Let’s start with your story. Where did you grow up, and how did your upbringing shape who you are today?
Born in Kabul, Afghanistan, I arrived in the Netherlands at the age of seven after spending four years in Pakistan. My family came as asylum seekers, and that journey shaped my early understanding of resilience, adaptation, and hope.
I was raised by my strong and independent mother, together with my four sisters and younger brother. We lost our father when I was about three years old. It was not the place I lived that defined me, but the values instilled by my family and the meaningful connections I built along the way. Friends and mentors who remained in my life taught me the importance of support, growth, and self-belief. I carry their lessons with me every day and am deeply grateful for their presence.
Over time, I have learned to become an example to myself. I have learned to value who I am, to process the emotional impact of my journey, and to challenge myself to grow both personally and professionally. Contributing to border policy, including discussions around asylum and migration, has brought emotional complexity, given my own background. While I approach my work with clarity and professionalism, I also recognize the personal weight these topics carry.
In my career, I have often found myself in spaces where diverse perspectives were underrepresented. These experiences have strengthened my belief in the importance of authenticity, inclusion, and equity. Staying true to my values and lived experiences has helped me navigate challenges with clarity and purpose.
Every experience has carried a lesson. I am thankful for each one, as they have shaped me into the person I am today.
What drew you to aviation? Was there a particular moment or influence that sparked your interest in the industry?
After a few months in the asylum seeker centre, we received the keys to our first home in the Netherlands. It was located near the flight path of Schiphol Airport, and I often saw planes passing overhead. I remember looking up one day, genuinely curious about how something so enormous could stay in the air. That moment sparked something in me, a fascination that quickly grew into a passion. From then on, I wanted to understand everything about aviation and dreamed of one day flying an aircraft myself. That was the beginning of my journey into the world of aviation.
Have you had your “I made it” moment yet? If so, can you tell us what it looked or felt like?
Yes, absolutely!! I always dreamed of becoming a pilot, but at the time, it was impossible to secure a loan to finance the training. I went through several pilot selection processes and passed them, but my dream was held back by financial limitations.
Instead of giving up, I chose a different path. I completed my master’s degree in Airport Planning and Management and accepted a job offer at VistaJet in Malta. I worked in shifts and decided to invest my earnings in obtaining my Private Pilot License. During that time, I discovered many fascinating aspects of aviation and realized that being a pilot alone would not fully satisfy me.
I still remember the moment my instructor stepped out of the aircraft and said, “Go ahead, you’re ready for your first solo flight.” That was my moment, the feeling of “I made it.” As I continued to invest in my development, I began to recognize that I had experienced many moments like that. Back then, flying defined success for me. But over time, I came to understand that success is made up of many small milestones.
Today, I can proudly say that I am in a place where I celebrate those moments more consciously. Each step forward, each challenge overcome, is a moment of “I made it.” I believe it is part of everyone’s journey to discover that every phase of life holds its own achievement. And I truly hope that this realization comes early, so we can enjoy life more fully.
Who is a woman in leadership who’s had a meaningful impact on you, and why?
One woman in leadership who has had a meaningful impact on me is my mother. While she may not hold a formal leadership title in a professional setting, she embodies every quality I associate with true leadership: resilience, vision, compassion, and strength. After the loss of my father when I was very young, she raised five children on her own, navigating displacement, uncertainty, and the challenges of starting over in a new country. Her ability to lead our family through those transitions with dignity and determination laid the foundation for how I understand leadership today.
She taught me that leadership is not just about decision-making or authority, but about showing up consistently, creating safety for others, and making space for growth even in the most difficult circumstances. Her example continues to guide me in my professional life, especially in moments where I need to balance empathy with responsibility, or when I’m faced with complex decisions that require both courage and care.
Her impact is lasting because it shaped not only how I lead, but why I lead, to create opportunities, to protect what matters, and to help others find strength in themselves.
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?
One piece of advice I would offer to women navigating the balance between work, personal life, and building a successful career in a complex industry like aviation is to embrace your journey as uniquely yours. There is no single blueprint for success, and that’s especially true in industries that are evolving to become more inclusive and representative.
Give yourself permission to grow at your own pace. Prioritize your wellbeing, and don’t hesitate to ask for support, whether that’s mentorship, flexibility, or simply space to reflect. Your lived experiences, perspectives, and values are not just valid; they are essential to shaping the future of aviation.
Success is not only measured by titles or milestones, but also by how aligned you feel with your purpose and how authentically you show up in your work. Trust that your presence matters and that your contributions are paving the way for others. Celebrate your progress, even the quiet wins, and remember that balance doesn’t mean perfection, it means making choices that honor both your ambition and your humanity.
What is your most unforgettable experience in the aviation sector, whether positive or negative?
The most unforgettable part of my aviation journey has been the people, mentors, and colleagues who helped me see that change begins with believing your presence matters and having the courage to speak up when it counts.
Throughout my career, I’ve encountered moments that made me reflect deeply on the structures and culture within aviation. These experiences inspired me to co-found Aviation for All. Not to simply be a role model for the next generation, but to actively contribute to creating an environment where future professionals can focus on aviation itself, where they are engaged by the complexity and innovation of the field, rather than distracted or burdened by societal barriers.
What changes would you like to see in today’s aviation or in its future?
I believe the future of aviation should be shaped by inclusive leadership, equitable access to opportunities, and a culture that embraces different perspectives as a source of innovation. We need to move beyond symbolic gestures and focus on structural changes, from how talent is recruited and developed, to how policies and practices are designed to support belonging and wellbeing.
Additionally, I hope to see more emphasis on purpose-driven careers in aviation. The next generation should be challenged by the complexity and excitement of aviation itself, not by societal barriers. Creating space for meaningful dialogue, mentorship, and collaboration will be key to building a future where everyone can thrive and contribute fully.
We’d like to thank Nargis for sharing her story. She is a successful and inspiring leader in aviation. You can follow her on LinkedIn.