Board of Directors

Lynne McMullen, President

Lynne McMullen joined Chorus Aviation Inc. in January 2022. Prior to joining Chorus, Lynne held progressive leadership positions over 20 years with the Seneca School of Aviation. She was instrumental in developing training and recruitment programs with the RCAF, Jazz Aviation LP, Sunwing Airlines, and the Greater Toronto Airport Authority. Lynne has over 25 years experience as an instructor and pilot examiner. She was honoured to be the 2014 recipient of the Elsie MacGill Northern Lights Award in the Education category. Lynne enjoys working with industry through board positions with the Air Transport Association of Canada, Aviation Accreditation Board International, Northern Lights AeroFoundation, and Canadian Aviation Hall of Fame.

Anna Pangrazzi, Vice-President

As president and owner of Apex Aircraft Sales Ltd., Anna has over 25 years of experience negotiating hundreds of aircraft sales. She has been flying since 1977 and holds a multi-engine, commercial, instrument and float rating. She earned a degree in Economics from York University in 1985 and a second BA in Humanities in 2002. Anna is a member of AOPA, COPA, the International Organization of Women Pilots, The Ninety-Nines, Women in Aerospace Canada, and Women in Aviation International.

Kathleen Lang, Director

Kathleen received her private pilot’s certificate on St. Patrick’s Day in 1979. Exactly one year later she received her commercial certificate including a multi-engine instrument rating and proceeded to fly throughout North America for various individuals and corporations. During this time she also worked selling general aviation aircraft where she met and worked with the founder of NLAF, Anna Pangrazzi. In 1988, Kathleen left flying to work in the Aerospace industry to sell regional aircraft for Boeing Canada – de Havilland Division, flight training devices for Atlantis Aerospace, and commercial aircraft for Bombardier Inc. to airlines worldwide. Kathleen has also worked as Director in the Programs department at Bombardier in the development days of the C Series commercial aircraft family and as Director of Contracts for MHI RJ Aviation ULC.

Joy Parker Blackwood, Director

Joy was an owner and partner of Thoron Productions Limited and Bankten Communication Services Ltd., which produced major industrial shows and other event marketing activities throughout North America and Europe from the 1970s until 2006. Joy then started Waypointers Inc., a seniors’ downsizing and relocation service, which operated until 2021. Joy received her Private Pilot certificate in 1982 and joined The Ninety-Nines Inc. in 1983. Within the aviation industry she has served as 99s First Canadian Chapter Chair, 99s East Canada Section Governor, Director, 99s International Board of Directors, and 99s Amelia Earhart Memorial Scholarship Trust Chair. She was inducted into the International Forest of Friendship in Atchison, Kansas in 2003. In 2023, Joy received the prestigious annual 99s International Award of Achievement. Joy was 1st Vice President and Treasurer of the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI) General Aviation Commission, Director of Marketing in the Aero Club of Canada, and Vice President of the Canadian Precision Flying Association. She is an FAI International Judge. Joy is a member of many aviation-related Associations.

Cathy Fraser, Director

Cathy Fraser is a retired B-787 Captain from Air Canada. Prior to her airline career, she flew corporate, charter and cargo flights. She also worked as a flight instructor and designated flight test examiner. She has been a Ninety-Nine for 40 years and has been a past governor of the East Canada Section, as well as an Amelia Earhart scholarship recipient. Other associations include ISA and Women in Aviation. Cathy is a past organizer of the biennial Canadian Women in Aviation conference and is currently a board member of the Northern Lights Aero Foundation.

Judy Cameron, Director

Judy became the first female pilot hired by Air Canada, Canada’s largest airline, in April 1978 at the age of 23. Throughout her flying career of 40 years and over 23,000 hours, she has flown the DC-3, Twin Otter, Hawker Siddeley 748, DC-9, Lockheed 1011, Airbus 320, Boeing 767 and 777. She retired in 2015, and then fulfilled a lifelong dream by taking an aerobatics course. Judy is an inspirational speaker and has volunteered with the Canadian Women in Aviation Conference, Dreams Take Flight, and Wings of Courage. In 2015, she received the Elsie MacGill Northern Lights award in the Flight Operations category, and in 2016 was chosen by The Ninety-Nines to be on their Canadian postage stamp. Judy was honoured as a member of the Order of Canada in 2021.

