CANADIAN WOMEN IN AVIATION & AEROSPACE Brought to you by WINGS Sponsored by

TRANSFORMING THE SKIES Canadian Women Making a Difference in Aviation and Aerospace CANADIAN WOMEN IN AVIATION & AEROSPACE

UPFRONT 3 Not just a glorified bus driver Cathy Fraser

4 Setting the pace Natalie Panek

5 The power of relationships Lyn Shinn

6 Some 54 countries and counting Nachelle White

7 Showing them the way Liz Wieben

Porter Airlines is taking a leadership role in its efforts to hire female pilots and crew. FEATURES 8 – THE DIFFERENCE MAKERS NextGen leaders who are implementing change in aviation and aerospace SPECIAL DIGITAL EDITION BY MATT NICHOLLS EDITOR Matt Nicholls [email protected] 416-725-5637 MEDIA DESIGNER 12 – WOMEN OF PORTER Jaime Ratcliffe sets its sights on tipping the gender ACCOUNT MANAGER Kory Pearn scales [email protected] 519-902-8574 BY ANNA PANGRAZZI ACCOUNT CO-ORDINATOR Stephanie DeFields [email protected] 1-888-599-2228 ext. 257 NATIONAL ACCOUNT MANAGER Mena Miu [email protected] 905-713-4351 GROUP PUBLISHER Martin McAnulty From top: [email protected] The Difference Makers: Natalie Panek and Stephanie Robinson P. 8 WINGS & HELICOPTERS MAGAZINES P.O. Box 530, 105 Donly Dr. S., Simcoe, ON N3Y 4N5 Tel: 519-428-3471 Fax: 519-429-3094 COVER PHOTO: AMANDA SARGINSON Toll Free: 1-888-599-2228

EDITOR'S NOTE: WINGS/HELICOPTERS magazines would like to thank women in aviation and aerospace correspondent Anna Pangrazzi for her efforts in developing content for this special digital issue.

2 WINGS | Women In Canadian Aviation and Aerospace Digital Issue 2016 WWW.WINGSMAGAZINE.COM | By Anna Pangrazzi Not just a glorified bus driver ’s Cathy Fraser loves the challenge of her diverse career path

eople say the darndest things! I have actually heard someone say flying for an airline is just like driving a bus! I have also heard it is not a good career choice for Pwomen because there is too much travel in- volved. Cathy Fraser, a captain on the 767 and a director on the board of the Northern Lights Award Foundation, would debate both statements. Fraser has been flying with Air Canada since 1989 and for several years commuted from Houston when her husband worked for NASA. And according to her, there isn’t a better job on the planet. Flying for an air- line offers you the challenge of operating big, complex machinery and the pleasure of vis- iting exotic destinations. And if everything goes well, you also get to make a whole lot of people happy every day. Wings caught up professional and sup- with Fraser to discuss the nuances of her role Obviously she put in the effort, but portive. I have had many and the challenges women face in a male- I was proud that I might have had a mentors in the airline dominated industry. also. I never really think small role to play in her success! about the job along gen- Why did you choose a career in aviation? der lines so I am always After a visit to a flight deck when I out the college programs and the military. surprised to get comments from the passen- CF was 10 years old I was hooked! It’s gers (mostly positive!) after 26 years. sad that young kids can’t see you working at What is it about your job that you love so your job, because I think there is a real lack of much? How do you describe your professional visibility of women in the cockpit. I love that every day I go to work is style? CF different: the weather, the aircraft, I try to treat people the way I want Do you recommend airline flying to young the crew, the destination. I enjoy every take- CF to be treated, with respect and girls? off and landing. There is an immense sense courtesy. I hope that is how I come off. I Absolutely! I talk with young wom- of satisfaction from completing a flight. Not prefer a collaborative approach rather than CF en all the time at Career Day pre- to mention, the immediate feedback from a a directive. sentations and through my involvement with landing. the Northern Lights Award Foundation and What else can be done to get more women an organization called Women in Aviation. I Did you have any role models or mentors? into the field of aviation? Do you feel it is always give them a long list of reasons why I When I was learning how to fly, I important to be a mentor? love my career choice and encourage them to CF met Kathy Fox and Lorna de Bliquy, I wish I knew the answer to that consider aviation. both professional pilots who encouraged CF first question. I have been surprised me along the way. I remember that when I that the number of women in this field has What advise do you give them? saw an article in the newspaper about Judy not been increasing over the years. I do think I encourage them to visit their local Cameron being the first woman hired by Air mentoring is important and I try to be one CF airports and take a familiarization Canada, I cut out the article and kept it in my any chance I get! Recently, I had a pilot come flight. There is also an organization that of- scrapbook. I also joined the Ninety-Nines, an up to me and ask me if I remembered her. fers women free flights to promote flying international organization of women pilots, She told me she had been a flight attendant during the week of International Women’s and have met many amazing women pilots. and that I had challenged her to pursue a Day in March. It’s called WOAW, Women of career as a pilot. There she was, a couple Aviation Week. I tell them about the Air Ca- Is it hard working in a predominantly of years later in an Air Canada uniform. It dets, a great Canadian program that offers male profession? made me smile. Obviously she put in the ef- leadership programs and flight training for I would have to say no. I have found fort but I was proud that I might have had a young people. I also encourage them to check CF the people I work with to be very small role to play in her success! | W

