Speakers Bureau

Need a captivating keynote speaker, a dynamic gala or dinner presenter, or a skilled conference facilitator? Looking for someone who can uplift and inspire your audience? Our roster features remarkable women who are ready to deliver. Explore our list below and reach out to Lola at speakers@northernlightsaerofoundation.com to find the perfect speaker for your event.

School Presentations

The Northern Lights Aero Foundation Speakers Bureau connects students with industry professionals through dynamic and engaging presentations. Our mission is to inspire the next generation of aviation leaders by making the industry more accessible and visible to youth. As part of our commitment to giving back, we would be thrilled to visit your classroom and share our passion for aviation. Please reach out to us at speakersbureau@northernlightsaerofoundation.com if you are interested.

Elementary

The Grade 6 curriculum explores flight and flight technologies, making it the perfect opportunity to bring professional pilots into the classroom for a fun, interactive, and educational experience.

High School

The Grade 10 Civics and Careers course provides an ideal opportunity for professional pilots to visit the classroom, spark meaningful conversations about aviation careers, and share valuable real-world experiences.

While Grade 6 and Grade 10 provide natural opportunities to explore aviation through their curriculum, our presentations are not limited to these grades. We welcome schools and community organizations of all levels to invite professional pilots for engaging, interactive sessions that inspire and educate. Reach out to learn how we can bring the world of aviation to your audience!

Speakers

Judy Cameron

In 1978, at age 23, Judy Cameron became the first female pilot hired by Air Canada. She was also the first woman to graduate from Selkirk College’s Aviation Technology Program. Over a 40-year career and 23,000 flight hours, she flew aircraft including the DC-3, Twin Otter, DC-9, Airbus 320, Boeing 767, and 777. After retiring in 2015, she pursued aerobatics and continues to inspire through speaking and volunteer work. Judy received the Elsie MacGill Northern Lights Award in 2015 and was featured on a Canadian postage stamp by the 99s in 2016.

Contessa Bishop

Contessa Bishop discovered her passion for flying at age 10 and pursued it through the Air Cadets. Her aviation career includes roles in flight instruction, cargo, private corporate flying, and as a Captain with Jazz Aviation before joining Air Canada. She remains actively involved with organizations like the 99s, Canadian Women in Aviation, and the Northern Lights Aero Foundation. Contessa feels grateful to have been inspired by the pioneers and leaders who paved the way for women in aviation.

Captain Jackie Book

Captain Jackie Book is a military pilot with the Royal Canadian Air Force. She began flying while studying Commercial Aviation Management at Western University, graduating with its first class in 2003. After instructing briefly at Empire Aviation, she joined the RCAF, flying the CC-130 Hercules on missions across the Arctic, Europe, and the Middle East. Jackie later became a flight instructor and Course Director at Multi-Engine School before returning to 436 Squadron to fly the new J-Model Hercules.

Kathy Fox

Kathy Fox began her aviation career in air traffic control in 1974, later holding senior leadership roles with NAV CANADA, including Vice-President of Operations. She now serves as Chair of the Transportation Safety Board of Canada. A licensed airline transport pilot with over 5,000 hours, Kathy has been active in aviation for more than 50 years, including as an instructor and sport parachutist. She is a recipient of numerous awards and has been inducted into Canada’s Aviation Hall of Fame and the Women in Aviation International Pioneer Hall of Fame.

Cathy Fraser

Cathy Fraser is a retired Air Canada B-787 Captain with a diverse background in corporate, charter, cargo, and instructional flying. A longtime member of the Ninety-Nines, she is a past East Canada Section Governor and Amelia Earhart Scholarship recipient. Cathy has also helped organize the Canadian Women in Aviation Conference and currently serves on the board of the Northern Lights Aero Foundation.

Claire Lemisky

Claire Lemiski is a Porter Airlines captain with a deep passion for aviation. She began her career in ramp, dispatch, and skydive flying roles before joining Bombardier Aerospace as a flight test engineer. After earning her ATPL and Q400 type rating, she flew Bombardier’s corporate shuttle before moving into airline flying. A recipient of the 2015 NLAF Rising Star Award, Claire is also active with The Ninety-Nines, Canadian Women in Aviation, and Women Soar at Porter, where she supports and mentors aspiring pilots.

Eva Martinez

Eva Martinez is a retired RCAF Major and aerospace engineer with a lifelong dedication to aviation, defence, and diversity. Canada’s first female military observer in a UN mission, she has worked extensively across the Americas on gender integration and military cooperation. Now Vice President of Women in Aerospace Canada, Eva sits on multiple industry boards and is a sought-after advocate for women in STEM and defence. She has earned numerous accolades, including the 2014 NLAF Business Award and recognition as one of the Top 10 Most Influential Hispanic Canadians.

Lynne McMullen

Lynne McMullen is President of Cygnet Aviation Academy, appointed in 2022 following over 25 years in flight training and aviation education. A Class I flight instructor and ATPL holder, she previously held progressive leadership roles at Seneca College’s School of Aviation, where she led the development of programs with the RCAF and major Canadian airlines. Lynne remains active in aviation industry leadership through her roles with the Air Transport Association of Canada and the Aviation Accreditation Board International. In 2014, she received the NLAF Education Award.

Shreya Mishra

Shreya Mishra is an aerospace engineer with a strong background in aviation safety and airworthiness. A Ryerson University graduate, her career spans roles in quality engineering, auditing, and airworthiness at Bombardier Aerospace, where she contributed to the certification and continued airworthiness of Global business jets. Passionate about both safety and flight, Shreya brings technical expertise and a deep appreciation for aviation’s connection to the natural world.

Niloofar Moradi

Niloofar Moradi is a mechanical engineer at Pratt & Whitney Canada, specializing in gas turbine development. With a Master’s degree from ÉTS and a background in aerodynamics and mechanical design, she has worked on engines like the PT6C-67A for the AW609 Tiltrotor. Niloofar is committed to mentoring the next generation of engineers and serves on various boards, including Concordia University’s Industrial Advisory Board. She was named Concordia’s Young Alumna of the Year and received the Elsie MacGill Northern Lights Engineering Award.

Anna Pangrazzi

Anna Pangrazzi is the president and owner of Apex Aircraft Sales Ltd., with over 25 years of experience in aircraft sales. A licensed pilot since 1977, she holds multi-engine, commercial, instrument, and float ratings. Anna has a degree in Economics from York University and a BA in Humanities. She is an active member of several aviation organizations, including AOPA, COPA, The Ninety-Nines, and Women in Aerospace Canada.

Lola Reid Allin

Lola Reid Allin, Canada’s first female pilot to fly the Twin Otter DHC6/300 on a scheduled service airline, holds an ATPL and Class I instructor rating. She flew bush aircraft in BC and Northern Ontario, becoming the first female CFI at Waterloo-Wellington Flight Centre and a Flight Test Examiner. Lola is recognized on the Women in Aviation Wall at the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre. An adventurer and accomplished photographer, she has trekked globally and contributed to renowned publications. Lola is a member of Women in Aviation International and The Ninety-Nines.