Julie Beverstein, Director

Julie has been flying for 25 years. She started flying lessons at the Island Airport while at the University of Toronto doing her Bachelor of Science degree; she then went to Seneca College to do the rest of her flight training. She was a flight instructor for five years before working for Air Georgian out of Toronto Pearson. She joined Porter Airlines in 2009 and for over 10 years, worked on many company programs and initiatives, including Assistant Chief Pilot, and Recruitment and Retention. In 2019, she joined Jazz Aviation as the Chief Pilot Line Operations in Toronto and currently holds the position of Director, Flight Operations. Julie is a Captain on the Q400 and supports pilot recruitment and works towards the promotion of engaging more women in aviation. She has been a member of the NLAF board since 2018.

Piyush Gandhi, Director

Piyush is an experienced executive in the field of aviation. He is currently the Vice President, Operations and Business Development for the Presage Group Inc., consulting airlines globally using their psychological science-based analytics to provide mitigation strategies that improve the safety and performance of those organizations. Most recently, he spent 2½ years with Sunwing Airlines as Vice President Flight Operations. Along with the oversight of more than 30,000 flights per year, he maintained his flying currency as a B737 Captain. Previously, he was the Vice President Flight Operations at Porter Airlines where he was a founding team member since its inception in early 2006. Prior to that, Piyush spent 10-years with Bombardier Aerospace as their Chief Pilot & Customer Liaison Pilot.

From 2018 to 2023, Piyush was on the Board of Directors for The Redwood – a shelter for women and their children fleeing domestic abuse. Piyush founded and chaired the Y.A.Y.! (You Are You!) diversity and inclusion committee at Sunwing and he also co-founded/chaired the Women Soar at Porter program. Piyush is a member of the Flight Safety Foundation Business Advisory Committee (FSF BAC). He has also been on the Advisory Boards for Colleges, and Universities, most notably, the Seneca College Aviation PAC.

Piyush graduated the Seneca Aviation Program (Class ’93) and he completed an MBA graduate degree at the Rotman School of Business (UofT) in 2014. Piyush’s two daughters inspire him everyday to push for gender equality and inclusion.

Caroline Rose, Director

Caroline has worked as a Marketing & Communications Supervisor for a growing international airport, as well as Marketing Manager for one of the top flight schools in Canada. She currently works in Communications for a municipality. She officially joined the aviation industry in 2016 and has enjoyed every moment since. She’s worked on campaigns and events to promote careers in aviation and inspire women to consider a future in the industry, such as FlyCanada, Girls Can Fly and Aviation Fun Day. She also volunteers as a mentor and provides support and encouragement for aspiring young professionals.

Caroline has an extensive career in marketing and communications, as well as volunteerism. She worked for a marketing agency for more than 10 years and was employed in the non-profit sector for seven years. She has volunteered for more than 25 years in numerous capacities for various non-profit organizations, including aviation.

She has an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Studies & History from Wilfrid Laurier University and is a graduate of the Niagara College Public Relations program. She has been recognized for 20 years of volunteer service by the Government of Ontario, as well as other volunteer recognition awards.

Heather McGonigal, Director

Heather has been a professional pilot for over 25 years. She began her flying career as a flight instructor and progressed through various pilot positions and aircraft types for regional airlines over the years. In addition to flying, Heather has enjoyed fulfilling management roles such as Director of Flight Operations, Flight Attendant Manager, and Safety Manager, which enabled her to contribute to effective organizational change for the companies for which she worked. She was on the Air Transport Association of Canada (ATAC) Board of Directors for 9 years and was also the Chair for a term period. Heather has a passion for coaching and mentoring and often volunteers her time to promote aviation and teach classes on Canadian Aviation Regulations at local aviation colleges. In 2017, she was a recipient of the Elsie MacGill Northern Lights Award in the Flight Operations category.

Heather is the Assistant Vice-President, Stakeholder & Industry Relations at NAV CANADA. Her current role enables continued collaboration with her industry peers and supports an aligned aviation ecosystem.

Kathy Fox, Director

Kathy Fox chose air traffic control as a career, first with Transport Canada, and then with NAV CANADA where she held a number of senior management positions, including the first female Vice President Operations, from which she retired in 2007. Kathy was subsequently appointed as a Board Member of the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) and served as its Chair from 2014 to 2024.

