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Where Are They Now? Elevate Aviation Inspire Alumni

Over the years, Elevate Aviation Inspire has featured incredible women who are breaking barriers and redefining what’s possible in aviation. We caught up with five of our Inspire Alumni to see where their journeys have taken them since we last celebrated their stories.

The Future of Aviation Belongs to Everyone

For too long, aviation has been a field closed off to many, especially women, Indigenous peoples, racialized individuals, newcomers, and those from low-income or remote communities. While the industry has soared in technical advancement, it has lagged behind in diversity and inclusion. We saw the potential in people who were being left out, and we knew that had to change.

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 career and spent her early years traveling across Northern Canada as a helicopter field AME, supporting forest fire operations, wildlife management, and mineral exploration.

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.

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.

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 her BSc in Geography from the University of British Columbia and her Commercial Pilot Diploma at Coastal Pacific and the University of the Fraser Valley while working as a flight attendant at Air Canada. Kristin began her flying career in Winnipeg with Perimeter Airlines before joining WestJet, where she has been a 737 Captain for 21 years.