Overwhelmed by a decidedly challenging early life, Kendra discovered that the pathway to her own salvation lay in helping others find theirs. Her quest to make a difference in the lives of others included climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro to raise money for a local hospital and establishing her own non-profit organizations, Changing Stories and Elevate Aviation. Kendra’s career as an Air Traffic Controller opened up even more horizons. When she recognized the negligible female presence in the industry, she set out to remedy the situation. Now, an internationally acclaimed humanitarian and Honorary Colonel of the RCAF 417 Helicopter Squadron, Kendra is the award-winning President and CEO of Elevate Aviation.
Laura is an IFR air traffic controller in the Arctic High specialty in Edmonton, AB, Originally from New Brunswick, she moved to Edmonton after spending 13 years in the Canadian Armed Forces as an Artillery soldier. She co-founded Elevate Aviation in 2014 and now oversees all projects, day-to-day operations and finances. She was most recently recognized for her work with Elevate Aviation by Wings Magazine as a 2019 Top 20 under 40 recipient. On her time off, she enjoys spending time with her kids, working out, and travelling with her husband Mitchell.
Nova started her career in aviation with Canada 3000 Airlines and later worked for Edmonton Airports in the capacity of a Duty Manager and subsequently as the ‘ETeam’ Manager. Her next stop took her to Edmonton Economic Development where she led the You’re Welcome Edmonton program under the Edmonton Tourism banner. Nova then made a shift and found her passion with Women Building Futures supporting women in the non-traditional career path of construction and trades. She then managed Employment programs to assist Albertans back into the workforce at Bredin Centre for Learning before returning back to her aviation roots at Elevate Aviation.
Sophia is a pilot and chief flight instructor at the Edmonton Flying Club. She holds an airline transport pilot’s license and serves as a Transport Canada pilot examiner. She also flies the Citation 560 and Navajo for Morgan Construction, adding to her experience within the charter aircraft business. She gets to share her life-long passion for aviation through Elevate Aviation by inspiring and mentoring women new to the industry. Sophia sits on the board of directors for the Alberta Aviation Council and the Alberta Aviation Museum. Her contributions to aviation were recognized in 2018 as a Top 20 under 40 recipient for Wings Magazine, in 2019 with the Outstanding Alumni Award from Mount Royal University, and in 2022 with the COPA Appreciation Award. When she is not in the sky she enjoys spending her time with her family.
Emily is a Personnel Selection Officer in the Royal Canadian Air Force in Cold Lake, AB. She holds a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Sociology and a Master’s Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus in Equity Studies. Emily has a strong background in DEI and a passion to effect positive change within the workspace. Emily is a member of the Defence Women’s Advisory Organization (DWAO) that seeks to address and overcome barriers that women face in the workplace, and a contributing member of the Transforming Military Cultures Network. Emily is qualified in GBA+ and is a Positive Space Ambassador facilitator which is a program that seeks to create a safe and inclusive workplace for all. On her off time, she enjoys functional fitness, astronomy and golf.
Dina has been an air traffic controller for 22 years and loves every minute of it. Her passion for aviation shines through when in the community at airshows, career fairs, and any other events she attends in our community. Dina loves to participate in and create events to support the aviation industry and create positive change. Her favourite pastimes include hiking, riding her Harley, and karate.
Quan is an accomplished marketing professional with over eight years experience in digital marketing, social media, project management and event planning – with a passion for diversity, equity and inclusion, corporate social responsibility and wellness programs. He possesses the leadership skills to oversee projects from inception to successful completion. Quan is also an articulate communicator with natural expertise in cultivating professional alliances and fortifying partnerships.
