News
Bombardier hosts Women in Aerospace Event

March 9, 2011, Toronto – In an effort to promote women’s opportunities
in the Canadian aerospace industry, Bombardier’s Toronto facility
hosted Women in Aerospace (WIA) Canada, as well as upwards of 150
guests from the aerospace community.

The event, in recognition of the 100th anniversary of the worldwide celebration of International Women’s Day, focused on diversity and women in leadership in the aerospace industry, and follows yesterday’s announcement by Mediacorp Canada Inc. that Bombardier Aerospace has been selected as one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers for 2011.

Valerie Wilson, Chair, WIA Canada (left) presents Mairead Lavery, Vice President, Strategy, Business Development and Structured Finance, Bombardier Aerospace with a special gift after Mairead's keynote address to the audience.

“Fostering and promoting the interests and professional development of women working in the aerospace sector to become industry leaders can only be achieved with support from key aerospace players,” said Valerie Wilson, Chair, WIA Canada. “We are thankful for the support from our founding members to date, Bombardier Aerospace and Messier-Dowty, and encourage other like-minded companies interested in expanding women's opportunities to also become founding members of WIA Canada.”

“This year’s United Nations theme for International Women’s Day – Equal access to education, training and science and technology: Pathway to decent work for women worldwide – challenges us to reflect on the opportunities available to women all over the globe and their strong contribution to society,” said Mairead Lavery, Vice President, Strategy, Business Development and Structured Finance, Bombardier Aerospace, during her keynote address. “I am honoured to join you in celebrating our talents.”

“As we develop our game-changing products at Bombardier, it is apparent that diversity drives ingenuity and innovation, which is what Bombardier is all about,” added Ms. Lavery. “WIA Canada’s goals are well aligned with Bombardier Aerospace’s commitment to expand women’s opportunities for leadership, professional development, education and training.”

In addition to networking opportunities and a luncheon, the event included a tour of the production lines at the Bombardier facility, which manufactures Bombardier’s Q400 NextGen turboprop airliner, Global business jets and wings for the legendary Learjet 45 business aircraft.