MARKHAM, ONTARIO, December 28, 2019 – The Northern Lights Aero Foundation is now accepting nominations for its 12th Annual Awards Program. Each year, the national not-for-profit foundation honours outstanding Canadian women who have made a significant contribution to aviation or aerospace, and who continue to lay the ground work for other women to enter or excel in these industries.
The Northern Lights Aero Foundation’s Elsie MacGill Awards – “The Elsie” is named after aviation pioneer and human rights advocate Elsie Gregory MacGill, the world’s first female aircraft designer. MacGill graduated from the University of Toronto’s electrical engineering program in 1927 and later became pivotal in the design and production of the Hawker Hurricane in Canada during the Second World War. During her career, MacGill was appointed to the Canadian Royal Commission on the Status of Women, and was made an Officer of the Order of Canada.
The Foundation is always working on new initiatives. 2018 brought the introduction of our Northern Lights Aero Foundation Mentorship Program, sponsored by Porter Airlines while 2019 brought the introduction of The Captain Judy Cameron Air Canada Scholarship.
The 2020 recipients will be selected by a judging panel comprised of industry experts and veterans, and will be honoured at the Elsie Awards gala in the Toronto area, in September at the Sheraton Parkway Hotel and Conference Centre.
To nominate an outstanding woman, or for more information about the Northern Lights Aero Foundation and sponsorship opportunities, visit: northernlightsaerofoundation.com.
Nominations submission deadline is March 31, 2020.
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About the Northern Lights Aero Foundation
The Northern Lights Aero Foundation is a not-for-profit organization that recognizes outstanding Canadian women in aviation and aerospace. Its mission is to encourage women in Canada to succeed in careers in aviation and aerospace by: recognizing and celebrating the achievements of accomplished women; engaging in outreach, facilitating mentorship and providing scholarship opportunities. In support of the mission the Foundation inspires and encourages increased participation of women in these industries by: heightening the visibility of honourees as role models; promoting awareness of the vast opportunities in all sectors; and ensuring organizations recognize and benefit from women's diverse and untapped talents.
The Foundation’s national awards program, The Elsie, was established in 2009, and each year honours up to eight women for their contributions in specific aviation and aerospace disciplines. Award categories are: Flight Operations (civilian), Government, Business, Education, Pioneer, Engineering, and two Rising Stars.
Contact: Cathy Fraser, nominations@northernlightsaerofoundation.com
Additional information
Twitter: @NLAF09
Facebook.com/NorthernLightsAero
Instagram.com/northernlightsaero