Female Leadership business impact on space and sustainability
As the worlds of space exploration and sustainability intersect, the role of female leadership has become increasingly pivotal. This event explores how women are shaping business strategies to drive innovation, foster sustainability, and unlock new opportunities in the rapidly evolving space economy. Join us to discover how visionary female leaders are redefining the future of our planet and beyond.
Female Leadership: Business Impact on Space and Sustainability is an exclusive online discussion that highlights the pivotal role of female leaders in shaping the future of space and sustainability. In this engaging session, industry experts will explore how women are leading the charge in industry to drive sustainable solutions in space exploration, finance and technology.
Moderated by Yvonne de Ville, Chair of Finance & FinTech at IoD, this panel will delve into how business strategies are powering innovation, fostering sustainability, and creating new opportunities for growth in the space sector.
Zana S Aston, EMBA CEO and Founder of TechWomen4Boards, will share her insights in a special remark, reflecting on the importance of empowering women in leadership roles across these transformative industries.Programme:
- Panel Discussion: Business Impact of Female Leadership in Space and Sustainability
- Discussion on how women in leadership roles are shaping business strategies to support sustainability and space exploration.
- Moderated by: Yvonne De Ville, Chair of Finance and Fintech at IOD.
- Special Remarks: Zana S Aston, EMBA, CEO & Founder of TechWomen4Boards.
This event will provide a unique opportunity to gain insights from influential women shaping the future of space, sustainability, and finance, all in a live, interactive online format.
Speakers
Dr Christyl Johnson
Dr. Christyl C. Johnson is NASA Goddard’s Deputy Director for Technology and Research Investments, overseeing a $3B budget and leading cutting-edge innovations. With over 30 years of leadership, she spearheads NASA’s Tech 2040 digital transformation and fosters global partnerships. She has held pivotal roles at NASA HQ and the White House, where she restructured federal S&T priorities.
Esther van der Zee-Teeken
An accomplished and dynamic business partner and executive officer as part of management and Board with a global mindset and intercultural sensitivity who has demonstrated an ability to influence others across geographic boundaries, to drive operational excellence in a fast-paced, dynamic, sustainable and diverse environment. Esther is naturally inquisitive with a desire to resolve collaboratively a broad range of community and organisational challenges.
Prof. Emma Edhem
An Alderman in the City of London, on the Strategic Advisory Board of Space Aye, member of Open UK Space Board, Professor (ip) Durham Space Research Centre and Law Dept, Distinguished Barrister Master of the Bench Gray’s Inn, Geopolitical Barrister No 5 Chambers, member City of London Police Authority Board, Chairman TBCCI, President City Livery Club amongst others.
Shelli Brunswick
A CEO of SB Global LLC, is a trailblazer in space technology and innovation. A sought-after speaker and author, she inspires audiences on leadership and career success. Recognized by UNEP’s 100 Voices for Our Planet, Shelli’s accolades include Lifetime Achievement Awards, celebrating her efforts to bridge the space sector and broader public for a sustainable future.
Yvonne de Ville - Event Moderator
Yvonne de Ville, chair of the IoD Finance & FinTech Group, is the author of two influential books on business change management: Cracking the Change Management Code and Managing Change: The Science of Happy Endings. A recognised Business Change Expert is a prominent advocate for women in Finance and Technology.
Yvonne has over 20 years’ experience in supporting and managing international programmes and business changes/transformations within organisations such as Credit Suisse, Unilever, HSBC, Lloyds Banking Group, Barclays, Travelex, Clifford Chance, BP, Schroders, PwC.
Zana S Aston MBA
Zana S Aston, EMBA -
An award-winning tech leader specializing in AI, IoT, Cyber Security, and Digital Transformation. As CEO of Emrys – Technology & Consulting, she advises on enterprise innovations and champions women in STEM. A global speaker, angel investor, and mentor, Zana leads initiatives like TechWomen4Boards and serves on multiple advisory boards, inspiring change in technology and leadership.

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