The sky’s no limit for Canadian Women In Aviation! Below is the remarkable list of speakers from across the Aviation Industry and Royal Canadian Air Force, that informed and inspired us at the 2017 CWIA Conference in Calgary.
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2017 Forum Speakers
Theme: Rise and Thrive! — Agir et prospérer!
Keynote Banquet Speaker
Dawna Friesen – Global National
“Defining Your Own Path to Success”
The CWIA Conference is pleased to announce Dawna Friesen, award winning journalist and news Anchor with Global National will be sharing her wisdom gained over her years around the world at our final banquet… Read more.
Major-General T.L. Harris, CD Deputy Commander of the Royal Canadian Air Force
“Women, Peace and Security”
In 1987, Major-General Tammy Harris graduated from Acadia University as the valedictorian and immediately joined the Canadian Forces under the Direct Entry Officer program as an Air Traffic Controller. Upon completion of her basic air traffic control course in 1989, she was posted to Lahr, Germany for her initial qualification. During her tour, Major-General Harris was also appointed the Tower Chief Controller… Read more.
Brigadier-General M.H.L. (Lise) Bourgon, MSC, CD Director Operations, CAF, Strategic Joint Staff
“Rising Leadership in the RCAF”
Brigadier- General Lise Bourgon joined the military in 1987 and attended the Royal Military College where she graduated with a Bachelor degree in Business Administration. She received her Pilot wings in 1994 and was posted to 423 Maritime Helicopter Squadron in Shearwater…Read more.
Rear-Admiral Jennifer Bennett, CMM, CD Director General Canadian Armed Forces Strategic Response Team for Sexual Misconduct And National Champion for Women in Defence
CF Exclusive Speaker – Attendees must be Canadian Forces Members “Canadian Armed Forces Initiatives of Interest to Women – Recruiting and retention, Diversity, Inclusivity and Operation HONOUR”
Rear-Admiral Jennifer Bennett has been able to successfully pursue two concurrent careers, one with the Canadian Armed Forces as a member of Canada’s Reserve Force and the other as a teacher… Read More.
Kathy Fox, Transport Safety Board Canada, Chair Canadian Aviation Hall of Fame inductee 2016
“The Latest in Canadian Aviation Safety”
Chair, Transportation Safety Board of Canada / Canadian Aviation Hall of Fame inductee 2016
Aircraft accidents affect us all, no matter what we do in aviation. Kathy Fox will discuss some safety lessons learned from specific accident investigations done by the Transportation Safety Board TSB, that are of interest and apply to all of us in the aviation community, regardless of our role. Kathy Fox selected air traffic control as a career in 1974, and … Read More.
Tracy Medve, MBA
“Success at the Top”
KF Aerospace, President
In May, 2013, Tracy Medve was appointed as the President of KF Aerospace, a multi-faceted maintenance, cargo, military flight training and aircraft leasing organization headquartered in Kelowna, B.C. She was formerly President of Canadian North Airlines from 2007 to 2012.
Since 1985 Tracy has held various senior airline management positions at … Read More.
Britt-Marie Karlin, Swedish Government, flight safety analyst
“A Global Perspective of Aviation Safety”
Britt-Marie Karlin works as a flight safety analyst for the Swedish Government, and one of the duties is to coordinate accident investigations and recommendations between the accident investigation authority and Swedish Civil Aviation Authority.
Britt-Marie represents Sweden in … Read More.
Barbara Dunn, Canadian Society of Air Safety Investigators, President
“Passenger Safety. Are You Prepared in an Emergency?”
President, Canadian Society of Air Safety Investigators
Barbara M Dunn has been involved in aviation since 1971 when she became a Cabin Crew member with Air Canada. During her career with the airline she taught various safety related courses including security, cabin crew initial and recurrent, and CRM. In 1974 she became responsible for … Read More.
Joy Smith, Member of Parliament, Retired
“Save a slave. Recognition and safe intervention of Human Trafficking within Canadian Aviation”
Could you recognize a victim of human trafficking if you saw them in your airport or onboard your aircraft? Joy Smith is a passionate on this topic, and an expert in her field; find out how to recognize someone who needs your help to escape this frightening and deadly situation.
Joy Smith was introduced to the world of Human Trafficking by witnessing the dramatic physical and emotional toll it exacted on her son… Read More.
Kendra Kincade, NavCanada, ATC
“Mentoring for Success”
Kendra Kincade is the Founder and Chairman of the Board of Elevate Aviation. Elevate came from her passion for philanthropy and her desire to help women become strong, independent, and self sustainable.
Major Catherine Blais, RCAF, Test Pilot and Unit Safety Officer, Aerospace Engineering Test Establishment
“Rising to the Challenges of Flight Testing: Unique Careers and Experiences”
Maj Catherine Blais has been working as a Qualified Test Pilot at AETE since 2014. She is currently qualified on the CH146 Griffon and the CT114 Tutor and has flown 30 types of aircraft, both helicopter and aeroplanes. She will explain the requirements to become a Test Pilot and the type of career that awaits future Test Pilots… Read More.
Major Meagan McGrath, RCAF, Deputy Chief of Staff Support Coordinator/J9 Alaskan Command (ALCOM) Liaison Officer, Joint Task Force North (JTFN)
“Adventurer – Aspire to Great Heights”
Maj Meagan McGrath graduated from the Royal Military College in 2000. In her career she served as a Maintenance Support Officer, an Imaging Radar System Engineer, an Experiment planner and team leader at the CF Aerospace Warfare Centre as well as a Standard and Support Squadron Commander at the CF School of Aerospace Technology and Engineering. She deployed to Afghanistan as a mentor to the Director of Education at the Afghan Air Force University. In May 2007, Meagan summited Mount Everest, achieving her goal to climb the Seven Summits… Read More.