WWW.HELICOPTERSMAGAZINE.COM Women In Canadian Aviation and Aerospace Digital Issue 2016 | HELICOPTERS 3 By Anna Pangrazzi | CANADIAN WOMEN IN Setting the pace MDA’s Natalie Panek confidently blazes a new path

hen I broke into the aviation fraternity in the 1980s, my genera- tion of female aviators was considered quite aW novelty. It was an exciting field, full of ad- ventures, and we did not mind being “one of the boys.” Years later, however, many of my female colleagues are finding it hard to understand why more women did not follow in our footsteps. One explanation may be the lack of visible role models youngsters had and although we tried to make a difference, it was difficult to make a significant impact. Fortunately, there’s now a new breed of young women entering the field who are changing the landscape in many exciting ways. Natalie Panek, for example, the 2013 Northern Lights Rising Star Award re- cipient, is an aspiring astronaut working for advantage of opportunities for mentorship, your blog with his daughter to get ideas for MDA Corporation. She blogs, tweets, hosts especially with the female mentors I con- science experiments are absolutely unreal. a website called the Panekroom.com and nected with in university – female profes- uses every opportunity to speak and engage sors, my instructor for my pilot’s license, or How do you describe your professional young women about aviation and aerospace. even a mentorship program through the style? Panek holds a degree in Mechanical Engi- Women’s Executive Network (WXN). My professional style is a combina- neering and a Masters of Applied Science in NP tion of determination, efficiency, Aerospace Engineering from the University What kind of challenges have you dealt ease, and rebelliousness (to create positive of Institute for Aerospace Studies. with and how have you overcome them? change!). I love the opportunity to get my She has driven a solar-powered car across The biggest obstacle I have had hands on a very diverse cross-section of Ca- North America, has done two internships NP to overcome is leaving behind my nadian space initiatives. I try to enjoy each at NASA, completed her pilot’s licence and family and the city that I love (Calgary) to day and put in my best work for the time I now works on robotic kinematics. Beyond pursue a dream of travelling to space. I can am in the office. But for me, travel, adven- her day job, Natalie is an ambassador for honestly say that I have had equal opportu- ture, and exploration are just as important young women in engineering and aims to nity throughout my career in engineering. as my day-to-day job. Making time for these inspire the next generation. While there are certainly challenges in any has to be priority in my life – and I think be- industry, I think women need to focus more ing an engineer teaches you very well how to Why did you choose a career in on why we love what we do – flying, working manage priorities. aerospace? with robots, designing spacecraft – rather I have always been driven by a than the challenges. Would you recommend aerospace NP sense of adventure, the ability to engineering to other young women? push limits, and learning. Combine these Have you ever felt overwhelmed? Do you Yes, I would definitely recom- with a desire to travel to space and a career have certain strategies to help you affect NP mend aerospace engineering to in aerospace is a natural fit. Space travel is change? other young women. It’s not that I love what the ultimate for me. Aerospace engineer- Sometimes I am overwhelmed by I do; it’s that I love engineering change and ing offers amazing learning opportunities NP the number of incredible youth ac- using innovation and creativity to find solu- with so much involvement in science and complishing amazing feats to really revolu- tions to complex and advanced problems or technology. tionize the world. I often feel like I am not interacting with transformative technology. making enough of an impact. At times like I have witnessed firsthand the positive im- Did you have any role models? these, you just have to take a step back and pacts that technology can have on society. Unfortunately, in my early school consider a wider perspective. Sometimes How we can revolutionize the way we live NP years, I really did not have many inspiring just one young woman to consider and work using innovation. | W mentors (aside from my family). As I pro- an engineering career is enough. Those mo- gressed through school, I learned to take ments when a father tells you that he visits

4 WINGS | Women In Canadian Aviation and Aerospace Digital Issue 2016 WWW.WINGSMAGAZINE.COM CANADIAN WOMEN IN AVIATION & AEROSPACE | By Anna Pangrazzi The power of relationships Skyservice’s Lyn Shinn has forged a very rewarding career in business aviation

here are plenty of wise cracks about aging but there are some really great things about it too. One of them is contemplating relationships that span more Tthan 30 years. One of my long-time pilot friends is Lyn Shinn, vice-president of business devel- opment at Toronto’s Skyservice Business Aviation. Shinn is a veteran in the business aviation world and has been with Skyservice since 1999. She currently heads up the HondaJet sales team. It’s a competitive business with long hours and plenty of stress but, she loves the work. In the past, we have often shared a laugh over the old joke about the guy who cleans the airplane lavatories, sometimes referred than 26 years, brought an entirely different One time we were en route to a Middle to as the honey boxes. Although he would get skill set with a strong sales and marketing Eastern country only to discover that the dripped on occasionally, he remained jubi- background. All three shared the same belief female flight attendant could not enter the lant over the fact that at least he got to work that the business starts with valuing your country without a burka. We could not find in aviation! Sometimes this business is like employees. a burka, so we flew a male flight attendant that and yet most of us feel lucky to be a part in to complete the leg in and out of the of it. I caught up with Lyn recently to discuss What kind of challenges have you had country. Then, we needed to coordinate her long career in the industry. to deal with and how have you overcome getting the original flight attendant back them? on the aircraft. All this needed to happen Why did you choose a career in aviation? I’ve been through a bankruptcy without affecting the passengers. Aviation chose me in a way I was LS with an aviation company and it LS not expecting. I graduated with a was a very painful experience. At another How do you describe your professional degree in physical education and worked for company, I had a salesperson who did not style? the City of Toronto for 10 years but needed a speak to me for two years because I was Consultative. Over the years, lead- change. I had achieved a private pilot licence outselling him. I just kept doing what was LS ership style has changed from top during that time and when I needed work, a expected of me and eventually we became a down to a more inclusive approach. Good friend told me about a job opening at Pear- great team. I’ve been through many changes leadership does not dominate employees. It son Airport working for an air ambulance in leadership and held many different posi- engages and involves them in the process. company. It sounded like fun. It was less tions within the same company.You need to The consultative style is a more natural than half of my previous salary and included embrace the change and look at change as a style for women. It produces longer-term being on call 24 hours a day, five days a week. new opportunity. Fight it and you might as rewards and results, and is highly effective What did I know? well get off the bus. for most organizations.

