Category: News

2 August 2022, Toronto, ON – Tickets go on sale today for the Northern Lights Aero Foundation’s 13th annual Elsie MacGill Award Gala on October 22, 2022. The event will be in-person at Sheraton Parkway Toronto North Hotel and Suites in Richmond Hill.

“It’s been a tough couple of years for the industry and we’re very much looking forward to celebrating these eight deserving women in aviation and aerospace,” commented Kathleen Lang, President of Northern Lights Aero Foundation. “Plans are in the works for a bigger event this year and we look forward to seeing industry leaders, aviation students, and partners for an enjoyable evening.”

Early bird tickets are $150/person until August 31, then $170/person afterward. Student tickets are also available for $95/person. Visit tickets.northernlightsaerofoundation.com to purchase. Corporate tables and sponsorship also available on the website. Contact info@northernlightsaerofoundation.com for more information.

The 2022 award recipients are:

Business Award – Arielle Meloul-Wechsler, Air Canada Executive Vice President

Education Award – Stéphanie Angrand, instructor, Canadian Forces leadership school

Engineering Award – Damineh Akhavan, CEO of Global Women in STEM

Flight Operations Award – Kim Winsor, Air Canada training Captain

Government Award – Gisele Garceau, professional engineer and commercial pilot

Trailblazer Award – Marlene Shillingford, Chief Warrant Officer, 2 Canadian Air Division

Rising Star Award – Donya Naz Divsalar, CEO Caidin Biotechnologies

Rising Star Award – Zainab Azim,future astronaut Virgin Atlantic

Visit the website (link: https://northernlightsaerofoundation.com/wall-of-fame/) for full 2022 recipient bios.

About Northern Lights Aero Foundation

NLAF is a not for profit organization that inspires and encourages Canadian women in aviation and aerospace with mentorship, scholarships, a speaker’s bureau and the annual Elsie MacGill Awards gala.

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

TORONTO, 3 June 2022 – The Northern Lights Aero Foundation (NLAF) announced the 2022 recipients of its annual Elsie MacGill awards, which honour Canadian women who have made outstanding contributions in aviation and aerospace.

“We’re thrilled to be honouring these eight women in aviation and aerospace this year,” commented Kathleen Lang, President of the Northern Lights Aero Foundation. “Once again, we received many deserving nominations, indicating the number and calibre of women working in this industry in Canada.”

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

The 2022 recipients are:

Business Award – Arielle Meloul-Wechsler

Arielle Meloul-Wechsler is Air Canada’s Executive Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer and Public Affairs, and has been a member of Air Canada’s Executive team since 2013. She has oversight for all human resources and culture change initiatives across the company, labour relations, labour and litigation legal services, customer service training, as well as internal and external communications, government relations and community investments to support Air Canada’s goal of becoming a Global Champion. Under Arielle’s leadership, Air Canada has been named for multiple consecutive years, one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers, one of Montreal’s Top Employers, one of Canada’s Top Diversity Employers, in addition to being recognized as one of the Top 10 Most Admired Corporate Cultures in Canada. Arielle also has oversight for both the Air Canada Foundation as well as Air Canada’s CSR Reporting. Arielle was elected President of Airline People Directors’ Council (APDC), an exclusive global Airline HR Leaders’ Network, in March 2017. She was recognized by the Women’s Executive Network in 2019 as of one Canada’s 100 Most Powerful Women in Business in the Corporate Executive category. She is a Member of the Conseil du Patronat, and she also serves on the Board of Directors of the Air Canada Foundation; the National Airlines Council of Canada (NACC), the Canadian American Business Council, and Element Fleet Management Corp.

