Category: News

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.

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.

“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.

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November 26, 2020 – We discuss surviving a furlough, reconnecting with your mentor / mentee, mental health in aviation and tips for a successful scholarship application. Read the full newsletter.

MONTREAL, QUEBEC, October 19, 2020 – Air Canada is pleased to announce that the application process for the second annual Captain Judy Cameron Scholarship, established in honour of the airline’s first female pilot with the goal of helping the next generation of women follow in her trailblazing footsteps, is now open. The scholarship is awarded in conjunction with the Northern Lights Aero Foundation. Read the full press release from Air Canada here.

TORONTO, ONTARIO, September 25, 2020 – The Northern Lights Aero Foundation today announced the 2020 recipients of its annual “Elsie” award, honouring Canadian women who have made outstanding contributions to aviation and aerospace.

“Our goal is to bring more recognition to women working in the world of aviation and aerospace in Canada,” says Kathleen Lang, President of the Northern Lights Aero Foundation. “This year’s recipients are an incredible line-up of role models for the next generation of women in these industries. Due to the COVID-19 restrictions, we look forward to celebrating them in 2021.”

Named after aviation pioneer and human rights advocate Elsie Gregory MacGill, the award recognizes eight outstanding women across seven categories: business, education, engineering, flight operations, government, trailblazer, and rising star.

The 2020/2021 recipients are:

Business Award – Nancy Barber: Nancy was appointed Chief Operating Officer of Operational Industrialization, Footprint and Central Planning, for Bombardier Aviation in July 2020 and is responsible for harmonizing operational processes across all manufacturing sites. Prior to this, Nancy was COO of Final Assembly Line and Deliveries for Learjet, Challenger and Global aircraft programs in production at Bombardier’s facilities in Montreal, Toronto, and Wichita, as well as the business unit’s Procurement function. Nancy Barber joined the company in 1998. She held several key positions with increasing responsibility, including Production, Quality, Customer Delivery Centre, In-Service Supplier Management and Supply Chain. She was also instrumental in the creation of Bombardier’s Women in Leadership conference and is a mentor in the Northern Lights mentorship program.

Education Award – Jo-Anne Tabobandung: Jo-Anne is the Dean of Aviation at the First Nations Technical Institute (FNTI) on the Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory.  FNTI delivers the only Indigenous post-secondary Aviation program of its kind in Canada, serving First Nations, Metis and Inuit people from coast-coast-coast. Jo-Anne graduated from the program in 1992, and has flown for the company Charter service and held the position of Chief Flight Instructor for 14 years. As Dean of Aviation she oversees the Flight Training Unit, Academic department, and the Approved Maintenance Organization. A champion of students and the Bear clan of the Mohawk Nation, Jo-Anne ensures a cooperative, inclusive, and culturally relevant class environment and creates learning and employment opportunities by building strong partnerships throughout the aviation industry.

Engineering Award – Kathryn Atamanchuk, P.Eng., MBA, PMP, FEC: After completing a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Manitoba in 1999, Kathryn began her career at StandardAero as a T56 Service Engineer.  In her 13 years at StandardAero, Kathryn gained experience in both technical and engineering leadership roles while also completing an MBA.  For the last 8 years, Kathryn has been an Engineer-in-Residence and Industry Partnerships Facilitator for the Price Faculty of Engineering at the University of Manitoba. Kathryn is passionate about women in engineering and aerospace. In 2019, Kathryn completed a Master’s of Science in Biosystems Engineering where her research focused on understanding career persistence of women in the engineering workforce.

Flight Operations Award – Stacey Jackson: With over 20 years of experience in the aviation industry, Stacey has done mountainous, glider and medevac flying and captained a Dash-7 for the United Nations in the Middle East and Africa. She received an Honours Diploma in Aviation Flight Technology from Sault College, a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics, Summa Cum Laude, and a Master of Science in Aeronautics, specializing in human factors and aircraft accident investigation, at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Stacey is a member of the International Society of Air Safety Investigators (ISASI) and is a current aircraft accident investigator with the Air Line Pilots Association, representing the WestJet Airlines, where she operates a B737NG. She is the Canadian representative of the International Federation of Airline Pilot’s Association’s Female Pilot’s Working Group, focusing on issues that affect female airline pilots globally.