Did you have any role models and/or Have you ever felt overwhelmed? Do you Would you recommend flying to other mentors? have certain strategies to help you affect young women? I was fortunate to have outstand- change? Absolutely yes. Why should men LS ing role models at Skyservice. Russ Most of us feel overwhelmed on a LS have all the fun?! Payson is an icon in the aviation industry LS daily basis. Our industry is small with an incredible entrepreneurial spirit and but very complex, especially in business avia- What advice would you give them? a passion for service.Tim Casgrain provided tion where virtually every trip is handcraft- Expect to work twice as hard and both wisdom and a strong business sense. To ed. We could be asked to fly to any country in LS be twice as good as your male give you an idea of the calibre of mentors I the world. There may be a different language, counterpart but most of all, remain pro- had access to, Tim was also the chairman of culture, customs, aviation regulations, dif- fessional at all times. That is sometimes the CBC. Last but certainly not least, Mar- ferent monetary requirements, or crew and easier said than done. | W shall Myles who was CEO of Roots for more passenger visas.

WWW.HELICOPTERSMAGAZINE.COM Women In Canadian Aviation and Aerospace Digital Issue 2016 | HELICOPTERS 5 By Anna Pangrazzi | CANADIAN WOMEN IN Some 54 countries and counting Pilot Nachelle White’s magical mystery tour is both aspiring and unique

assion, curiosity, and a sense of adventure . . . aviation attracts a lot of people with these amaz- ing qualities and Nachelle White has them all in spades. PA past recent recipient of the Northern Lights Award in the flight ops category, White began her career as a flight instruc- tor and followed a typical Canadian path of bush flying, survey work, forest fire suppres- sion support flying, and flying night cargo runs. She has spent the past seven years fly- ing for a humanitarian organization in Af- rica and Afghanistan. It’s certainly not the typical career path for your average young Canadian woman, but White is far from typical or average. White has visited more than 54 countries and has an amazing enthusiasm for life and flying. She has flown across the Atlantic spend time with my family and friends. Was it hard being a woman pilot in and surveyed the wild life from 300 feet Now, I am flying a corporate jet around Africa? over Central Africa. She has flown through North America. It’s a big change in my To be honest, the work was the jungles and mountain ranges of the DR flying and a huge adjustment returning NW challenging but not particularly Congo and Uganda, across the deserts of Su- to life in North America but I am enjoy- because I am female. The uniform gets a lot dan and up the Cote d’Ivoire of West Africa. ing it very much. of respect over there no matter who’s wear- Yet, it is her compassion for the people she ing it! I find that most flying jobs require an has met along the way, which animates her Why did you choose a career in initiation into the group. I like to think of it conversation. She talks fondly of the air traf- aviation? as a wolf pack; once they decide you are okay, fic controllers she got to know in Darfur and I grew up around airports you are accepted into the pack and treated the guy who brought her bags of fruit in the NW and airshows. My mother as an equal. All the pilots become protec- Congo and the Persian rug dealer she shared was a private pilot, my father flew com- tive of their group and we help each other tea with in Afghanistan. mercially and eventually worked at out. I think it was very important to show She is indeed a collector of “life experienc- and my uncle flew confidence in my flying abilities and also es” and the flying – although interesting and Hercs and then went on to fly for Air confidence in getting along in that part of challenging – was also her ticket to travel Canada. Aviation was just in my DNA. the world. the world and really experience life. My parents tried to encourage me to take Wings caught up with White during her a different career path but my mind was What kind of challenges have you magical mystery tour and asked her to share made up fairly early. encountered? some insights into her life, challenges young Well, once my team tried to women face in the aviation business and Did you have any role models and/or NW sell me for some cows! I didn’t more! mentors? think four cows were quite enough! Kidding Exposure to aviation was aside, in aviation, you encounter all kinds of What advice would she give all you bud- NW the biggest influence of all. I personalities and cultures and you need to ding young aviators? took a familiarization flight at 13 and was figure out the best way to work with people. Dream Big, dream outside lucky enough to fly in a jet with my dad. That can be the most challenging aspect. NW the box and then follow your I read a few books like “West with the dreams and they will lead you to magical, Night” by Beryl Markham about flying Would you recommend a career in avi- amazing places! in Africa and the biography of Jaqueline ation to other young women? Cochrane, a famous American aviatrix. I Certainly, but you do need to Wow, Nachelle. What a life! What is your also joined the Women in Aviation Chap- NW have a sense of adventure and a next adventure? ter in Toronto and met a few Air Canada free spirit. It helps if you like to travel obvi- After many years away, I decid- pilots, Lisa Graham and Cathy Fraser, ously. Other helpful qualities are resourceful- NW ed to come back to Canada to and they were very encouraging. ness, resilience and flexibility of course. | W

6 WINGS | Women In Canadian Aviation and Aerospace Digital Issue 2016 WWW.WINGSMAGAZINE.COM CANADIAN WOMEN IN AVIATION & AEROSPACE | By Anna Pangrazzi Showing them the way A dedicated, patient educator, Liz Wieben led by example

s a wife, mother and grand- mother with a career in aviation that spans more than 50 years, it’s not far- fetched to use the word “remarkable”A when describing -native, Liz Wieben. Wieben’s journey in aviation began at a time when there were few women in the workplace let alone fly- ing in the bush. She worked in an era when a woman’s pregnancy meant it was time to retire. Wieben has witnessed significant change in so many realms and has always been at the forefront of those changes. Wieben is a past recipient of the Elsie MacGill Northern Lights award for educa- tion for her contributions to aviation. As a professor at Thunder Bay’s Confederation College from 1986 to 2005, Weiben was an outstanding role model to many young women in the flight program. This was after By high school the word was out . . . at least one of us try to a lifetime of flying. don’t try dating her, she’s only be around, so I eventu- Wieben shared with Wings her insights ally took a job teaching about working in male-dominated field. interested in flying! at Confederation College.

