Each year, the national not-for-profit foundation honours outstanding Canadian women who have made a significant contribution to aviation or aerospace, and who continue to lay the groundwork for other women to enter or excel in these industries.
Categories include:
- Business
- Education
- Engineering
- Flight Operations
- Government
- Rising Star
- Trailblazer
Nominate
To nominate an outstanding woman or for more information about the Northern Lights Aero Foundation and sponsorship opportunities, visit our website. Submissions are accepted January 1 to March 31, 2025.
The 2025 recipients will be selected by a judging panel of industry and government professionals, and will be honoured at the “Elsie” Awards gala on October 4, 2025 in Toronto.
Air Canada continues to be the premier sponsor for the Northern Lights gala.
The annual Northern Lights gala will be held on Saturday, October 4, 2025 at the Pearson Convention Centre in Brampton, Ontario.
About the Elsie
The Northern Lights Aero Foundation’s Elsie MacGill Awards – 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.
The Foundation is always working on new initiatives, including outreach, mentorship and scholarships. We have also set up a Junior Board to teach young women about board governance.
About Northern Lights Aero Foundation
The Northern Lights Aero Foundation inspires and encourages Canadian women in aviation and aerospace with mentorship, scholarships, a speakers bureau and an annual award event. For more information, please visit northernlightsaerofoundation.com, and follow on social media.
For more information email: info@northernlightsaerofoundation.com