Education Award – Stéphanie Angrand

Currently an instructor at the Canadian Forces leadership and recruit school in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Québec, Stéphanie teaches basic training to all new recruits joining the Canadian Armed Forces. Stephanie joined the Canadian Forces in 2006 as an aircraft maintenance engineer. Her first posting was on the CF-18 jets in Cold Lake, Alberta where she worked as an engine technician. She got to travel all over with the jets and feel the power of afterburners with her bare hands. In 2013, she moved on to the civilian world of CRJs 700-900-1000 with Bombardier in Mirabel, Québec. She witnessed the C-series first flight ever and also did some contracting work for Skyservice in Montréal. In 2015, back with the military, Stéphanie started to work on the CH-146 Griffon helicopters (bell 412) in Saint-Hubert, Montréal. She taught the maintenance type course for three years, which sparked her passion for teaching and mentoring. She continues to teach, mentor, encourage, highlight and help women find their voice and place in this industry. With Alisha Sohpaul, she co-founded Hangar Queens, a corporation soon to become a non-profit. Through instructional capsules, workshops, calls, and social media, she wants to help women thrive and grow in numbers, and turn this 2% of women AMEs into much more.

Engineering Award – Damineh Akhavan, P.Eng., MBA

Damineh Akhavan is a Senior Engineer with more than 17 years of experience in the aerospace industry. Moreover, she is a Founder and CEO of Global Women in STEM Inc. promoting equality for women and equity-deserving groups and challenging the status quo in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) through education, advocacy, and action. Damineh holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering, a Bachelor of Science in Physics, and an MBA in International Business from the University of Victoria. She has been an advocate for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) for women in STEM, and a champion for women in engineering, a passion that has grown over the years, especially after becoming a mother. Damineh’s true calling and lifelong goal is to serve her community with long-lasting and sustainable global impact. She’s been involved with local, provincial, federal, and global organizations in mentorship, youth outreach, advocacy, justice, and EDI initiatives for nearly two decades. She has been an active member, contributor, and collaborator with many diverse organizations serving local (University of Victoria, HR MacMillan Space Centre), provincial (Engineers and Geoscientists BC), national (Women in Aerospace Canada, Engineers Canada, Canada Beijing +25 Network, Society for Canadian Women in Science and Technology, Institute for Change Leaders), and global (Engineers Without Borders, NGO CSW/NY) communities.

Flight Operations Award – Kim Winsor

Kim is a third-generation pilot in the Winsor family from St. John’s, Newfoundland. She began her aviation career nearly 30 years ago with Provincial Airlines, initially as a flight instructor before moving on to the airline’s passenger division flying the Metroliners and Saab 340s. Before joining Air Canada in 2007 she also flew for CanJet Airlines in Halifax and Sunwing Airlines in Toronto flying throughout North America and Europe.Kim is currently a training captain on the Boeing 737Max. She has also flown the Embraer 190, Airbus 320. Additionally, for the past 12 years Kim has been involved in the training department as a simulator instructor. Her love for flying and aviation continues outside her job. Kim has flown gliders and vintage tail wheel aircraft. In her spare time, she also enjoys sailing and horseback riding. Kim has been actively involved with The Ninety Nines since 1995 and is the Governor for the East Canada Section. She is also a member of Women in Aviation International and The International Society of Women Airline Pilots. Kim enjoys mentoring young aspiring aviators.

Government Award – Gisele Garceau

Gisele Garceau was born in Berthierville, Québec, in a family of 8 children. Although she had no family influence in the aviation industry, she had a dream, to become an astronaut. To achieve that she decided to focus on becoming a pilot and master the instrumentation of a cockpit. As a result, she obtained her pilot licenses in parallel with learning avionics aircraft mechanics.

She started her career with Canadair as the first female avionics mechanics in pre-flight. Four years later she joined Transport Canada rank as the first female airworthiness inspector. In this role, she provided approvals and inspection advice to avionics shops across the country. She became the first woman to hold a Category ‘E’ avionics license for avionics. Gisele is a professional engineer, a commercial pilot and a flight instructor. Her extensive career saw her living in Ottawa and Quebec, where she conducted industry audits and inspections across the region. She spent two years in Hong Kong, studying Mandarin and was active with the French-Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong. Gisele was instrumental in writing the new regulations and rules associated with avionics work and licensing at Transport Canada. She is a strong advocate for women in non-traditional roles in the aviation and aerospace industries.