You started flying at 11 and by high but that didn’t prevent passengers from Who has influenced your career? Did school, it had become your passion. How refusing to fly with me, or the poor treat- you have any mentors? did that happen? ment I encountered away from base. When It would have helped greatly if I I was born into an aviation fam- I married my husband, Robin Webster, we LW had known other women pilots. LW ily. My father, Orville Wieben, moved to Australia, back to Canada and to At the time, I wasn’t even aware that women was a test pilot on the Hell Divers and Hur- the U.S. before finally settling in Thunder flew in World War II. My father was a big ricanes at the Canada Car and Foundry in Bay. During that period, we had four kids mentor and actively promoted my flying. Thunder Bay during World War II. After and I encountered many challenges. I was Even my mother supported me, although the war, he started Ltd. constantly being tested everywhere I went she was afraid for my well-being. And there and the whole family worked in the busi- and even though legislation was changing, were some fellows who helped me along ness. All my siblings were pilots at some attitudes about employing women were not. the way. There was one guy in the U.S. who point. I flew with my brother, Don, all over helped me get hired on a DC-3, cloud seed- northwestern and although I was You are a small woman. Were there other ing, and another guy, Frank Bayne, a retired airsick most of the time, by high school the challenges flying in the bush? army helicopter pilot, who gave me a chance word was out . . . don’t try dating her, she’s When we finally settled back at Confederation College. In the mid-’80s, only interested in flying! LW in Thunder Bay, Robin and I I received a substantial Amelia Earhart started our own air charter business called Scholarship from the 99’s and would never You solo’d at 16, became a licenced pilot Wiebenair Ltd. My longest stint flying in the have gotten an ATP without their help. at 17, a commercial pilot at 18 and an bush was in a DHC-2 Beaver on the shores instructor at 19. What kind of challenges of Lake Superior and I faced all the chal- What advice would you give a young did you encounter? lenges other pilots face such as advection woman pursuing a career in aviation? I started in the aviation business fog, big waves and long days of heavy physi- Get the best aviation education LW when it was legal for companies cal work. I also had to watch out for my own LW you can get at an aviation col- and the government to say, “We don’t hire personal safety in some of the remote areas lege and get to know some women who have women,” and there was no recourse . . . that we flew. Then there were the comments been in the industry for a long time. It can closed the doors to the airlines, ATC and about my height: “Sure, they send a woman, really help your confidence to have those the military. As long as I was in the family but why such a little one?!” As our children positive influences. I also think it is impor- business, however, my job was protected grew up, we thought it was important that tant to choose a supportive mate. | W

WWW.HELICOPTERSMAGAZINE.COM Women In Canadian Aviation and Aerospace Digital Issue 2016 | HELICOPTERS 7 CANADIAN WOMEN IN The Difference Makers NextGen leaders who are implementing change in aviation and aerospace

Pilot, Porter Airlines Chief Pilot, Compliance Manager, Ledcor Industries Inc., Legal MALLORY DELUCE CHRISTA GLOVER MILENA KOHANENKO From a very young age, Mallory Deluce has Christa Glover is the chief pilot of Univer- had a keen interest in aviation. Mallory’s sal Helicopters Newfoundland and Labra- Moving a company forward isn’t possible passion for aviation has deep roots that run dor LP, owned and operated by the Nunat- unless you yourself are forward think- within the family, starting with the foun- siavut Group of Companies. UHNL is one ing – and Milena Kohanenko fits this dation, her uncle, Robert Deluce. Robert is of Canada’s oldest helicopter companies description. the president/CEO of Porter Airlines and a operating a fleet of 19 light and intermedi- Kohanenko oversees the regulatory past executive with several other airlines. ate helicopters in some of Canada’s most compliance of Ledcor’s Aviation divi- Her father and brother are also commer- challenging environments. sion – both fixed and rotary wing – as its cial pilots. Christa grew up in a small Coastal Lab- aviation compliance manager. Mallory started working on obtaining rador town (Pinsents Arm) of 75 people Constantly raising the bar has been a her pilot’s license after graduating from and had a passion for aviation since a hallmark of Kohanenko’s leadership style university. She obtained her private license very young age. She started her career 10 and those that have worked with her at St. Thomas Flight Centre in St. Thomas, years ago with Universal Helicopters and quickly realize she is a passionate leader Ont. For her multi-engine and instrument continues to pursue her love for aviation who knows the regulatory environment ratings, she went to the Professional Flight with the company, earning respect and a inside and out. Centre at Boundary Bay Airport, just south strong working relationship with both her Kohanenko holds a law degree from of Vancouver, then came back to St. Thom- colleagues at UHNL and its clients. the Ukraine and is an IRCA certified as Flight Centre to acquire her commercial Her flying career has taken her to all ISO auditor and COR auditor. Previous license and build flying time. parts of Newfoundland and Labrador and to her current role, she was the director In June 2013, Mallory was hired by of 60, into Canada’s High Arctic. She of compliance for the Group Georgian as a first officer. Mallory’s Air has also honed her skills doing her time in and the compliance manager for Arctic Georgian training began with ground the bush, conducting long line drill moves, Sunwest Charters reporting to the ac- school where she learned about the com- wildlife capture and forest fire suppression. countable executive. pany operation and about the Beechcraft As chief pilot and a senior aviation She designed, implemented and main- 1900. After ground school, she trained on a manager – and being an aboriginal as well tained a best in class Quality Assurance Beech 1900 simulator. She has since moved – she has become a role model for others in Program (QAP) at both companies. to Porter Airlines as a pilot. the industry and those contemplating an Kohanenko is well respected by both Mallory has worked hard at combining aviation career. At a young age and being her peers and colleagues at Ledcor for athletics with flying. She is an accom- the only female pilot in the company, this her unwavering professionalism and plished hockey player and has excelled on environment may be intimidating to some, commitment to safety in aviation. a number of top levels. She is also a strong but Christa is first to acknowledge that she advocate for grass roots development, hav- has an experienced support team of avia- ing done numerous media interviews talk- tion professionals, maintenance and flight ing about her experiences both as a pilot crew who support her 100 per cent. and a hockey player.

