MBEP’s Lavera Alexander named to eVTOL Insights Women in AAM report

Monterey Bay Economic Partnership Chief Growth Officer Lavera Alexander has been recognized in eVTOL Insights’ 2026 Women in AAM Special Report, which spotlights women shaping advanced air mobility. The honor underscores her role leading a $7.45 million state-funded corridor initiative tied to California’s first FAA-compliant, multi-airport flight network.

Why it matters: - The recognition puts Monterey Bay Economic Partnership and the Central Coast’s advanced air mobility work on a national industry list. - The honor highlights women leaders helping shape advanced air mobility, a sector focused on sustainable aviation and new transportation infrastructure. - Alexander’s work connects regional economic development with one of California’s most ambitious AAM infrastructure efforts.

What happened: - eVTOL Insights included Monterey Bay Economic Partnership Chief Growth Officer Lavera Alexander in its 2026 Women in AAM Special Report. - The report was published Monday, Sept. 7, and was announced publicly Sept. 9. - The annual report is in its fourth year and recognizes women across the advanced air mobility ecosystem. - Tahra Goraya, president and CEO of Monterey Bay Economic Partnership, praised Alexander’s work on the California Advanced Air Mobility Corridors Initiative.

The details: - Alexander leads the California Advanced Air Mobility Corridors Initiative, known as CAAMCI, for Monterey Bay Economic Partnership. - CAAMCI is a $7.45 million state-funded initiative. - The project aims to connect four rural Central Coast airports into California’s first FAA-compliant, multi-airport flight corridor network. - Alexander has more than two decades of leadership experience in the nonprofit sector. - eVTOL Insights says the Women in AAM Special Report is designed to recognize women from all areas of the AAM ecosystem. - The publication has highlighted female executives, entrepreneurs, vertiport designers, propulsion engineers, authors and strategists in past years. - eVTOL Insights says the initiative also emphasizes mentorship and advocacy for gender equality, diversity and inclusion. - Jason Pritchard, executive editor of eVTOL Insights, said the report recognizes women whose expertise and leadership are helping shape sustainable aviation. - eVTOL Insights describes itself as a source of news, information and analysis on eVTOL aircraft and urban air mobility markets.

Between the lines: - The recognition reflects how AAM is broadening beyond aircraft design and into infrastructure, regional planning and public-private collaboration. - Alexander’s background in community and economic development gives the project a different profile than a purely aviation-led effort. - The award also signals growing visibility for Central Coast initiatives inside a global industry still defining its operating model.

What's next: - eVTOL Insights is expected to continue its annual Women in AAM initiative each September. - CAAMCI will move forward as a state-funded effort to build out multi-airport flight corridor infrastructure in California. - Monterey Bay Economic Partnership is likely to keep positioning the corridor project as part of the region’s broader economic strategy.

The bottom line: - Alexander’s recognition ties a local infrastructure push to a larger national conversation about the future of advanced air mobility.