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Women in Sustainable MOVE Night

DAY1

Co-organized by: 

Event Background and Highlights:

In recent years, the sustainable transportation sector has moved from the fringes into the heart of the global climate agenda. Aviation and shipping are among the hardest-to-abate industries: together, they contribute significant greenhouse-gas emissions, and achieving net-zero by mid-century requires disruptive change. Meanwhile, although women make up nearly 42 % of all employed in the EU’s air transport sector, they remain under-represented in leadership, technical and decision-making roles; in maritime transport, women represent less than 1.3 % of global seafarers, and are especially few in command and executive roles—with most female presence in lower-paid or less visible positions.

Against this backdrop, the “Women in Sustainable MOVE Night”, taking place on 11 March 2026, at the World Trade Centre Rotterdam, offers a powerful stage dedicated to celebrating, empowering, and propelling the careers of women in sustainable aviation fuel and shipping industries. This evening is not only about industry insights—it is about recognizing resilience, unlocking opportunity, and honouring those who have inspired peers to thrive. It is where necessity meets possibility, and where inclusion fuels momentum for change.

The night will unfold in two major sessions: the Women in Sustainable Fuels Dialogue, where established fellow professionals share insights on SAF deployment, maritime decarbonization strategies, regulation, feedstock innovation, and overcoming barriers; and the Certificate of Recognition Ceremony where we recognise distinguished women whose achievements—in leadership, technical excellence, advocacy or mentorship—have inspired others to thrive. Expect rich conversation, emotional stories, networking across sectors, and moments of celebration that highlight how far we have come—and how much farther we can go, together.

Event Agenda at A Glance:

Day 1 Night: Empowering Women Driving Sustainable Transport

18:30 - 19:00
30 mins 

Registration & Wristband Wearing

Part I – Women in Sustainable Fuels Dialogue

19:00 - 19:05

05 mins

[Opening Remarks] Welcome Address from the Organizing Committee (WiRA)

19:05 - 19:15

10 mins

[Keynote Spotlight]: Decarbonizing the Seas: Women at the Helm of Green Shipping and Future Marine Fuels

Berte Simons
Chief Operating Officer
Port of Rotterdam

19:15 - 20:05
50 mins

[Leadership Roundtable] Joint Efforts to Empower Women Leaders to Drive Decarbonization in Aviation and Shipping - Global Expertise and Investments

  • Strategic pathways for global SAF & marine fuel adoption

  • Policy alignment and international cooperation

  • Building enabling infrastructure & long-term market signals

  • The impact of senior female leadership on decarbonization

Moderator: 

Emily Sykes
Director, Energy Transition Fund
Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners

Panelist:

Zita Schellekens
SVP Sustainability, Strategy and Transformation 
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines

Maryam Telmesani
Vice President of Sustainability
Saudi Airlines

Claudia Huegel
Senior Director ESG, Head of ESG Rating & Reporting
Lufthansa Group

Rohini Sengupta
Director, Decarbonization
United Airlines (Reserved) 

Holly Boyd-Boland
Chair of Jet Zero Taskforce Expert Group; VP, Corporate Development
Virgin Atlantic

Allison Melia
Vice President for Global Enterprise Sustainability
Boeing

Stefania Lallai
Vice President Sustainability MSC Cargo Division
Mediterranean Shipping Company 

Chelsea Lamar
Vice President Global Sustainability
AIT Worldwide Logistics

20:05 - 20:35
30 mins

[Rising Voices Dialogue] Women Innovators Accelerating the Future of Sustainable Fuels

  • Breakthrough technologies & scalable sustainable fuels pathways

  • From pilots to commercial deployment

  • Financing innovation & project bankability

  • Skills, careers & opportunities for rising women leaders

Cecilia Tam
Head of Energy Investment Unit, Office of Chief Energy 
International Energy Agency

Rachel Barton
Sustainability Manager (SAF)
British Airways

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Raquel Botana
Senior ESG Manager
Ryanair

Ana Casaca
Global Director of Innovation
Galp

Sophia Haywood 
Director, EU and UK Government Affairs, Policy and Sustainability
LanzaJet 

Part II – Certificate of Recognition Ceremony: Celebrating Women Driving the Future of Sustainable MOVE

20:35 - 20:55
20 mins

Certificate of Recognition Ceremony

20:55 - 21:00
05 mins

Closing Toast & Networking
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