After more than twenty years in academia where she taught , consulted , and researched aviation and aerospace business , she was approached with an offer that would take her on yet another journey . She joined The Boeing Company in 2006 and left the U . K . for the U . S ., and academia for corporate America .
Fariba led the marketing team for the Boeing Commercial Airplane division for over a decade . She was then asked to take on the role of corporate vice president , leading the launch and execution of the Customer Talent and Leadership Development organization for the corporation . Her leadership and impact on the global aviation industry has won her several awards from inside and outside the company .
Fariba represents the aspirations of many young women — overcoming some of life ’ s toughest challenges , and in turn achieving a gratifying career . It is the retelling of her story that , over the years , has inspired many young women to see their diversity as an asset and not a liability . She shares this belief passionately in her Tedx Talk , “ The Power of Diversity ” https :// www . youtube . com / watch ? v = 1iji7Zt-1c4 .
Although Fariba retired from Boeing in 2019 , her work in the industry was far from over . She became a freelance consultant focusing on aerospace , leadership skills and DEI ( diversity , equity , inclusion ) issues . Fariba currently consults for several consulting companies including Seattle-based OLI Global ( olicomms . com ), a strategic branding , communications , and marketing firm with deep roots in the Pacific Northwest aerospace and space OEM and supply chain .
When it comes to DEI she states , “ Recently , the aerospace industry experienced one of the most challenging periods in its history . Stakeholders are expected to come up with new ideas in order to safely serve their customers , keep their employees engaged and avoid being disrupted by competition from other industries . Meeting these challenges requires people with very different backgrounds and experiences to work together to come out with innovative ideas and business solutions .”
Fariba ’ s dedication to DEI is not just personal , it is based in research . Numerous studies have produced evidence highlighting the importance of diversity , especially gender diversity , on organizational performance and effectiveness . Even with this evidence , there are still barriers in the workplace for women .
INNOVATIVE | TRUSTED | COLLABORATIVE
Collaboration fuels the growth of our aerospace industry . Crane Aerospace & Electronics is proud to join the Pacific Northwest Aerospace Alliance in strengthening our industry , shaping its future and positively impacting our Northwest communities .
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FEBRUARY | MARCH 2021 ISSUE NO . 25 59