May 31, 2024 Toronto – The Northern Lights Aero Foundation is pleased to announce this year’s recipients of the prestigious “Elsie” award, recognizing Canadian women who have made a significant contribution to aviation or aerospace.
The award, named for aviation pioneer and human rights activist, Elsie Gregory MacGill, recognizes outstanding women across seven categories.
“The 2024 ‘Elsie’ recipients represent the diversity of the industry-wide roles in which women are natural leaders and role models who inspire and support their colleagues to excel in aviation and aerospace. We look forward to celebrating their achievements at our 15th Elsie Gala,” said Lynne McMullen, President of the Northern Lights Aero Foundation.
The 2024 award recipients are:
Business – Laura Sinclair Co-founder and current COO/CFO of Elevate Aviation. Laura has helped transform Elevate into a multi-million dollar enterprise in only six years. Laura also works full-time as a NAV Canada air traffic controller. In 2023, she was the recipient of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medal and was featured in Edify Magazine’s Top 40 under 40. In 2019, Laura was also honoured as one of Wings
Magazine Top 20 under 40.
Education – Sherry Cooper Director of Student Services, CFI, Pilot Examiner and President of Sky Wings Aviation. Sherry has accrued over 19,000 hours and is currently a Class 1 instructor, multi-engine, instrument-rated pilot who has significantly contributed to the success of the next generation of aviators. She was the former President of the Red Deer Air Show and became one of the first women airshow Air
Bosses.
Engineering – Pat Greene Staff Systems Engineer and Technical Lead, Space Station Programme, Robotics and Space Operations, MDA Space. For decades, Pat has been committed to human spaceflight and mission success. In this role, she was instrumental in the Canadarm 2 approval for the International Space Station. She is in high demand as an independent technical reviewer.
Flight Operations – Elizabeth Mitches Chief Pilot, Porter Airlines. Elizabeth has moved up through the ranks at Porter to become Chief Pilot, leading over 300 pilots. Under her guidance, Porter has achieved gender parity in leadership roles on the Dash 8 team. She has overseen the implementation and improvement of safety systems at several air operators. She earned her MBA from the Ivey School of Business and is a Transport Canada-approved Check Pilot.
Government – Captain Erin Edwards Canada’s first Canadian Astronaut Coordination Officer, providing operational support to the Canadian Astronaut Corps. Erin is also the first non-astronaut to be assigned as Astronaut Office Deputy Branch Chief for Crew Operations. Prior to her NASA posting, Erin flew the CH146 Griffon helicopter with 427 Special Operations Aviation Squadron in the CAF, where she was one of a select number of women to complete the rigorous course and qualify as an aircraft commander in Special Operations Aviation Squadron.
Trailblazer – Terri Super Owner and operator of Super T Aviation. Terri is a leader in the flight instruction and business communities. At the time that she earned her Airline Transport Pilot License, there were fewer than 100 women ATPL-holders in Canada. In the early 1990s, Terri instructed in the Mount Royal College aviation program. She went on to become a Captain on the Jetstream 31/32 and Operations Manager for Alberta Citylink. She continues to work in both flying and managerial roles in the industry.
Rising Star – Cassandra Hepp Lead Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) for Heavy Aero in Edmonton. Cassandra has demonstrated her skills at competitions across Canada and the U.S, garnering a number of awards. As an Ambassador with Elevate Aviation, she leads a team of volunteers in mentorship community events and awareness activities. Cassandra encourages young women to consider aircraft maintenance as a career.
Rising Star – Zoey Williams First Officer B777 at Air Canada. Zoey started her flight training at the age of 15. Her career to date has seen her as a flight instructor, a pilot in the north and an airline pilot. She has completed an Advanced Diploma in Aviation Management, a Bachelor’s Degree in Aeronautics and Aviation Management and a Master’s in Business Administration, specializing in aviation and international business. Zoey is a board member of the Urban Pilots Network, encouraging and educating young people from urban communities about opportunities in aviation.