March 9, 2022, Toronto, ON - This is the third year that Air Canada has funded this scholarship, administered by the Northern Lights Aero Foundation. The Captain Judy Cameron Scholarship targets women who are Canadian citizens and who are enrolled in a fixed wing aviation flight program at a college, university, or flight school, or an aircraft repair and maintenance program anywhere in Canada.
“As we continue to cope with difficult times, it is particularly gratifying to see so many talented and determined young women, single-mindedly pursuing their careers in aviation. What makes these four exceptional is their willingness and enthusiasm to be role models and mentors to encourage other women in their aviation journey. Thanks to Air Canada for their continuing commitment to gender equity, diversity and inclusion.” said Judy Cameron, retired Boeing 777 Captain, Air Canada and Director, Northern Lights Aero Foundation.
The Northern Lights Aero Foundation inspires and celebrates Canadian women in aviation and aerospace with mentorship, scholarships, a speaker!s bureau, and junior board, along with an annual award event.
Tanisha Galway
Tanisha is a second year student in the Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Program at College of the North Atlantic in Gander, Newfoundland. Very active in the student community, she is President of the Student Council, a member of the Sexual Harassment Policy Committee, Student Union Representative for her college for the Canadian Federation of Students Provincial Executive and the Students with Disabilities Representative for the Canadian Federation of Students. Tanisha says “I am a strong believer in fighting adversity and advocating for change. I can advocate for those needing help finding their voice and those that just need help projecting it. As women we stand together, we stand as one”.
Winnie Ho
Winnie is completing her Group 1 Multi IFR Rating at the Waterloo Wellington Flight Centre, while in her final year of the Science and Aviation Program at the University of Waterloo, Ontario. She is a Teaching Assistant for an introduction to aviation course at the University and a member of the Northern Lights Junior Board of Directors, taking leadership to inspire, empower, and encourage women in aviation and aerospace. Her immediate goal is “to instruct for a couple of years to give wings, share my knowledge and skills, and be a mentor for future pilots”. Ultimately, she would like to an Air Canada 787 or 777 Captain. Winnie says “It is so important to me that I am able to inspire and mentor the next generation of aviators and women considering careers in aviation.”
Alissa Stirling
Alissa is in her final year of the Commercial Aviation Program at Mount Royal University in Calgary, Alberta. Working as an Air Canada flight attendant sparked her interest to pursue a career as a pilot and she completed her Private Pilot License in just three months to secure her entrance to her program. Alissa is President of the Aviation Student Executive, on the Safety Management System Committee, and a member of the Alberta 99’s, the BC Aviation Council and the Alberta Aviation Council. Alissa says “I have enjoyed every step of the way in my journey throughout the aviation industry so far. I intend to use every resource available to me to achieve my immediate 5-year goal of being hired at Air Canada Jazz and future 10-year goal of working for Air Canada Mainline.“
Madelaine Ungarain
Madelaine recently completed her flight Instructor training at Principal Air in Abbotstford, B.C. and is now working on her multi-engine Instrument rating. She is an active member of the Ninety-Nines where she volunteers as news coordinator and has created an international FAQ document for new members. As a single mother of twin boys, she has had to overcome significant obstacles but has never given up on her ambition to complete her goals. Madelaine plans to work as a multi-engine IFR instructor, sharing her expertise with others and promoting women in aviation. She says “my goal is to encourage those who want to make their dream a reality and show them that with enough determination and effort, anything is possible”.