Trailblazer Award – CWO (Chief Warrant Officer) Marlene Shillingford

CWO Marlene Shillingford was born in Newmarket, Ontario and enrolled in the Canadian Armed Forces over 35 years ago as an Aircraft Technician. She graduated from basic occupational training at the Canadian Forces School of Aerospace Technology and Engineering in Borden and started her career on the CT-114 Tutor at CFB Moose Jaw. In November of 1992, Marlene was selected to become the first female technician with the Canadian Forces Snowbirds and in 2006, she was selected to return as the first female Crew Chief. She has served at 8 Air Maintenance Squadron in Trenton, maintaining the CC-130 Hercules and deployed to South West Asia. Instructed future junior leaders at the RCAF Academy in Borden and was posted to the NATO Airborne Early Warning & Control Force in Geilenkirchen, Germany, deploying with NATO as the Detachment Chief in Afghanistan. Marlene served at the Canadian Forces (Joint) Warfare Centre in Ottawa, completed the Officer Professional Military Education program and in 2014 was invested into the Order of Military Merit by the Governor General of Canada. She was promoted to her current rank in 2017 and was selected as the 12 Air Maintenance Squadron CWO in Shearwater, Nova Scotia and was then appointed as the 15 Wing CWO, returning to Moose Jaw. Marlene is a mentor for Elevate Aviation and last year, she was appointed as the Division CWO at 2 Canadian Air Division in Winnipeg.

Rising Star Award – Donya Naz Divsalar

Donya obtained her BSc. Honours degree from Simon Fraser University in Health Sciences in 2019 and is currently a Master of Sciences Candidate with the Aerospace Physiology Laboratory at SFU. Prior to immigrating to Canada in 2014, Donya attended Debrecen Medical School in Hungary. She is an ambassador for the Canadian Space Agency as well as the founder of SFU Aerospace; an organization that bridges the gaps in education, technology and entrepreneurship and aims to provide technical aerospace education to non-technical students. Donya also spends her time as the science lead and payload developer of SFU Satellite Design team to bring science and CubeSat technology together by designing unique biological and biomedical payloads. She is currently working on ALEASAT, a student-made 1U CubeSat that is projected to launch in 2022. In 2019, Donya was selected as one of the Top 25 under 25 winners of Surrey Board of Trade for her work in fostering aerospace on the west coast of Canada. Donya is the founder and CEO of Caidin Biotechnologies, a start-up company that aims to improve human health and performance in extreme environments through biomedical advancements. Donya’s work will directly contribute to preserving and improving astronaut health during Lunar and Martian missions and deep space exploration.

Rising Star Award – Zainab Azim

Zainab Azim is a UNOOSA Space4Women Mentor dedicated to empowering young girls and women interested in pursuing space and STEAM fields. She is the world’s youngest Future Astronaut set to fly with Virgin Galactic, allowing her to fulfill her dream of exploring space while creating access to opportunities through her mentorship and advocacy work in order for young women to fulfill their own. She continues to use her platform to inspire and mobilize the global community as a speaker and panelist at international forums, including the inaugural UN World Space Forum in Austria and the Space Girls Space Women Exhibition to promote the cause of Access to Space for All through education and space-based solutions. She is the Founder of GIVE (Global Initiative and Vision for Education), an organization that works towards providing access to quality education in addition to innovating a holistic 21st century educational model based on neuroscience and psychology research to foster the creativity, curiosity, character, and innovation needed for solving the issues facing our planet. Zainab is also a student at the University of Toronto where she volunteers as a Research Assistant at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education. She is currently working at the House of Commons of Canada to improve Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

The 2022 gala awards dinner is scheduled for Saturday, October 22, 2022 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 13th year of celebrating women in Canada’s aerospace and aviation. 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, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter.

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.