Kathy has also been extensively involved in other aviation activities for over 50 years, including sport parachuting and commercial aviation. She holds an airline transport pilot licence, multi-IFR and Instructor Class I ratings and has flown over 5000 hours. In December 2024, Kathy was appointed Honorary Colonel of the RCAF’s 412 Transport Squadron.

Kathy was the first female and youngest President of the Canadian Sport Parachuting Association. She received the Transport Canada Aviation Safety Award in 1999. In November 2004, she was inducted into the Quebec Air and Space Hall of Fame. Kathy is also the recipient of the 2010 Elsie MacGill Northern Lights Award. In 2011, Kathy was awarded the prestigious David Charles Abramson Memorial (DCAM) Flight Instructor Safety Award, recognizing her exceptional leadership and devotion to the advancement of Canadian aviation safety. In June 2016, Kathy was inducted into Canada’s Aviation Hall of Fame, only the 10th woman to be so recognized. In 2018, she was inducted into the International Women in Aviation Pioneer Hall of Fame. Kathy was honoured as a member of the Order of Canada in 2025.

Vision

To expand opportunities and enhance the success of women in aviation and aerospace while supporting the Northern Lights Aero Foundation vision in Canada.

Mission

Our mission is to promote the growth of women in aviation and aerospace through education, advocacy, and encouragement, while creating a safe, inclusive learning environment.

The Junior Board will raise awareness of the Northern Lights Aero Foundation and further the impact of the organization.

Alivia Chanyi, President

Alivia joined Jazz Aviation as First Officer on the CRJ in August of 2023. She is an Alumni of the Conestoga College Aviation Program, where she graduated in March of 2023. Alivia found her passion for aviation after a sightseeing flight when she was 15 and began her flight training soon after.

In 2022, Alivia was the Central Canada Finalist in the Webster Memorial Trophy Competition in Kelowna, BC. This was an incredible experience for her as she developed her decision-making and piloting skills, while making new friends and industry connections.

As a first-generation female pilot, Alivia looks for ways to continue promoting women in aviation, through volunteering with organizations, such as The Ninety Nines, Women in Aviation International and Northern Lights Aero Foundation. She also volunteers with Special Olympics, Dreams Take Flight, community events with Jazz Aviation, and the Airline Pilots Association as a member of the Education Committee.

She is also pursuing an Honours BA in Humanities with Leadership Foundations through Wilfrid Laurier University part-time.

She is very proud to serve as President on the Junior Board of Directors of the Northern Lights Aero Foundation this year.

Kyra Jarvis, Vice President

Kyra Jarvis is currently a First Officer on the B737 at Sunwing Airlines. Originally from Nova Scotia, she began flight training at the Annapolis Valley Flight Training Centre, where she had the privilege of experiencing the stunning views of flying along the east coast. During their time at university, Kyra became one of the first electric plane research assistants for WISA, where they had the unique opportunity to study Canada’s first type-certified electric aircraft, the Pipistrel Velis Electro, based at the Waterloo Wellington Flight Centre (WWFC). In her final year of flight training at WWFC, she also served as the student body representative for their safety operations.

As an alumnus of the University of Waterloo’s Science and Aviation program, Kyra has had the pleasure of participating in various alumni events, mentorship programs, and women in aviation initiatives supported by the community. She has also volunteered with organizations such as the Ninety-Nines, Elevate Aviation, and Women in Aviation International. In 2023, she was honoured to receive the Captain Judy Cameron Scholarship.

Sophie Boudreau, Treasurer

Sophie is an aerospace engineering student with a strong interest in production and manufacturing. Prior to university, she completed a technical degree and has been involved in many hands-on engineering projects. Through her studies and internships at Pratt & Whitney Canada, Bell Textron, and Bombardier, she has gained valuable exposure to the industry and further confirmed her interest in pursuing a career in this field.

Committed to supporting women in a traditionally male-dominated field, Sophie is actively involved in outreach initiatives that promote the aerospace industry and encourage young women to pursue engineering. As a GeniElles Initiative Ambassador at Polytechnique Montréal, she contributes to initiatives aimed at increasing female representation in engineering. She also delivers scientific activities in primary schools through a university club, helping spark an early interest in STEM.