8 WINGS | Women In Canadian Aviation and Aerospace Digital Issue 2016 WWW.WINGSMAGAZINE.COM CANADIAN WOMEN IN AVIATION & AEROSPACE | By Matt Nicholls

General Manager, Edmonton FIR, Director of Corporate Services, Legal Counsel, Element Aviation NAV CANADA Finance DIANA KELLY JOCELYN LEBELL CAREL ISSID

Diana Kelly continues to rise to position of From concept to completion, it takes a Carel possesses outstanding interpersonal prominence within NAV CANADA. driving force to get the job done, and skills and has a great team ethic, which helps The former manager of ACC Operations for 13 years, Jocelyn Lebell has quietly her handle multiple tasks under pressure, in at the Winnipeg Flight Information Region – helped to build the Hawkair brand. a context of tight deadlines and constantly and new general manager of Edmonton FIR As a young honours graduate from the shifting priorities. As she will attest to, a law- – is one of the rising stars in NAV CANADA’s BCIT Marketing Management program, yer or legal counsel must, in addition to being operations. Lebell joined the airline industry and an advisor who provides legal expertise, take Diana was appointed to her role as manag- has thrived on the complexities and on a strategic role and excel in developing er of ACC Operations at the Winnipeg Flight challenges of her various roles. pragmatic solutions. Carel thrives in her Information Region in April 2014. She is one Upon joining Hawkair shortly after current work environment where entrepre- of the first women (and among the youngest) graduating from BCIT, she took on the neurial spirit, originality and audacity are ever to hold this leadership position at NAV challenge of revenue management and encouraged and supported by the company’s CANADA, leading the way for other women was instrumental in modernizing the senior leadership team. in a traditionally male-dominated field. process. She was a key innovator of Carel has a multitude of roles at EFC Diana’s outstanding leadership abili- the Ultra-Econo fare, and in 2014, she including: ties, work ethic and initiative come shining entered Hawkair’s Women in Leader- • Acting as main counsel with respect to through in a number of ways: ship Program as the pioneering woman. aircraft finance (commercial loans and • As manager of ATC Operational Re- She also became director of corporate equipment leasing agreements, as well quirements from 2012-14, she led the services, where she translates corporate as the purchase and sale of large-ticket transition from flight-data strips to a strategy into business strategy enabling equipment, syndications and portfolio paperless environment within high-level the team to attain personal development acquisitions) specialties and at Flight Service Stations goals. Today, she is a senior executive • Leading and managing a variety of fixed across the region. and leads the Corporate Business Ser- wing and rotary wing commercial and • Her team developed highly successful vices Business Unit. business aviation transactions origi- “safety bear pit” sessions that bring A passionate speaker and active nated by the Element Aviation Finance together frontline operational staff and member of several industry associations vertical pilots to discuss safety issues and to including BCAC, NATA and ATAC, Leb- • Identifying potential risk areas arising break down barriers – a collaborative ell is committed to giving back to her from the complex and diverse financ- approach that has been identified as a community. She recently was named to ing arrangements (which often involve national best practice. the Board of Directors of the Northern cross-border components) extended by • Diana studied education at the Uni- Savings Credit Union in Prince Rubert, the company and issue recommenda- versity of Alberta (with a minor in B.C., providing valuable input into key tions in order to minimize the same. German), before becoming a terminal initiatives as well as acquiring business It’s a large portfolio to be sure, but Carel controller and later enroute controller at intelligence to help foster the develop- still finds room to donate her time to speak NAV CANADA’s Winnipeg Area Con- ment of Hawkair. at various events including the Equipment trol Centre. In 2008, she became a unit Confident, attentive and innovative, Leasing and Finance Association’s Legal procedures specialist, and soon after Lebell is very conscious of her roles and Forum, and to appear as a panellist in the was named shift manager – the young- is an active participant in advocating for “Winter is Coming: Advanced Roundtable on est at the time and the first female shift young women seeking to grow in avia- Cross-Border and Canadian Finance Issues.” manager at the ACC. She has continued tion and aerospace. Carel was a finalist in the category “Lawyer her training to complement her various of the Year” (in house practice), Young Bar ATC roles and hone her management Association of “Leaders of Tomor- skills at NAV CANADA. row” Gala in 2012 and continues to generate accolades from clients and staff.

