Northern Lights Aero Foundation
Toronto, OntarioProgram: Scholarship/bursary program
The Northern Lights Aero Foundation’s mission is to encourage women in Canada to succeed in careers in aviation and aerospace by recognizing and celebrating the achievements of accomplished women; engaging in outreach; facilitating mentorship; and providing scholarship opportunities. We strive to inspire and encourage increased participation in aviation and aerospace by promoting awareness of the vast career opportunities within. We work closely with organizations to ensure they recognize and benefit from women’s diverse talents.
The Northern Lights Aero Foundation’s Elsie MacGill Awards honours outstanding Canadian women who have made a significant contribution to aviation or aerospace, and who continue to lay the ground work for other women to enter or excel in these industries. “The Elsie” is named after aviation pioneer and human rights advocate Elsie Gregory MacGill, the world’s first female aircraft designer. MacGill graduated from the University of Toronto’s electrical engineering program in 1927 and later became pivotal in the design and production of the Hawker Hurricane in Canada during the Second World War. During her career, MacGill was appointed to the Canadian Royal Commission on the Status of Women, and was made an Officer of the Order of Canada.
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