occurred growing up in the U.S. during field trips to the Virginia Air & Space Science Centre. After moving back to Panama, my fascination for space only deepened, eventually leading me to Germany to study Aerospace Engineering.
Throughout the past years, I’ve done research on the application of Phase Change Materials as a thermal heat storage for satellite components, as well as gained experience in the mechanical design of satellite components and their qualification testing. Currently, I work in project management for Logistics 4.0 and fleet management solutions across Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
I first heard about WIA during my thesis and I was inspired by the number of female aerospace professionals I connected with through the organization. As a student, I rarely had the opportunity to meet and interact with other women in aerospace. For this reason, as a co-leader of Munich’s network, I am driven not only to encourage girls and young women to pursue STEM careers in space but also to support them and showcase Munich’s female aerospace professionals as role models to inspire the next generations. Additionally, I seek to advocate for WIA’s
interests at a political level, as I believe government support is essential to foster gender equality and inclusion in the industry.Wendy Siabato
I am an Electronics and Telecommunications engineer from India with a professional background in sales and marketing. However, my passion for space led me to Vyoma, where I now manage marketing, branding, and media, providing me with the opportunity to work closely in the industry I have always admired.
Over the years, through my involvement in various organizations and my experience in recruitment, I have become increasingly aware of the specific challenges women face in aerospace. This awareness has made me even more determined to help build a network where women can advance in their careers, find support, and feel encouraged along the way.
Inspired by the mission of Women in Aerospace (WIA), I am dedicated to making a meaningful impact. As a co leader of the Munich Chapter, I focus on fostering connections, supporting career development, and dismantling the myths that often undermine our confidence. It is truly a privilege to contribute to a space where women can thrive, and I am excited to continue working towards this goal.
Arti Dhole
Born in India to a family of engineers, I was encouraged from a young age to explore my curiosity. Since young age, I developed a strong love for sciences and mathematics, which ultimately led me to study aerospace engineering in the UK. My involvement with non-profit organizations like SGAC and the Planetary Society solidified my career aspirations.
After earning my degree, in 2012, I received a scholarship for the Summer Space Program from International Space University, hosted at NASA Kennedy Space Centre, which further fueled my passion for space. This led me to Munich, where I started working in the field of spacecraft operations for Galileo Navigation Program at DLR-GfR in Oberpfaffenhofen. After pursuing my MSc in Space Engineering, I started to work at Airbus Defence and Space in Ottobrunn as Functional and Electrical AIT Engineer on the Sentinel-4 UVN & Sentinel-5 UVNS optical payload before transitioning to in-orbit & decommissioning space segment support for the Galileo satellites – each step enriching my journey as a systems engineer.
Now, as the co-lead of the Women in Aerospace Network Munich LG, I’m dedicated to create a supportive network where women can gain valuable contacts, exchange experiences, and develop the skills needed to navigate this traditionally male- dominated sector. My goal is to establish a mentorship program that bridges junior and senior members, making it easier for women to succeed by providing guidance, support, and real-world insights.
Together, we can break barriers and shape the future of aerospace.
Tejal Thakore