WWW.HELICOPTERSMAGAZINE.COM Women In Canadian Aviation and Aerospace Digital Issue 2016 | HELICOPTERS 9 CANADIAN WOMEN IN

Director of Flight Operations, Executive Director, BC Aviation Member of Technical Staff, MDA’s Fixed/Rotary Wing, Council Robotics and Automation Division HEATHER MCGONIGAL CANDACE MCKIBBON NATALIE PANEK

Heather McGonigal is Transwest Air’s direc- Candace McKibbon has always understood Change agent. Leader. Influencer. Mentor. tor of flight operations, a training captain, the importance of “doing a little bit extra” no These are just some of the words that aptly and SAAB 340 line captain. matter what the task. She did so as a student describe Natalie Panek. Heather has always had a strong interest at BCIT and she’s showing the same kind of Panek is a Member of Technical Staff with in aviation. In her high school years, her at- commitment and initiative in her role as ex- MDA’s Robotics and Automation Division tainment of her PPL was financially assisted ecutive director with the BC Aviation Council in Brampton, Ont. Her accomplishments by a scholarship that she was awarded by the (BCAC). are visible through her trailblazing work on Ninety-Nines Inc. and also by working as McKibbon graduated from the BCIT Air- non-traditional projects, and she has been a swimming pool lifeguard. She continued port Operations diploma program in Febru- making her mark on the Canadian aerospace this work while completing a bachelor of arts ary 2014. As a student, she brought passion, industry ever since she set her sights on a degree and worked towards her CPL and leadership ability and determination to the career in space. Instructor Rating. industry in a number of ways, volunteering Panek graduated with a degree Mechani- Heather accepted a job at Morgan Air in for key events such as the CHC Safety & cal Engineering with distinction from the Calgary and was soon flying charters and Quality conference and working as a mentor University of Calgary in 2007 and partici- teaching multi-IFR. She became chief flying for other students. pated in the university’s inaugural solar car instructor, and in May of 2000, accepted a In her role as executive director, she works project. She attained a VFR private pilot’s de- Jetstream first officer position at Air Sask in tirelessly to find new ways to connect key gree during her undergraduate studies, and Saskatoon. players in the B.C. aviation and aerospace went on to complete her Master’s of Applied Shortly after she joined the team, Air Sask community, with a particular emphasis on Science in Aerospace Engineering from the and Athabaska Airways merged to form helping young aviators in career develop- University of Toronto in 2009, before accept- Transwest Air in September 2000. Heather ment. An engaged volunteer for a number of ing two back-to-back internship programs at was named a Jetstream captain and a train- organizations, McKibbon still works closely NASA in 2008 and 2009. ing pilot and was promoted to the SAAB 340 with Aviation Leadership Foundation and the Since 2010, Panek has worked at MDA four years later. She was further appointed to BCAC, connecting young aviators to estab- performing robotic analysis for various space senior management positions, which she has lished professionals to share experiences. programs, and currently is working on MDA’s now held for several years. McKibbon has been honoured with a bevy contract with ESA’s 2018 ExoMars program. Heather’s ability to inspire loyalty and to of important awards for both community Community service and helping mentor lead others as part of a team approach to and scholastic achievement, and continues to young women in career development is some- the organization’s operations is perhaps best impress both co-workers and other industry thing Panek is passionate about, and she is illustrated in the development of Transwest leaders with her ongoing commitment to B.C. very giving of her time to support a variety of Air’s SMS program. Under Heather’s leader- aerospace. initiatives. She is a mentor for Cybermentor, a ship, Transwest was one of the first operators University of Calgary program that promotes in its category grouping to develop and imple- women in science and engineering, and is ment a viable SMS. also a member of their advisory council. Pan- Heather takes a particular interest in ek also mentors through the 4-H Canada’s mentoring young women who are interested Leadership Excellence Awards of Distinction in an aviation career. She is also the first vice- (L.E.A.D.) program and has worked as a chair on the ATAC board of directors and is judge and volunteer for important organiza- expected to become chair in November of tions such as the Ninety-Nines and Women of this year. Aviation Worldwide. Heather is an excellent ambassador of Panek possesses a unique combination of Canada’s air transport industry and a skill, dedication and insight, helping Cana- strong role model for aviator’s everywhere. dian aerospace reach new heights.

10 WINGS | Women In Canadian Aviation and Aerospace Digital Issue 2016 WWW.WINGSMAGAZINE.COM CANADIAN WOMEN IN AVIATION & AEROSPACE | By Matt Nicholls

Chief Flying Instructor, KF B1900D Captain, Legal Counsel, Aerospace Defence Services Emond Harnden LLP STEPHANIE ROBINSON CHRISSY PERRY AMANDA SARGINSON Stephanie Robinson was trained to be at For Chrissy Perry, teaching aspiring fighter a pilot at Seneca College in the Bachelor Amanda Sarginson began her career in pilots the nuances of their craft is a re- of Aviation technology program and she aviation as the sole human resources man- warding and exciting experience. continues to share her passion to aspiring ager at in June 2005. Amanda Perry joined KF Aerospace Defence Ser- aviators learn to soar. now practices law with Emond Harnden vices in Portage la Prairie, Man. as a class Robinson is a B1900D Captain with LLP and represents more than 30 aviation 1 instructor in the fall of 2008. KF Aero- Mississauga, Ont.-based Air Georgian and clients across the country. space Defence Services is the primary fly- is a spokesperson for the Seneca Career As a member of the First Air team, ing training school for the Royal Canadian Pathway Partnership. A dedicated member Amanda never shied away from a chal- Air Force (RCAF). Perry was employed as a of the aviation community, Robinson has lenge, was the chief spokesperson for nego- line instructor upon joining the operation, already won several awards for her posi- tiations with the dispatch group and sup- but within a few years, she moved to the tive outlook and enthusiasm for her craft, ported the negotiation teams for the pilots, role of assistant chief flying instructor. including the Russ Bannock Award and maintenance employees, flight attendants In fall 2010, Perry was promoted to the Lloyd Cripps Memorial Award. She and ticket and cargo agents. She played an chief flying instructor, and has done an has also participated in numerous career active role in the grievance and arbitration outstanding job guiding the careers of as- events to promote and educate the next process for all of the unionized groups. piring military pilots. She supervises a staff generation of pilots. Ever seeking a challenge, Amanda made of 25 instructors, has developed – with One of the main messages Stephanie the difficult decision to leave First Air to Transport Canada – one of four instructor likes to share with aspiring aviators is conquer her next mission, law school. Ex- refresher courses in Canada, worked with there are many avenues you can follow celling in this endeavour as well, she gradu- the DND as a liaison in the policies and to attain your final role as a commercial ated on the Dean’s Honour List from the procedures of the flying program and so pilot, just don’t get discouraged if things University of in 2011. During law much more. don’t work the first time. Persistence, school, Amanda continued to work for First In addition to providing her students commitment, hard work and dedication Air and joined Emond Harnden LLP as a with the skills and knowledge to advance will eventually pay off. Robinson is living student after her first year to deepen her their careers as military pilots, Perry has proof of all of these sentiments. Robinson understanding of the legal environment. still found time to carry out a BA at the recently took the role of Captain and has Amanda is now an associate with University of Manitoba with a strong base set a future goal of being part of the train- Emond Harnden LLP and provides em- in psychology. Always learning and honing ing department either on the flight line or ployee and labour relations advice. Her her craft, Perry is a professional, dedicated in the simulator. Igniting the passions of practice includes assisting employers in leader who excels in all aspects of her role. young adults in both high school and pub- hiring and terminating employees, drafting lic school is one of her goals. policy manuals, defending human rights applications, conducting investigations and representing the employer at mediation, ar- bitration and collective bargaining. She has also appeared before a Coroner’s Inquest, Human Rights Tribunal/Commission both federally and provincially, Small Claims Court, and the Superior Court. Amanda is passionate about educating those in the industry. Over the past several years, she has provided numerous practi- cal workshops to operators attending the annual conferences for HAC, NATA and ATAC.

