How IPAF is championing women in powered access

When IPAF announced the WiPA initiative was looking for mentees and mentors, I took the opportunity to apply.

I had previously worked in education, so moving to a role in powered access was a big change. Understanding lots of new technical details and meeting different clients’ needs was a challenge.

There was so much for me to learn. I knew that the support from a mentor would make a huge difference for my new career path.

Go ahead and ask those ‘silly’ questions that pop up during the day. Never feel ashamed… if you don’t deal with them, they hinder your focus

Zita Forrai, Jump Lift

Tell us about your experience with your mentor.

My mentor [Oana Samoila of AlmaCrawler] has been wonderful. She is friendly but outspoken and has substantial professional experience.

She clearly understood that I was struggling with all the details I had to organise in my new role. She has offered valuable, practical advice.

For example, she suggested that I list and prioritise all my daily tasks. Her advice has really helped me to improve my organisational skills.

What have you enjoyed about the experience?

The best part is having that ‘third person’ view of everything. My mentor has a lot of personal experience, yet she was able to look at the challenges I face in my role with a fresh pair of eyes.

She has also supported my professionalism and encouraged me to not just react to the little things in my role, but to take a step back and look at the whole situation.

At times when I was struggling, I felt a bit more emotional than professional. However, Oana has wonderful soft skills and really supported me. It was great to speak with her and calmly work out the best way to overcome any challenges.

What advice would you give to future mentees?

Go ahead and ask those ‘silly’ questions that pop up during the day. Never feel ashamed because those questions are not silly – if you don’t deal with them, they linger in the air and hinder your focus.

Speaking to a mentor can help you feel more motivated and energetic, so it is beneficial for both the individual mentee as an employee, but also for their company.

What’s next for you?

I would like to take on more responsibility in my office. I am currently an office assistant, so the next step is to become an office manager.

I feel that the skills and knowledge I have gained through the mentoring scheme will support my long-term career journey.

Shaikha Mahfoudh, head of training at Dayim Training Hub, and WiPA mentee

Why did you join the WiPA initiative?

I have been involved with IPAF for about 10 years, working in the powered access industry. I am based in Saudi Arabia and so it has been difficult getting into the industry because it is very male dominated. However, I am committed to improving inclusion and diversity in powered access.

When IPAF launched WiPA, I was so excited. I have had the opportunity to learn from the experience of professional women in different regions. It has been amazing.

What have you gained from working with your mentor?

Gaining insight from an experienced professional has helped me plan how I can achieve my own career goals.

My mentor encouraged me to set out a five and 10-year plan for my career and the goals I want to achieve. She has also motivated me by sharing insight from her own career.

Seek out stories and insight from experienced women in the industry. If you build that network of women, you will feel your dreams and career goals are absolutely achievable

Shaikha Mahfoudh, Dayim Training Hub

I was a little afraid that there is a glass ceiling for women in our industry. However, she told me to change that mindset.

If you only focus on the obstacles, it is impossible to achieve your goals. Instead, it is important for me to focus on the fact that I can achieve anything I want to in this industry.

Any advice to other women at the start of their careers in the industry?

Seek out stories and insight from experienced women in the industry. If you build that network of women, you will feel that your dreams and career goals are absolutely achievable.

What are your long-term career goals?

I want to continue progressing my career and move into a more senior role. Another personal goal for me is to drive inclusion and diversity within the workplace, and hopefully inspire other women to join the powered access industry.

Romina Vanzi, head of regional development at IPAF, and WiPA mentor

Why did you become a mentor?

I decided to become a mentor because I enjoy helping people – it is almost like a hobby!

I like to give advice and help people progress their careers by pointing them in the right direction. I have 20 years of experience in this sector, so I can really support and inspire others.

What do enjoy most about being a mentor?

Being a mentor is like an exchange – you both have to give and receive. As a mentor, you give experience, but you also receive a different point of view.

My mentee [Shaikha Mahfoudh] is based in Saudi Arabia and it was very interesting to see the industry from the perspective of a woman working in that region. It was great to see how WiPA is helping to empower her.

It has also been valuable for me to have a better understanding of the different realities women experience in different parts of the world. It has been really enlightening. 

Being a mentor is like an exchange… As a mentor, you give experience, but you also receive a different point of view

Ramina Vanzi, IPAF

What advice would you give anyone who is considering becoming a mentor?

Really think about whether you are genuinely passionate about helping others. Mentoring is not just about ticking a box. You have to be present, listen, and contribute to your mentee’s journey.

You have to dedicate time to mentoring and find practical ways to help and support your mentee.

For example, one of the things I suggested was using a manifestation journal to help encourage gratitude but also to support real progress, whether that’s progress in a company or progress in life.

Often, we have a goal in mind, but we are not clear on how we are going to get there.

Nothing is going to happen if you do not express exactly what you want and how you are going to achieve it. Writing goals in a journal can help focus your efforts and is a tangible reminder of what you are working towards.

Find more information about IPAF’s WiPA initiative here.