Sophie is excited to contribute to the Northern Lights Aero Foundation Junior Board as their new Treasurer. Outside of her professional and academic pursuits, she is an avid trail runner and enjoys maintaining an active lifestyle.

Angel Abraham, Secretary

Angel Abraham is from Stouffville, Ontario, and is presently pursuing her Multi-Engine and IFR Ratings. She has recently graduated with honors from Western University in Business Management and Organizational Studies, with a specialization in Commercial Aviation Management (CAM). During her undergraduate studies, she served as President of the Women in Aviation Chapter and as the Women in Aviation Representative on the CAM Council, leading the inaugural 2024 CYXU Girls in Aviation Day and representing her chapter on national and international levels. Additionally, she volunteered with Elevate Aviation and Women in Aviation International.

She is currently working part-time as a dispatcher at Diamond Flight Centre, where she earned her PPL and CPL. She also serves in the Royal Canadian Navy as a Naval Combat Information Operator at HMCS Prevost. Her future goals include flying medical missions in Northern Ontario and exploring deployment opportunities with the Navy as she advances in her military career.

Charlotte Thorley, Director

Charlotte is a graduate of the Geography and Aviation program at the University of Waterloo and holds an Integrated Airline Transport Pilot Licence (IATPL). She is currently working toward her Flight Instructor Rating and aspires to become a commercial airline captain.

During her time at university, she held multiple leadership roles in the University of Waterloo Aviation Society (UWAS), including Vice President Outreach. In 2024, she also spearheaded the creation of the “Women in Aviation Representative” executive position in UWAS to ensure a dedicated voice for women in the society.

Passionate about empowering others, Charlotte volunteers at aviation events, participates in mentorship programs, and speaks to high school students about pursuing careers as pilots. She has volunteered with organizations including NLAF, The Ninety-Nines, Waterloo Institute of Sustainable Aeronautics, Elevate Aviation, and Women in Aviation International. In recognition of her dedication to aviation, she received the Captain Judy Cameron Scholarship in 2023.

Charlotte is honoured to serve on the Northern Lights Aero Foundation Junior Board of Directors, where she currently co-leads the Outreach Committee.

Sayge Tremblay, Director

Sayge Tremblay holds an Airline Transport Pilots Licence and currently flies for The Northwest Company as a Captain on the Citation 560 and King Air 350. Over the past few years, Sayge has had the privilege of servicing hundreds of the most remote communities across northern Canada, Alaska and the Caribbean. She also has flight experience on the King Air 200 and Cessna Caravan. Sayge has previously worked as a medevac dispatcher for Vanguard Air Care. She completed her Glider Licence and Private Pilots Licence through the Air Cadet League of Canada.

Sayge feels passionately about promoting and supporting women in aviation and has held volunteer roles within the Ninety-Nines, Women in Aviation International, Girls in aviation, and now the Social Media Committee lead with the Northern Lights Aero Foundation. Sayge believes that it is important to give back to the community. Over the past 7 years she has been on the Manitoba Aviation Conference Committee and volunteers with the Air Cadet League of Canada. She was nominated for the Manitoba Aviation Council board, where she has served 6 years where she is the Next Gen committee lead. Sayge has been a mentor for many programs, most recently successfully mentoring 8 student pilots in successfully completing their licensing in Manitoba. She has been an insurance checkout pilot for 5 years for the Manitoba 99s. Sayge was recognized as one of the Top 20 under 40 in the Wings Magazine, July 2020. Her latest initiative is a project called Aviator Hangout which spreads awareness of aviation events,
creates opportunities, enhances leadership skills, and most importantly provides strong networks by hosting many successful sessions throughout the year.

Alexandra Patterson, Director

Alexandra is an Honours Commercial Aviation Management student at Western University, combining business studies with flight training as she works toward her Private Pilot License. With aspirations of becoming a Captain, her aviation journey began with the encouragement of her parents, who recognized her passion for flight from an early age. Alongside her studies, Alexandra works as a student ambassador for the admissions department at Western University where she supports incoming students with the transition to University life. 