WWW.HELICOPTERSMAGAZINE.COM Women In Canadian Aviation and Aerospace Digital Issue 2016 | HELICOPTERS 11 CANADIAN WOMEN IN The Women of Porter Porter Airlines sets its sights on tipping the gender scales

ttracting more women to aviation and aerospace fields is a goal many organizations and associations nationwide have, and fortunately, there areA several worthwhile initiatives leading the way that are achieving this objective. The Ninety-Nines, the International Organization of Licenced Women Pilots, has been in existence since 1929 promot- ing women’s interests in aviation and pre- serving their history. Women of Aviation International, a U.S. based organization, is working on advancing the careers of women in aviation. The organization has hosted an annual convention for more than 26 years and handed out more than $10 million in scholarships and type ratings to aspiring pilots. Both organizations have chapters in Canada where their members can connect and network. Porter Airlines has done a tremendous job hiring more female pilots and crew. “Women of Aviation Worldwide Week” is another great initiative introducing thou- a 50/50 percentage split this past April in its right seat on a Piper Cheyenne. sands of women and girls to the thrill of new hires. flight through its “Fly It Forward” events The number of women at Porter is more In 2001, Skyservice offered her a job flying every March. Women in Aerospace Canada than double the North American average. the Jetstream in Europe and then the Lear has mentorship and networking events For the women of Porter, the working at- Jet doing Medivacs across North America. throughout the year, and the Northern mosphere, camaraderie, flexibility of sched- When she took maternity leave, she realized Lights Award Foundation (NLAF) hosts an uling and the ability to be home most eve- that she would not be able to return to me- annual gala in the fall to recognize and cel- nings, allows for a lifestyle where they can fly divac flying because of the crazy hours and ebrate women who are making significant a great airplane and still have a family life. on-call work. Luckily for her, Porter was just contributions to aviation and aerospace For the airline, it gets competent, confident starting up and offered her dream job. across the country. The goal is to bring more employees and the business case for hiring “Porter offered me the ability to balance visibility to women, young and old who have women is reflected in the relatively high re- my family life with my passion for flying,” Fi- made their mark in this male-dominated tention rates. Less training costs ultimately erro told Wings. As a single mother arena because, believe it or not, there are looks good on the bottom line. of two, such work/life balance is critical. On people who still don’t understand that girls top of that, she had great mentors in her fel- really can fly. BREAKING DOWN low pilots and the airline management. Porter Airlines is one Canadian company BARRIERS Piyush Gandhi, Porter’s vice president that is also doing its part. The Toronto-based of flight operations, encouraged Fierro to airline has an initiative to increase the per- Porter began hiring women the first year advance to captain after her first year, then centage of women pilots at the airline, even it launched the airline in 2006, and Paola to training captain. Currently she acts as though it already stands at an impressive Fierro was the first woman hired. Fierro an approved check pilot. Gandhi has been 12 per cent of the workforce. President and took her first familiarization flight at 14 and a mentor to many of the pilots and is en- CEO Robert Deluce has audaciously tasked credits her parents for giving her the gift and thusiastic about increasing the numbers of his staff with increasing that percentage to encouraging her along the way to pursue her women flying at the airline. 50/50 by 2020, a lofty goal, but one, as he dreams. She joined a Private Pilot Ground contends, an attainable one. School course that same year and started FOLLOW THE LEADER Deluce recognizes that with pilot short- flying in 1988. At the same time, she went to ages looming in the near future, there is a university to study to be an urban planner Stephanie Watson was the second woman real opportunity for Porter to take a leader- but aviation kept calling her back. She took hired by Porter during that first year of op- ship role in the recruitment of women pilots. a job at Skyservice as a supervisor, and in eration. She also took a FAM flight when she And for the first time in its history, Porter hit 1998, met a pilot who offered her a job flying was 18 and loved it. The pilot on that flight