Lieutenant Colonel (ret’d) Maryse Carmichael
“Welcome and a CWIA Conference History”
Lcol (Ret’d) Maryse Carmichael has been fascinated by aviation for as long as she can remember. As soon as she was able, she joined the Royal Air Cadets program in Quebec city and followed on with her passion, joining the RCAF. After 22 years, she had accumulated over 3,500 hours on three main aircraft types, the Tutor, the challenger and the Hercules. In 2000, she made history and became the first Snowbird female pilot and the first female pilot in the world to fly with a Jet Demonstration Team..Read more.
Shirlee Smith Matheson, Author, Canadian Aviation Historian
Northern Lights Aero Foundation Speaker
“Women, Peace and Security”
Canadian Aviation is a young industry and includes many great pioneering Aviatrixes. Let Shirlee captivate you with her colourful illustration as a professional story teller. Shirlee Smith Matheson’s definition of success is being “a story keeper” – writing adult nonfiction biographies as well young adult novels that add to society’s collective knowledge. Shirlee has lived on farms in Manitoba near the Riding Mountains, and in Alberta west of Sylvan Lake; and in urban areas ranging from Lacombe, Alberta; to Vernon and Hudson’s Hope, British Columbia; in Australia; and in Calgary…Read more.
Joanne Leskow, Mount Royal University, Professor
“Women in Leadership – Leadership by Design”
Joanne Leskow believes we are all called and capable of becoming valuable contributors through our leadership. At this session, Joanne will discuss why leadership is a valued skill at all levels and how we can increase our influence. Her focus on leadership for and by all has been front and center for Joanne throughout her own career…Read more.
Master Warrant Officer (Laurie) Moore, RCAF, CC177 Globemaster Loadmaster
“Transport: Moving Up in RCAF”
Master Warrant Officer Laurie Moore was born in Rosthern, SK and began her military career as a Traffic Technician in 1990. In 2002, she was selected to attend C130 Loadmaster Training at 8 Wing Trenton. She finished top of her class and was subsequently posted to 436 (T) Sqn as a MCpl. In 2006, she was one of ten Loadmaster candidates selected for the initial cadre for the newly acquired CC177 Globemaster. She went to Altus AFB, OK in Mar 2007 for her Loadmaster Initial Qualification and was subsequently sent to McCord AFB, Washington where she flew as restricted flight crew with the USAF to gain valuable knowledge and experience… Read more.
Captain Kaylee Horn, RCAF, B412-CF QFI, SFSO – 3 CFFTS
“Women in Aviation – A Transgender perspective from within the RCAF”
Born in Seattle, Washington, Kaylee immigrated to Canada in 1972. The family settled in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, where she lived until obtaining her B Sc. Mechanical Engineering from the University of Saskatchewan.Upon obtaining her wings in January 2009, she was posted to 443 Maritime Helicopter Squadron in Patricia Bay, British Columbia to fly the venerable Sea King. While there she supported the Royal Canadian Navy through numerous deployments culminating in the position of Detachment Commander on HMCS Algonquin… Read more.
College of Professional Pilots of Canada
Listen to Captain Robert Saunders & First Officer Michelle Chiasson… Read more.
Judy Cameron , Retired Captain, Air Canada B777
Judy Cameron became the first female pilot hired by Air Canada, Canada’s largest airline, on April 10 1978 at the age of 23. She was the first woman to graduate from Selkirk College’s Aviation Technology Program in 1975. Judy was the first female captain of a wide-body aircraft at Air Canada in 2006 (the Boeing 767), and in 2010, became the first female Boeing 777 captain in Canada. On May 24, 2015, with much fanfare waiting, Judy make her final flight from Munich back to Toronto Pearson Airport, retiring after 37 years… Read more.
Dr Joan Saary, MD, FRCPC, PhD, CIP Occupational Medicine Flight Surgeon, RCAF and Canadian Space Agency
“What’s New with Blue? Blue Light and Circadium Rhythm.”
What’s New with Blue…the Colour of “Awake” – Enhance your knowledge of the interrelated concepts of sleep, circadian rhythms and shiftwork by gaining awareness of current research and newsworthy topics such as blue light and e-readers…Read more.
Stephanie Hogewoning and Lisa Weatherby SAIT Avionics Technology program, AME-E
“Avionics – An Interactive Glimpse of the Fundamentals”
For Stephanie aviation runs in her blood. With her grandfather and father both having been airline pilots and her mother a former flight attendant, it was no surprise when she herself entered into the industry.In 2006 she graduated with honors from the Avionics Technology program at SAIT and went on to earn an AME-E license. Five years ago she returned to SAIT to teach in the Avionics program… Read more.
Captain Linda Orlady, Boeing Chief Pilot, (Retired)
“CRM – Today’s relevance and challenges”
Linda has had a long involvement in aviation, human factors, and safety as a pilot, instructor, safety volunteer, researcher, accident investigator and author. She is a third-generation pilot and served as a Chief Pilot for the Boeing Company as well as flew for United Airlines (UAL) for twenty-five years, also serving as the CRM manager. She is rated in the Airbus 319 and 320 and Boeing models from the 737 through the 787. She also holds a commercial rotorcraft rating… Read more
Maiko Maruyama, WestJet Encore, Director InFlight Services
“Inflight Services – From entry to leadership”
Born and raised in Calgary, Alberta, I started my aviation career at WestJet as a Flight Attendant in 2000. After flying the line for four years, I transitioned into the role of Inflight Technical Instructor, where my journey through the WestJet organization began…Read More