She is an active member of her chapter in both Women In Aviation International and the Ninety-Nines, where she contributes as a designer for the East Canada Section Newsletter. Additionally, she is a Co-Lead of the Social Media Committee with the Northern Lights Aero Foundation. As a strong advocate for increasing the representation of women within the industry, Alexandra takes pride in her role as a Mentor both through her university and with Women in Aviation International. Through her volunteer efforts she is dedicated to supporting the next generation in navigating different aviation career paths and finds fulfillment in empowering young professionals wherever she can.

Grace Bastien, Director

Grace is currently a First Officer flying the Embraer 195 E2 at Porter Airlines. Her love for flying started at a young age while flying around in small airplanes with her father, who is also a pilot. After spending many years as a passenger in general aviation aircraft, Grace decided to pursue a career as an
airline pilot. Beginning her flight training right after high school at Seneca College, she earned her pilot’sblicenses and a Bachelor of Aviation Technology graduating in 2016. After building flying hours as a flight instructor, Grace achieved her goal of becoming an airline pilot in 2022 as a First Officer on the Dash 8 at Porter Airlines.

Grace has always been passionate about giving back to her aviation community with a particular interest in inspiring women and girls to get involved in the industry. To share this passion, Grace has volunteered at many events, participated in research studies, acted as a mentor to young female pilots,
and has appeared as a guest on the talk show Empowered with Elizabeth. Currently, Grace is the co-lead of the Speakers Bureau committee with NLAF and aspires to one day become an airline captain.

Holly Linn, Director

Holly is a commercial pilot flying a Cessna 172 for a pipeline surveillance company within Ontario and Quebec. She graduated from Toronto Airways Integrated ATPL program in November 2024 and holds two certificates for aviation from Seneca Polytechnic. Holly found her passion for aviation through her first career as a flight attendant at Air Canada Rouge.

Being from a small town, she first handily experienced a lack of promotion for aviation and STEM careers for women. This motivated her to join Northern Lights Aero Foundation as a summer student for three consecutive years to become involved with organizations that promote and support women within aviation and aerospace. Holly is also a member of the Ninety-Nines and has recently joined their Junior Board initiative. She continues to volunteer and mentor women in the beginning stages of their career.
Holly looks forward to bringing her dedication for advocation and empowerment to the Northern Lights Junior Board and is very proud to be part of something so impactful.

Simran Manocha, Director

Simran is an Aviation Risk Underwriter/Consultant with a strong passion for the Aviation Industry. Her journey began at the age of 13 when she joined the Air Cadets, setting the foundation for a career dedicated to Aviation. She went on to pursue her Science degree at the University of Waterloo with a specialized focus in Aviation. Over the years, she has gained extensive industry experience, including her time at Bombardier Aerospace, where she developed a strong technical understanding of the sector, working alongside AMEs and CAT-1 Inspectors.

Currently, Simran is pursuing her Executive MBA at the Schulich School of Business while also completing her Certified Insurance Professional (CIP) designation. She is further expanding her Aviation expertise by working toward her Private Pilot License (PPL) at Brampton Flight Centre.

Beyond her professional and academic pursuits, Simran is an avid traveler who enjoys exploring new destinations. She also prioritizes fitness, spending her free time working out, hiking, and spending time with her friends and family.

Chanelle Wilson, Director

Chanelle graduated from Mount Royal University’s Aviation Program in 2024 and is currently a First Officer with AirSprint Private Aviation. As the first female pilot in her family, her passion for aviation began at age 15 after attending a flight camp in her hometown of Vernon, British Columbia, where her first flight in a Cessna 172 inspired her to pursue a career as a pilot.

During her time at Mount Royal University, Chanelle demonstrated strong academic performance and leadership, earning the AirSprint Award at graduation. She has also been recognized as a two-time recipient of the Captain Judy Cameron Scholarship, and was awarded a scholarship from the Royal Canadian Air Force Foundation.
Chanelle is passionate about supporting and advancing women in aviation. She is actively involved with organizations such as The Ninety-Nines, Women in Aviation International, and Elevate Aviation, and regularly volunteers at aviation events including open houses, airshows, and Elevate’s national tour and annual gala. She also mentors student pilots and remains committed to giving back to the aviation community.

Now in her second year on the Junior Board of Directors with the Northern Lights Aero Foundation, Chanelle serves as Co-Lead of the Speakers Bureau, helping to connect and inspire the next generation through storytelling and outreach. She is proud to continue supporting the Foundation’s mission to advance women in aviation and aerospace.