12 WINGS | Women In Canadian Aviation and Aerospace Digital Issue 2016 WWW.WINGSMAGAZINE.COM CANADIAN WOMEN IN AVIATION & AEROSPACE | By Anna Pangrazzi

told her about the Seneca College Aviation Before moving back to the city in 2013 tale beginning. She had her first introduc- program which she enthusiastically applied when both Bourke and her husband were tory flight at 12, and was initially inspired to and completed. Watson got an instruc- both hired by Porter, the couple moved by Peter Pan – she wanted to figure out how tor’s rating and a job at Burlington Airpark even further north to Cambridge Bay for a to fly without the fairy dust. Lemiski took near Toronto, and then was offered a part few years. And despite the culture shock of the private pilots ground school and then time job back at Seneca. moving back to the big city and working for started flying lessons at 13. She soloed as In 2004, she was offered a job to fly a -Pi a much bigger airline, they both have felt soon as legally possible (at 14), received her latus PC-12 out of Buttonville Airport and welcomed and comfortable at the airline. recreational pilot’s licence at 16 and then eventually found work on a King Air 350. her pilot’s licence at 17. She then attended She accumulated some 2,000 hours when CHANGING LANES Trinity Western University in B.C. and Porter started up. She applied and was hired graduated with a degree and a multi-en- in fall 2006. Watson also credits her parents Julie Beverstein was hired by Porter in gine rating, IFR and Commercial Licences. for giving her the perspective that every- 2009. She wanted to fly for Air Canada and During her summers, Lemiski interned thing is possible. And although the Seneca continued to submit her application every at Bombardier and, upon graduation, was program is quite competitive and rigorous, six months, but over time, she also realized offered an opportunity to work in the com- she says she always had plenty of positive that Porter offered her plenty of opportunity. pany’s Flight Test Department. Lemiski mentors around to help. Recently, Beverstein was named the airline’s has an attitude and a work ethic few can Watson’s advice to other young pilots is pilot recruitment ambassador, a new role match. She always wanted to fly, and even- to stay focused on the goal, network and created to establish relationships with col- tually was offered a position on the Dash develop relationships with people who are leges and flight schools. The position was 8 company shuttle where she was able to willing and able to help and balance your also created to promote Porter and mentor rack up the hours. Once she had her time, time. Watson likes to manage the flight pilots to select Porter as a long-term career. she happily interviewed at Porter, and the deck with a quiet confidence and thinks that Beverstein has also been tasked with in- airline is indeed happy to have her on the people around you excel when they also feel creasing the number of women hired by the flight line. comfortable and relaxed. It seems Porter airline – and it’s no small task. management encourages a laid back but Beverstein actually started her career THE RIGHT STUFF professional attitude. Watson became cap- path in Pre-Med at the University of Toronto tain several years ago and is currently also a but decided the medical profession was not The five women profiled above are just some training captain. for her. Her father had worked at Air Can- of the remarkable talent the airline has de- ada (AC), and was always a big role model. veloped over the past few years. And why is NOT A TRADITIONAL Beverstein started taking flying lessons it succeeding in attracting and developing PATH while at university and then decided to take female aviators? Much of it has to do with the Aviation Course at Seneca College. With Deluce’s leadership and commitment to a Monica Bourke took a completely different diploma in hand, she worked two jobs, one family-friendly environment. Deluce was route to the airline. She also had very sup- as a dispatcher for a flight school at the To- raised in an aviation family. He watched as portive parents and a dad who was crazy ronto City Centre Airport and eventually his mother and father worked side-by-side about airplanes. Bourke’s parent’s would as a flight instructor. She also went back to to start and run an air service. The whole even drive her up to Pearson International Seneca as a flight instructor during the busy family pitched in. Porter is a young airline on weekends to watch the planes land. summer season and then was offered a full and it seems to reflect his early aviation Bourke had a major challenge when she time position for five years. experience. started her training. She took on a student In 2006, she became a first officer on the There is also professionalism and cama- loan to pay the flight school and had the loan Beech 1900 with Air Georgian and then was raderie across the flight line where gender absconded. She had to regroup, find some hired by Porter in 2009. Beverstein contin- is a non-issue: everyone pitches in to make more money and another flight school. ues to work part-time at Seneca College the airline thrive. A new company-wide ini- Bourke’s passion for flying prevailed managing the college’s simulator, military tiative called “Women Soar at Porter” was and she completed her commercial, multi- training program and management hiring introduced this year, which aims to bridge engine IFR. She moved up to Yellowknife and scheduling. the gender gap within all areas of the or- and got a job at . Newcomers to ganization including pilots, leadership and the airline were expected to work two years THE POWER OF ground operations. on the ground before moving into the right MENTORSHIP Says Deluce: “It’s an initiative that’s seat, but Bourke was keen to experience the about influencing change and breaking northern lifestyle and jumped at the oppor- Claire Lemiski was one of the Northern down barriers.” Already this year, Porter tunity. She stayed for 10 years, loved the fly- Lights Award Foundation recipients in has supported two Fly it Forward events ing and met her husband up there. 2015 in the Rising Star category. Right and became the title sponsor for the North- “The Chief pilot at Air Tindi was a big after the event, a pair of airline recruiters ern Light Award Gala on October 1. mentor and helped me move past a landing gave Lemiski their cards. One of them, It’s commitment to women in aviation accident,” she recalls. “Even though I was Porter’s John Grunland, contacted her to was driven home at the successful Wings just sitting in the jump seat at the time, it get her ideas on how to attract more women and Helicopters Careers in Aviation event really shook my confidence. All the pilots to aviation. After a few email exchanges he in April at the Porter hangar, and it’s a at Air Tindi were great guys and trained us also offered her a job interview. message that the company will continue to well.” Lemiski’s path to the airline had a fairy embrace. | W

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