The Aviation Event of the Year!

Our annual Inspire Gala is back and this year is extra exciting because we are celebrating our 10-Year Anniversary!

The Elevate Aviation Inspire Gala is more than a celebration. It is a call to action.

Each year, we honour eight women whose vision, leadership, and resilience are reshaping the face of aviation in Canada. Their stories fuel our mission and show what is possible when barriers are removed.

Your support at the Inspire Gala directly funds programs that elevate women and underrepresented groups into life-changing careers. From immersive youth education to industry-aligned training and mentorship, these programs open doors that transform futures.
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Tickets On Sale NOW!


October 18, 2025

at 7:00 pm MDT

Aurora Jet Partners Hangar, Edmonton International Airport, AB

What to Expect


Doors open at 7:00 pm for a memorable cocktail-style fundraiser celebrating 10 years of Elevate Aviation.

Elevate Aviation’s Inspire Gala is more than just an event, it’s a powerful evening of celebration, connection, and change. When you sponsor or attend the Inspire Gala, you’re not only stepping into one of the most anticipated aviation events of the year — you’re helping create real opportunities for women and underrepresented groups to thrive in the aviation industry.

Evening Highlights

Get ready for an unforgettable night that blends purpose with celebration:

Cocktails, Appetizers, and High-Energy Networking: Mingle with leaders, changemakers, and passionate supporters from across the aviation and business community.

Eight Inspirational Women in Aviation Spotlighted: Be moved by the stories of women who are breaking barriers and soaring to new heights.

Dynamic Presentations and Live Entertainment:  Enjoy a carefully curated program filled with passion, purpose, and inspiration.

Great Music and Dancing: Let loose and celebrate with music and dance floor to end the night.

Silent Auction, 50/50, and Raffle: Bid on exciting items while supporting programs that make a lasting impact.

Cocktail Attire: Dress to impress, and prepare to be inspired!

Women Who Inspire

We are featuring eight exceptional women in aviation who encompass diverse aviation careers and are making a difference in the industry through their work, volunteerism, leadership, passion, and dedication. Through inspirational videos, their stories will touch your heart and maybe even ignite your passion for aviation.

Crystalle Laamanen

Crystalle is a helicopter Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) with nearly 28 years of experience in aviation. At the age of 19, she relocated from Ontario to Yellowknife to pursue her

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Sharon Cheung

Sharon Cheung currently heads up the government affairs team at ALPA Canada where she advocates for safer working conditions on behalf of its 21 pilot groups.

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Jadene Mah

Jadene is an Aviation Events Consultant and Media & Performer Operations Specialist for the Abbotsford International Airshow. She is also a passionate General Aviation Volunteer.

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Kristin Long

Kristin has dedicated over 30 years to aviation, combining her passion for flying with a commitment to mentorship, leadership, and advocacy. Born in Montreal and raised in Oakville, she earned

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Gyny Koy

Gyny Koy is a passionate and people-focused Flight Attendant who brings warmth, energy, and resilience to every aspect of her work. A proud graduate of the WEST program at the

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Toka Abu Jaib

Toka Abu Jaib is a First Officer at PAL Airlines and a graduate of the University of Alberta (B.Sc., 2018). Her path to aviation was anything but conventional. At 25,

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Laurane Lestan

Laurane’s story in aviation is all about passion, resilience, and adaptability. Her love for flying started as a teenager in France, where she discovered the thrill of soaring through the

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Stella Filippatos

Stella Filippatos is currently Director, Program Management, Electrical Aircraft where she leads the development of the CAE electric aircraft program.

Read More »

Photo Credit: Nancy Critchley Photography

Raising Funds For Our Programs

Take part in our exciting silent auction and fun games throughout the evening, all in support of Elevate Aviation’s transformative work. At the Inspire Gala, you’re not just enjoying a memorable night, you’re investing in meaningful change!

Funds raised from this event advance our mission to break barriers and open doors for women and underrepresented groups in aviation. Your generosity powers mentorship, youth programming, leadership development, and hands-on training where participants gain the knowledge and skills to thrive in high-demand aviation careers.

Your contribution moves us closer to a stronger, more inclusive aviation industry.

We are currently seeking gala sponsorship – find out how you can get involved!

Silent Auction

Each year, Inspire raises funds for our core programs and operational costs, as well as contributes to programming at the Elevate Aviation Learning Centre.  Profits from the event go back into our organization, allowing us to spread the word about careers in aviation, create more courses and training opportunities for women to achieve economic security, and close the gender gap in the male dominated industry. Our Inspire silent auction goes live on September 18, 2025 and closes on October 18, 2025 at the gala. The best part – you don’t even have to be there to participate! Place your bid from across Canada 

Discounted Hotel Options

Hotel rooms are available at a special rate at the following hotels:

Renaissance Edmonton
Airport Hotel

Room quantities are limited, so book now! Bookings can be made using the discount code ER5 on marriott.com/yegbr or the Marriott Bonvoy app for $179 per night.

The Fairfield by Marriott Edmonton International Airport

is offering a special rate of $150 per night to guests of the Elevate Aviation Inspire Gala. Bookings can be made here

Wyndham Garden Edmonton Airport Hotel

Discounted hotel rooms are available for $125 per night. Bookings can be made here.

Ticket Levels

First Class

This ticket level includes two drink tickets per person and upgraded hors d’oeuvres. Limited seating is available to the public. Most tables are reserved for sponsors. For more information on how to become a sponsor, click here.

 

$200 + GST/fees per ticket

Business Class

This ticket level includes a cocktail table for 4 people located close to the stage,  one complimentary drink ticket per person, and upgraded hors d’oeuvres. Early Bird pricing is available until July 31, 2025!

 

Early Bird: $550 + GST/fees per table
Regular: $600 + GST/fees per table

Economy Class

In economy class a cocktail table for 4 people or a single seat can be purchased. If you purchase a single seat, the table is assigned, your seat at the table is first-come-first-served at the event. Early Bird pricing is available until July 31, 2025!
Early Bird: $80 + GST/fees per ticket Regular: $100 + GST/fees per ticket 

Sponsors

First Class Sponsors

Business Class Sponsors

Premium Class Sponsors

Production Sponsors

Decor Sponsors

Exclusive Jewellery Partner

Be Featured at Inspire

The women we recognize at the Inspire gala quickly become a part of the Elevate Aviation team and join the cause in raising awareness about the amazing careers available to women in aviation.

Providing a platform of support for women in the industry. After a nomination and selection process, we kick things off by spending one weekend together in the spring where Inspire features meet and participate in head shots and video interviews to prepare for the October gala. This is an opportunity to build life-long friendships and networks of support across various positions throughout the industry.

Nominate or Apply

Nominations for Inspire 2025 are now closed! Nominations for next year will open in January 2026. 

Join us for Elevate Aviation’s 10th Anniversary Inspire Gala!

October 18, 2025 at 7:00 PM
Aurora Jet Partners Hangar at Edmonton International Airport

Don’t miss this cocktail-style fundraiser featuring light appetizers, entertainment, auctions, raffles, and networking. Celebrate and be inspired by eight trailblazing women in aviation.