A recent event hosted by Air Canada and Air Canada Vacations opened a new chapter in promoting women’s leadership within the travel industry. Spearheaded by Christine Faulkner, the Manager of Sales Operations and Planning at Air Canada Vacations, the initiative aims to connect and celebrate women in business. Open Jaw President Nina Slawek expressed her long-held desire for such an event, stating, “There are so many incredible women in travel, it’s time we celebrate them!”
Launch Event Highlights
This intimate evening event marked the debut of a new women in business series, co-organized by Ana Paula De Souza, Director of Sales at Air Canada Vacations, and Tracy Bellamy, Director of Canada Sales & Global Accounts at Air Canada. The first guest speaker was none other than Captain Judy Cameron, a trailblazer who became Air Canada’s first female pilot.
The Groundbreaking Career of Judy Cameron
During her presentation, Judy Cameron reflected on her remarkable journey in aviation. Her career began at the age of 19 with her first flight in a single-engine Cessna-150, leading to a shift from Art to Aviation studies. After graduating from Selkirk College in 1975 as Canada’s first female Aviation Certified graduate, she initially worked as a bush pilot before being recruited by Air Canada in 1978.
Facing Challenges in a Male-Dominated Field
Cameron shared the challenges she faced in a predominantly male industry, recounting instances where others underestimated her capabilities. Throughout her illustrious 40-year flying career, she piloted various aircraft, including the DC-3, and even became the first female captain in Canada to fly the Boeing 777.
Her substantial contributions to aviation were recognized upon her retirement in 2015, including awards such as the Elsie MacGill Northern Lights award and distinction on a Canadian postage stamp by the 99s, an international organization of women pilots.
Lessons and Insights from Captain Cameron
Cameron concluded her talk by imparting valuable insights on navigating career challenges:
- Only 6% of pilots worldwide are female, emphasizing the importance of encouraging more women to enter aviation.
- Many women experience the need to prove themselves in male-dominated environments, a situation that should change.
- Building strong networks among women leads to greater success.
- Confidence is built through overcoming fear; potential is equal regardless of gender.
- Younger women are looking for role models; mentorship is vital.
- Women often underestimate their capabilities and should strive for greater self-confidence.
A Scholarship to Empower Future Generations
In honor of her legacy, Air Canada has established a scholarship in Captain Judy Cameron’s name, currently valued at $20,000. The Northern Lights Aero Foundation administers this initiative, now supported by CAE, which doubled the scholarship amount this year.
This event not only celebrated the achievements of women like Judy Cameron but also laid the groundwork for future initiatives aimed at empowering women in the travel and aviation industries.