Government Award – Lieutenant Colonel Diane Baldasaro: A graduate of the Royal Military College of Canada, Diane received her pilot wings and flew the CC-130 Hercules at 435 Squadron in Winnipeg, doing Search and Rescue, Air-to-Air Refueling, and Tactical Airlift. After promotion to Aircraft Commander, she became an Instrument Check Pilot and Squadron Standards Pilot at 436 Squadron in Trenton. Following four deployments to Afghanistan, Diane advanced to Major as Squadron Aircrew Leader, oversaw the delivery of the CC-130J Hercules and initial crew training. Next, Diane was posted to 2 Canadian Forces Flying Training School as Chief Flying Instructor. Returning to Trenton, she completed the Joint Command and Staff College program, then became Deputy 8 Wing Operations Officer. Promoted to her current rank of Lt. Colonel, she was Operational Planning Team Lead for the RCAF Air Test and Evaluation Rebalance. In 2018, she became Commanding Officer of 437 Squadron, responsible for Strategic Air-to-Air Refueling and VVIP Transport for the Government of Canada in the Polaris Airbus aircraft, a highlight of her career.

Trailblazer Award – Honorary Colonel Kendra Kincade: Kendra worked as an Air Traffic Controller for nearly 20 years, until transitioning to her role as NAV Canada’s Employee Brand Specialist. She began her philanthropic journey by climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro to fundraise for the Lois Hole Hospital and then founded the non-profit, Changing Stories, undertaking projects such as building schools and playgrounds in El Salvador and Nicaragua. In 2015, Kendra founded Elevate, a non-profit devoted to helping women realize their potential, where she is currently Chair and Executive Director.  Elevate is a support network for women in aviation, with a mentorship and bursary program and the Elevate Aviation Learning Centre that inspires the pursuit of careers in the industry.  Kendra is an Honorary Colonel of the RCAF 417 Helicopter Squadron and has received numerous awards and recognition for her work inspiring women across Canada.

Rising Star Award – Maegan Extross: Maegan earned her Glider Pilot’s License and Private Pilot’s Licenses through the Air Cadet program, before graduating as a Warrant Officer Second Class in 2015. She attended the Aviation Safety Advanced Diploma Program at Seneca College, where she became the President of the Seneca Aviation Association in her first year and established a very successful annual networking event that brings together members of the industry and students. Maegan was chosen to be the Valedictorian of her class and graduated with Honours. She completed a co-op term with NAV CANADA, where she was hired full-time after her graduation in 2018. She works as a Research Analyst, providing traffic and safety analysis to support informed decision-making. Maegan also enjoys volunteering with Elevate Aviation and as the Ontario Ambassador works to coordinate events and partnerships.

Rising Star Award – Kathleen Legge: Kathleen received her wings at 17 through the Air Cadet Power Pilot Scholarship and then completed the Integrated Commercial Pilot Course, both at Moncton Flight College. Kathleen then had an exciting season flying skydivers while also working at Skylink Express as a dispatcher. She finally transitioned to a flight -line position, flying cargo on the Cessna Caravan and operating single pilot to many challenging Maritime destinations. Kathleen was later hired as a King Air 200 Captain for Maritime Air Charter, often doing the rewarding flying of organ transfer medevacs. In addition to being Assistant Chief Pilot, Company Aviation Safety Officer, and Marketing Manager, Kathleen is also the Director of Flight Operations. Kathleen also works as a contract captain for NovaJet Aviation Group based in Toronto, flying private & corporate charter on a Gulfstream Astra SP.

The 2021 gala awards dinner is scheduled for Saturday, October 16, 2021 at the Sheraton Parkway Hotel and Suites Conference Centre in Richmond Hill, Ontario.

About the Northern Lights Aero Foundation

The Northern Lights Aero Foundation “Elsie” Awards is in its twelfth year of celebrating women in Canada’s aerospace and aviation industries. Other initiatives of the Northern Lights Aero Foundation include a speakers’ bureau, mentorship program and a scholarship program.

For more information, please visit northernlightsaerofoundation.com, and follow @NorthernLightsAero on Facebook and Instagram.

Media Contact: Anna Pangrazzi

Email: sales@northernlightsaerofoundation.com

Cell: 416 399-5247

June 4, 2020, LONDON, ONTARIO — Emily Crombez (Government Award, 2018) was chosen to be on the 2020 stamp by the East Canada Section of the Ninety-Nines, an international organization of women pilots. The stamp features Crombez and the Canadian built Bombardier CL-415 water bomber. In 2014, she became the first female pilot to crew the aircraft, fighting forest fires. Read the full article from CTV News.

TORONTO, ONTARIO, May 31, 2020 – The Northern Lights Aero Foundation announced today that the 12th Annual Elsie Gala will be cancelled due to the extraordinary circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic. Cancelling this event has not been an easy decision, but we truly believe it is the wisest choice in these circumstances. The safety of our community is most important. We would like to thank our sponsors for their continued support over the years and we look forward to celebrating the 2020 winners at the 2021 Gala. We are excited to announce the 2020 Award winners this fall.

