Northern Lights Aero Foundation 15th Anniversary an Inspiring Showcase of Excellence

by Gord McNulty
posted November 2024
The cover of the Northern Lights Aero Foundation 15th Anniversary program.
More than 600 people attended the Northern Lights Aero Foundation (NLAF) 15th Annual “Elsie” Awards Gala at the Pearson Convention Centre in Brampton on October 5.

The impressive turnout of aviation and aerospace industry professionals, students, sponsors and guests spoke volumes about the growth of the awards program named after Elsie MacGill (1905-1980), legendary aviation pioneer and women’s rights advocate.
 
Eight trailblazing Canadian women were honoured with awards for exceptional achievements in aviation and aerospace.  In addition, well-earned scholarships were awarded to women pursuing careers as pilots and aircraft maintenance engineers.
Captain Erin Edwards won the Government Award and Terri Super won the Trailblazer Award
Cassandra Hepp and Zoey Williams both won the Rising Star Award
Laura Sinclair won the Business Award; Sherry Cooper won the Education Award
Pat Greene won the Engineering Award and Elizabeth Mitches won the Flight Operations Award
The eight award winners in the Elsie Class of 2024 are:  Laura Sinclair (Business); Sherry Cooper (Education); Pat Greene (Engineering); Elizabeth Mitches (Flight Operations); Captain Erin Edwards (Government); Terri Super (Trailblazer); Cassandra Hepp (Rising Star); Zoey Williams (Rising Star).
Judges in the 2024 NLAF Gala - Gord McNulty, former CAHS Vice President; RCMP pilot Kathy Stewart; CWO Marlene Shillingford
Having attended the NLAF Gala for a number of years to represent the CAHS, it was an honour for me to be asked by Cathy Fraser, a Foundation Director, to serve as one of the judges this year.

As pointed out by Andy Cline in a Skies magazine article on the Gala, judging is a difficult task given the outstanding accomplishments in aviation, aerospace and community organizations demonstrated by dozens of nominees. 
The nominees invariably reflect qualities such as determination and perseverance, enthusiasm, courage, leadership, the ability to inspire others, and more.  The extent to which women increasingly contribute to progress in aviation and aerospace across Canada is truly remarkable.

The CAHS extends congratulations to the NLAF, the award and scholarship recipients and all of the sponsors for making the awards program and Gala an inspiration for current and future generations.

The deadline for 2025 nominations is January 1 – March 31, 2025.
Air Canada advertisement on back cover of the program.  Air Canada has funded the aspirations of young women since 2020.
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