International women’s day: meet Chika Ubendu, marketing and communications manager at aero contractors

Today is international women’s day.

The International Women’s Day (March 8) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The campaign theme for International Women’s Day 2022, is: #BreakTheBias
In line with the international women’s day today, Mamaj Aviation blog is celebrating some leading women holding her own in the Aviation, travel and tourism industry in Nigeria, whose stories will inspire women out there…These are women who are working assiduously behind the scenes, pushing boundaries and leaving a mark!

Please introduce yourself, your name, where are you from. 

I am Chika Ubendu, from Abia state Nigeria.

Give us a brief career history. What schools did you attend?

I attended the University of Port Harcourt, Lagos State University and University of Lagos where I acquired my first degree in Sociology and two Masters’ degrees in Public administration and Sociology. My career path has been multy faceted as I have worked in advertising and communications, aviation, banking and back to aviation.

How many years have you spent in the Aviation industry?

I have spent almost 20yrs in aviation traversing cabin services, ticketing and reservation and currently in marketing and communications.

What is your lowest moment in your Career history?

I had quite some low moments in the financial sector.

What is your most memorable moment?

During my days as a cabin crew, we had flown a group of women missionaries to Banjul, The Gambia, and one of them had some issues which I assisted her with. She was so happy that she spent time praying for me after the service and gave me a token (1c as a keepsake).

Your role, no doubt, is very strategic and quite demanding. what strategy have you adopted to help you cope with the demands of your role and take the right business decisions?

I plan ahead of each day. Usually I plan my new day from the previous day such that the major brain assignments are scheduled for the morning hours. Being a morning person, I ensure to resume quite early starting early before I burn out.

What challenges have you encountered on the job and on your journey to the top, especially as a female?

It is quite challenging as a woman because your works/efforts are hardly acknowledged. Indeed there is usually the tendency for you to be written off even before you are given the opportunity to try.

How have you been able to balance work life and family?

I concentrate on my work totally when at work and devote time to my family when at home.

With reference to this year’s campaign theme, what is your opinion about bias at the workplace against women? How can we change the narrative?

Women should endeavour to present themselves at every available opportunity to serve. Women should also learn to support women and project one another.

What advice do you have for the aspiring young women out there who may want to tow your line of profession?

Learn to enjoy your work and give it your best bearing in mind that learning and knowing you audience through time makes you a better communicator.

Where do you see yourself in the next few years?

Consulting in marketing and communications