A message from former Northern Lights Aero Foundation President, Joy Parker Blackwood;

“This is and will continue to be a very difficult year for all of us in our personal and business lives. Incremental revitalization is starting, but getting back to a near-normal will unfortunately take months. The Northern Lights Aero Foundation will survive for a new and brighter day.  Recognizing and promoting women, and diversity, in the Canadian aviation and aerospace industries is an on-going need and we are here, front and centre, fulfilling this mandate. I also wish to introduce our new President, Kathleen Lang.  Kathleen has been a long-time valuable board member, who is currently employed by Bombardier. Our very best to everyone.”

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, Government, Business, Education, Pioneer, Engineering, and two Rising Stars. For more information, please visit northernlightsaerofoundation.com, and follow @NorthernLightsAero on Facebook and Instagram.

MARCH 26, 2020 – To all our valued supporters: Northern Lights Aero Foundation recognizes that this is a very trying and uncertain time for all individuals, families and businesses, as we struggle through combating the COVID-19 virus pandemic. Our board of directors is following all governmental recommendations for health and safety, and setting strategies accordingly for our current and future planning this year.

Canadians are being called upon to stay home and practice social distancing. We recognize the toll this is taking on an industry that depends on travel, but we are hopeful that acting now will limit the damage long-term. We understand that our business partners will have many challenges to regenerate their operations and financial welfare. As a result, we currently do not know if we will have the support needed to go ahead with our 12th Annual Elsie Awards gala on September 26. We hope and pray that we can, and that by then we can truly have a celebratory event, not just for the award winners, but for all of our interrupted lives.

We continue to look forward to receiving 2020 Elsie award winner candidate nominations by our deadline of March 31. Given all nominations received to date, we would love to receive more in the Government and Engineering categories.

Our planning for the gala and other outreach programs will be monitored against the changing tide of the virus outbreak. We will keep you updated. If you have questions or concerns, we can still be reached via our website, by phone or email.

Our sincerest best wishes for your health and safety,

Northern Lights Aero Foundation board of directors.

TORONTO, March 8, 2021 – The Northern Lights Aero Foundation and Air Canada are pleased to announce four 2020 Captain Judy Cameron Scholarship recipients. They are: Urooj Ali, Toronto, Ontario; Kahina Gagnon, Bromont, Quebec; Winnie Ho, Scarborough, Ontario; and Caitlyn Lam, Richmond, British Columbia; with each receiving $5,000.

Urooj, in her second year of Geography and Aviation at the University of Waterloo, is completing her Commercial Pilot License at Waterloo Wellington Flight Centre.

Kahina is beginning her multi-engine and instrument ratings, while studying Air Transport Management with the University of Quebec, Chicoutimi.

Winnie is a third year Science and Aviation student at the University of Waterloo, working towards her Commercial Pilot License at the Waterloo Wellington Flight Centre.

Caitlyn, after completing her Bachelor of Science degree, is pursuing her Commercial Pilot License in Richmond, B.C.

All four have demonstrated not only determination and excellence in their own training, but also a desire to mentor and encourage other women in aviation.

This is the second year that Air Canada has provided this scholarship, which 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.

“After such a difficult year, it is especially uplifting and encouraging to see these four young women determinedly pursuing their dreams in aviation. Their accomplishments to date are outstanding, as is their desire to inspire and assist others. Air Canada made it possible for me to experience the most amazing career in the world, and I am grateful for their encouragement of other women in their passion for aviation,” said Judy Cameron, Boeing 777 Captain at Air Canada (retired), and Director, Northern Lights Aero Foundation.

The Northern Lights Aero Foundation inspires and encourages Canadian women in aviation and aerospace with mentorship, scholarships, a speakers bureau and an annual award event.

For more information, please visit northernlightsaerofoundation.com, and follow @NorthernLightsAero on Facebook and Instagram.

March 6, 2020 – The Northern Lights Aero Foundation and Air Canada today announced four admirable winners of the inaugural Captain Judy Cameron Scholarship. The announcement coincides with Women of Aviation Worldwide Week, leading up to International Women’s Day 2020.

The scholarship was launched last September, at the Elsie MacGill Award Gala in Toronto. This national award program of the Northern Lights Aero Foundation recognizes and celebrates the achievements of accomplished women in aviation and aerospace. Other initiatives of the Northern Lights Aero Foundation include a speakers’ bureau and a mentorship program.

