Nöbetçi Eczaneler
Let’s start with your story. Where did you grow up, and how did your upbringing shape who you are today?
I was born and raised in Naples, a city as fascinating as it is complex. Growing up there taught me to appreciate beauty and kindness, but also to face challenges head-on. The daily struggles I experienced made me stronger and showed me the importance of never giving up. That’s why today I consider myself resilient, with a natural ability to solve problems, and I always try to bring lightness and positivity, even in the heaviest moments.
What drew you to aviation? Was there a particular moment or influence that sparked your interest in the industry?
I was drawn to aviation because I’ve always been curious and fascinated by understanding how physical phenomena work. This led me to develop a passion for physics in high school, although I found it a little too theoretical. That’s why I decided to pursue engineering at university. At the same time, I’ve always loved the feeling of freedom that comes with flying, which is why I chose Aerospace Engineering, both out of passion and as a personal challenge.
Have you had your “I made it” moment yet? If so, can you tell us what it looked or felt like?
I look forward to the day I can proudly say, “I made it at UrbanV.” Together with our incredible team, we are contributing to the development of Advanced Air Mobility, which I see as the most significant milestone in my career so far. Working at UrbanV is particularly exciting because the company is one of the few in the world entirely dedicated to enabling the ecosystem for advanced air mobility, designing, developing, and managing vertiports to connect cities in a faster, more sustainable, and safer way. Being part of this mission makes every step of my journey feel meaningful.
Who is a woman in leadership who’s had a meaningful impact on you, and why?
This question is often answered with the names of famous women, entrepreneurs, or scientists who have achieved international recognition. But for me, the woman who most influenced my career was a colleague. She held coordination and leadership roles before me and was a source of inspiration because she always remained humble, positive, and encouraging, even in the most challenging moments. Her optimistic, proactive attitude focused on “getting things done” made a real difference. Later on, when we worked together in managerial roles, she continued to support me with that same spirit.
What’s one piece of advice or motivation you would give to women who are balancing work, personal life, and striving to build a successful career, especially in a challenging industry like aviation?
My advice to women entering the aviation world is this: precision, reliability, and the ability to perform under pressure are essential to ensuring safety. But as women, we bring unique strengths, like our natural ability to manage multiple tasks at once. Never give up on your passions or your personal life. Everything that broadens your horizons, enriches your perspective, and nurtures your spirit ultimately becomes an asset in this profession. And at UrbanV, I see this every day: diversity of backgrounds, skills, and perspectives is what allows us to innovate and push boundaries in such a young and ambitious industry.
What is your most unforgettable experience in the aviation sector, whether positive or negative?
The experience I hold dearest is my Master’s program in Civil Aviation Management, where I had the chance to engage with leading professionals across all areas of aviation. As part of that journey, I had the honor of completing an internship at ENAC, the Italian Civil Aviation Authority, contributing to a significant certification activity. At the very start of my career, that opportunity had a profoundly positive impact on my professional growth. Today, with UrbanV, I feel I am closing the circle, bringing together technical expertise, regulatory knowledge, and the drive to make aviation a key part of tomorrow’s sustainable cities.
What changes would you like to see in today’s aviation or in its future?
Aviation is entering a period of major change and innovation, driven by advanced digital technologies and the rise of drones and Advanced Air Mobility. This evolution will demand adaptability and flexibility, while always keeping safety as the top priority. On the one hand, this represents a key challenge, but on the other, it’s also an extraordinary opportunity for growth. With UrbanV, I’m proud to contribute to this transformation. Our mission is not only to enable a new way of moving people and goods through the skies, but also to do so sustainably, creating value for communities, improving the quality of life in cities, and making aviation a driver of environmental and social progress.
Our sincere thanks to Marika Lombardi and UrbanV for sharing her journey and insights with us.
We encourage you to follow Marika Lombardi on LinkedIn to stay updated on Advanced Air Mobility developments in Italy.