Allison Losada

I've always been a perfectionist ever since elementary school. I was a straight-A student. My parents instilled that in me - they wanted me to always work hard and to do my best. I competitively danced all growing up, and the second I turned 14, I got my worker's permit and they had me get a job. I worked part-time as a dance teacher and at a hotel reservations office all through high school. They kind of have always kept me very busy, and I never stopped. That's how I've always been.

The best career advice I’ve received came from my mom: sometimes you have to take a job you didn’t plan on in order to get to the one you’re meant for. She reminded me not to be afraid of taking risks, trying something new, or stepping into opportunities that don’t look perfect on paper. Growth doesn’t always follow a straight path, and saying yes to the unexpected can open doors you didn’t even know existed. Looking back, that mindset has shaped my career — and ultimately led me exactly where I was supposed to be.

The advice I would give to other women is simple: don’t be afraid to apply for something, even if you don’t check every single box. When I applied for my role in aviation, I had zero aviation experience — none. What I did have was project management experience and a strong science background, and instead of disqualifying myself, I decided to go for it. I prepared thoroughly, researched the company, walked into my interviews confident and ready, and after two rounds, I got the job. You truly never know what can happen until you try — and sometimes you might be exactly what they’re looking for, even if they don’t realize it yet.

One of the biggest challenges in the aviation chemicals space is how complex and highly regulated the sales process is. Airlines operate on strict contract cycles, departments often function independently, and products must pass rigorous OEM approvals like Boeing and Airbus — sometimes even military specifications — before they can be considered, and if a product isn’t written into an airline’s manual, gaining approval can be a lengthy, engineering-driven process. That said, there’s significant opportunity for companies with the time, technical knowledge, and persistence to navigate the approvals landscape, because while the barrier to entry is high, competition in this niche market is relatively limited.

The values that matter most to me — both professionally and personally — are integrity, growth, and balance. I take a lot of pride in doing meaningful, high-quality work and making a real difference in my workplace, whether that’s improving systems, launching products, or supporting my team. At the same time, I’m a mom to two young boys, ages five and one, and being present for them, making memories, and building a strong family foundation is just as important to me as any professional achievement.