“We actively advance diversity through several initiatives, and we are especially thrilled to champion the next generation of women in non-traditional aviation careers by announcing the winners of the Captain Judy Cameron Scholarship, named in honour of our trailblazing, accomplished first female pilot. Our message to young women is to follow your aviation dreams and know there are rewarding careers for all qualified people,” said Calin Rovinescu, President and Chief Executive Officer at Air Canada.

“This scholarship will help other women overcome financial barriers to pursue their dreams, whether flying airplanes or fixing them. Thank you to Air Canada for making it possible for me to experience the most amazing career in the world and for encouraging other young women in their passion for aviation. I admire the determination that these four amazing young women have to pursue their flying. Their accomplishments to date are outstanding. One day, I expect to be a passenger on an Air Canada airplane and hear them make the announcement, ‘This is your Captain speaking’,” Judy Cameron said.

The winners of the inaugural Captain Judy Cameron Scholarship each receive $5,000 toward their studies in aviation.  All four are also pursuing their commercial pilot’s licence. They are:

Yasna Taieb – second year aviation student at Waterloo Wellington Flight Centre and Conestoga College, Canadian Armed Forces reservist and first-generation Afghan Canadian. Yasna is the co-chair of the Abingdon Foundation Mentorship Program, and is involved in the aviation community internationally, through the Abingdon Foundation and Women in Aviation International. She founded a Mentorship Program set to launch mid-2020 with the aim to engage, empower and educate females in all phases of life in STEM fields. Yasna is also on the Executive Team as the Social Media and Marketing Manager for the Ninety-Nines’ Waterloo on the Grand Chapter in Waterloo, ON.

Urooj Ali – studying Geography and Aviation at the University of Waterloo. Urooj joined the Royal Canadian Air Cadet program at the age of 12, successfully completed the Glider Pilot Scholarship in Quebec at the age of 16 and became the highest-ranking and sole female cadet with a pilot’s licence. Urooj was driven to start-up a program called ‘Neptune’s Young Optimists’ which allowed every child from a less fortunate community an equal chance for a successful future. The mission of her club is to provide a place where children can overcome barriers, find leadership opportunities, build positive relationships, and enhance their skills.

Rebecca Beylerian – pursuing a Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Calgary, Jazz flight attendant, volunteers with the Civil Aviation Search and Rescue Association (CASARA), Air Cadet Program, Elevate Aviation, and The Ninety-Nines. She is the President of the Alberta Rocky Mountain High Women In Aviation (WAI) Chapter in Calgary. Rebecca was also the event organizer for Girls in Aviation Day (GIAD).

Olivia White – completing a Bachelor’s degree in Aeronautics Leadership at the University of Windsor, volunteers with Air Canada Rouge for the Girls Take Flight event in Oshawa. She has been a member of the Ninety-Nines’ Waterloo on the Grand Chapter since 2017 and is involved in the Northern Lights Aero Foundation mentorship program. In the summer of 2017, Olivia was accepted into the CEO Leadership Program at Muskoka Woods. This four-week program included leadership training from international business leaders, who taught creative problem solving, communication skills, and innovative thinking.

The Captain Judy Cameron Scholarship recognizes and celebrates the achievements of accomplished women studying in aviation and aerospace. Air Canada has committed to awarding $20,000 per year for three years. It is open to young women pursuing non-traditional aviation careers as commercial pilots or aircraft maintenance engineers who may not have the financial means to do so. Applications will be accepted each year from November 1 to December 31.

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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. The nomination deadline for 2020 is March 31.

For more information, please visit northernlightsaerofoundation.com, and follow @NorthernLightsAero on Facebook and Instagram.

 About Air Canada

Air Canada is Canada’s largest domestic and international airline serving nearly 220 airports on six continents. Canada’s flag carrier is among the 20 largest airlines in the world and in 2019 served over 51 million customers. Air Canada provides scheduled passenger service directly to 62 airports in Canada, 53 in the United States and 101 in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, Australia, the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America and South America.

Air Canada has been recognized multiple years as one of Canada’s best diversity employers through its multi-pronged initiatives to foster a diverse workforce across its 37,000 employees worldwide. Approximately 16,000 are women, with women comprising 33 percent of Air Canada’s senior management decision makers. Additionally, 45 percent of the management team are women, and 45 percent of recent promotions have been to women.

February 14, 2020 – Skies Magazine recently published an interview with Joy Parker Blackwood, President of the Northern Lights Aero Foundation. She discusses the foundation, the Elsie Awards, opportunities for women in aviation and aerospace, and how you can get involved. Read the full interview.