by Jen Mallia
Last updated: 10:20 AM ET, Tue June 3, 2025
The 2025 IATA Diversity and Inclusion Awards were presented during the World Air Transport Summit (WATS), which followed the 81st IATA Annual General Meeting in New Delhi, India.
Among the three recipients was Air Canada, which was recognized for its Diversity and Inclusion team. The other two were individuals: Inspirational Role Model: Claudia Zapata-Cardone, President of the Latin Professionals in Aerospace (LPA) who was recognized as an Inspirational Role Model and High Flyer award winner, Katherine Moloney, Founder of Elevate (her) Aviation.
“As we mark the seventh year of the IATA Diversity and Inclusion Awards, they continue to play a pivotal role in making aviation a more inclusive and representative industry that supports innovation, enhances decision making, and strengthens customer engagement. These awards highlight how inclusion is not just the right thing to do—it’s also a strategic advantage. I commend all the nominees, and especially the winners,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.
“Diversity and inclusion is strategic for aviation as the industry’s growth is contingent upon attracting a strong talent pool with a wide variety of skills. Congratulations go to this year’s awardees who have all excelled at creating the potential for any individual to have a great career in aviation—an industry that is a powerful force for social and economic prosperity. Their achievements are examples for others to follow,” said Karen Walker, Editor-in-Chief, Air Transport World and Chair of the judging panel.
IATA highlighted Air Canada’s work with historically disadvantaged groups, saying “Through their CARE model—Community Outreach, Accountability, Representation, and Engagement & Belonging—Air Canada is setting a new standard for what inclusive aviation looks like. Their AC Spark (aimed at 5–17-year-olds) and AC Take Off (which targets 17-25 year-olds) programs are reaching underrepresented youth across Canada, providing mentorship, scholarships, and a pathway into aviation careers — benefiting individuals, communities, the company, and the broader industry.
The winners each take home a prize of $25,000.
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