Women in A/AA Brisbane Summit 2026

Join Women in Aviation/Aerospace Australia for a full-day Summit, Wednesday, 24 June at The Rose Room, Cloudland.

Women in A/AA has proudly delivered Summits across Australia for more than 10 years, bringing together leaders and change-makers across the aviation, aerospace, and space sectors to discuss the challenges and opportunities for the industry. We invite you to join us and bring your team to broaden your network, and take meaningful insights and key learnings back to your organisation.

The WA/AA Brisbane Summit 2026 will bring together aviation and aerospace professionals to address the industry's progress in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Moving beyond discussions, this Summit will focus on real actions and tangible strategies that organisations can implement to foster a more inclusive industry. Through expert panels, case studies, and interactive sessions, attendees will explore how to transition from commitment to execution, ensuring lasting change in workplace culture, leadership, and workforce development.

Program below.

SPEAKERS BIOGRAPHY

Lisa Burquest, Chief People Officer, Virgin Australia

Lisa has over 27 years’ senior experience as a people and culture specialist working for significant ASX and private companies including BHP, Origin Energy, Jetstar/Qantas Airlines, The a2 Milk Company and currently, Virgin Australia. Lisa is Virgin Australia’s Chief People Officer and has helped navigate the airline’s 7,500 strong workforce through the significant impacts of COVID-19 as well as Virgin Australia’s transformation after relaunching under new ownership in November 2020.
Lisa is equipped with strong practical expertise in developing and executing successful people and culture strategies in fast paced environments undergoing significant transformation and growth. With experience across a variety of geographies, particularly Asia, Lisa thrives in a dynamic, complex and fast paced working world.

Laura Bos, Board Director, Small Steps 4 Hannah Foundation

Laura Bos is a Board Director of the Small Steps 4 Hannah Foundation, an organisation dedicated to ending coercive control and domestic and family violence through education, awareness, prevention and cultural change.
As a founding Board Director, Laura has been closely involved in the Foundation’s growth and its mission to honour Hannah Clarke and her children, Aaliyah, Laianah and Trey, by helping communities recognise the signs of coercive control and create safer pathways for women and children.
Laura brings more than 30 years’ experience across executive leadership, governance, government relations, communications, membership organisations and social impact. She is passionate about using leadership platforms to create meaningful change, particularly where stronger systems, better education and courageous conversations can help protect and empower vulnerable people.
Laura speaks with both professional insight and personal conviction, drawing on her experience in governance, advocacy and community leadership to explore how workplaces, organisations and communities can better understand domestic and family violence, believe women, and build the structures of support that help them leave safely.

Courtney Derrick-Kirby, Flight Training Device Compliance Manager and Safety Training Specialist, Toll Aviation  

Courtney began her Aviation journey in 2013, going on to become a Commercial helicopter pilot however, the universe had other plans, her inquisitive nature led her to explore Aviation Safety and Compliance. Through working in the Quality and Safety Space since 2018, Courtney has had the opportunity to explore and advance in the Simulator world, which challenged her technical skills and knowledge. 

Courtney has had the privilege of working alongside the World Food Programme (WFP) as a contracted service provider in Africa supporting humanitarian aid as an Aviation Safety and Quality Manager. She now works for Toll Aviation, Australia’s leading aviation service provider for aeromedical transport, operating state-of-the-art helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft and uncrewed aerial systems who deliver critical care solutions to communities across Australia.

Courtney is also a certified Master Business and Life Coach . Courtney started her own Motivational Speaking Company in 2017 and has dedicated her careers work to empowering Aviators across the industry. A daughter, wife and proud mother to three busy little girls. 

Shannon O'Hara, Director Aviation/Aerospace Australia and Senior Legal Counsel QBE

Shannon O’Hara is the Senior Legal Counsel to the Aviation Team at QBE Insurance Australia Pacific (QBE). In this role she partners with the aviation underwriting, industry development and aviation claims teams to efficiently assess and provide legal guidance on underwriting risk exposures, aviation litigation and claims strategies and general insurance law matters affecting the aviation business.  In addition, Shannon actively supports QBE’s Aviation’s industry development team to promote and develop aviation safety, industry growth and thought leadership and has been instrumental in the drafting and preparation of multiple submissions to the Federal Government on a range of proposed aviation industry changes and developments.  

Prior to joining QBE Insurance in February 2019, Shannon worked in private legal practice for 14 years specialising in Australian and international aviation law with a particular focus on aviation insurance and litigation. Shannon has managed commercial and litigated disputes across Australia, the United States of America, Papua New Guinea, the United Kingdom, Fiji, and the Pacific Islands with particular experience in managing major aviation losses and personal injury claims for aviation operators in Papua New Guinea.  

Alana McKenna, Senior Underwriter at QBE Insurance

Alana McKenna is an experienced and accomplished professional in the aviation and insurance industries, currently serving as a Senior Underwriter at QBE Insurance, covering the Asia and the Pacific regions.

With a career spanning over a decade, leading Maintenance Repair Organisations, Alana continues to be a trailblazer in the aviation industry, advocating for diversity, and innovation, to support future leaders and attract new talent to the industry.

With a strong background in risk management and aviation, she plays a crucial role in assessing and underwriting policies within the aviation sector. Alana's expertise and strategic insight ensure that QBE delivers tailored solutions to clients across the industry, helping them navigate complex risks with confidence.