A celebration of women in Canadian Aerospace and their contributions to the field.

1. Empowering women and girls in science and engineering
from the classroom to the boardroom.
www.scieng-women-ontario.ca
@CWSE_ON CWSE.ON
NSERC / Pratt & Whitney Canada Chair for Women
in Science and Engineering

2. What is your
#AeroPassion ?
Quelle est votre
#AéroPassion?
Welcome – Bienvenue
Celebrating Women in
Aerospace Reception
Réception pour célébrer
les femmes en
aérospatiale

3. MarieChantal Chassé
CEO & President,
JMJ Aerospace
& President, PARC
• More than 23 years of engineering
experience, 17 in aerospace
• Through her PARC project, MarieChantal is
working to bring stability and continuity to
an industry that is well known to be cyclical
• Ushering the industry into the new sharing
economy era with an innovative and
systemised resource sharing model
“My #AeroPassion
is: Make your work
your playground
and dare to dream.”

4. “Diversity is proven to bring value to an
organization. It saddens me that to this day
when people have to make a choice: either
to succeed in their work or take care of their
family. It is a choice no one should be
required to make, and for that, a big
objective of our PARC project is to ensure
we offer a solution that guarantees a work-
life balance for women & men out there. ”
MarieChantal Chassé
CEO & President,
JMJ Aerospace
& President, PARC

5. Julie MacDonald
Mechanical Design Engineer
MDA Robotics & Automation
• Experience on projects ranging from space
vision systems to robotic servicing to lunar
and Mars rovers.
• Lead Mechanical Designer for Bogie
Electro-Mechanical Assembly for European
Space Agency 2018 Exomars Rover
• Best advice she’s ever gotten: “if you aren’t
finding mistakes, then you aren’t working
hard enough”
“My #AeroPassion
is making the
seemingly
impossible
possible.”

6. Julie MacDonald
Mechanical Design Engineer
MDA Robotics & Automation
“The future in space exploration and
development will require creative and
inspired solutions to put forward renewable
projects that balance corporate interests
with scientific advancement. To accomplish
that, multiple perspectives will need to
come together.”

7. Holly Johnson
Systems Engineer
MDA Robotics & Automation
• Works at the forefront of Canada’s next
generation of space robotics, an opportunity
she embraces
• Systems Engineer on projects ranging from
developing an MR-compatible neurosurgical
robot to concept studies that aim to define
the future needs of space robotics
• Her fascination on all things space started
when she was growing up
“My
#AeroPassion is
learning
new things
every day”

8. Holly Johnson
Systems Engineer
MDA Robotics & Automation
“I believe engineering is a team sport, and
the diversity in skills and backgrounds of
each member makes the team stronger.
Women have unique strengths and
propensities that add value to an
engineering team, and I am fortunate to
work in an environment where my
strengths are recognized as a key asset to
the teams I am a part of.”

9. Florentina Viscotchi
Engineering Director, Avionics
and Electrical, CSeries
Program, Bombardier
• Has worked in the aerospace industry in
Romania and Canada for 21 years.
• A career highlight was seeing the CSeries
aircraft airborne. She worked on the CSeries
project from day one helping it go from a
paper solution to something she can now
see and touch.
• Getting ready for project unknowns and
identifying them early keeps her mind racing.
“My #AeroPassion
is influencing
the unexpected”

10. Florentina Viscotchi
Engineering Director, Avionics
and Electrical, CSeries
Program, Bombardier
“My dream is for women to triple their
presence in the aerospace industry and
bring that extra diversity in key areas of
the business. I will continue to
encourage, coach and share my
experiences with colleagues and other
women. I know we can do it!”

11. Eva Martinez
Board of Directors, Women in
Aerospace Canada
• Was an Aeronautical Engineer in the Royal
Canadian Air Force overseeing aircraft
maintenance operations and leading R&D for
Aircrew Life Support Equipment
• A career highlight was being responsible for
maintaining a fleet of aircraft to support
search & rescue as the Deputy Squadron
Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Officer at
413 Transport & Rescue Squadron in Nova
Scotia.
“My #AeroPassion
is loving what I do,
solving problems
and helping local
and global
communities ”

12. Eva Martinez
Board of Directors, Women in
Aerospace Canada
“A workplace that is rich in diversity
where men and women can fully
contribute their talents will be far
more successful than one that shuts
the female down.”

13. Claire Lemiski
Pilot, Bombardier Aerospace
• Loves to fly! She flies a Dash 8 Q400 which
is a 76-seat turboprop built in Toronto.
• A career highlight was as a Flight Test
Engineer evaluating a Q400 aircraft’s
performance & handling characteristics on a
4% sloped runway on the side of a dormant
volcano in the Philippines
• While she often flies the same route as first
officer of Bombardier’s corporate shuttle,
there are new challenges every day!
“My #AeroPassion
is seeing the world
from a different
perspective.”

14. Claire Lemiski
Pilot, Bombardier Aerospace
“My dream is to see more
representation of women in the
aerospace industry, especially in
leadership positions. It starts now
with mentoring the up-and-coming
generation, encouraging young
women to pursue their passions.”

15. Jen Gatenby
Systems Analyst – Controls,
Simulations & Software,
GasTOPS
• Engineer in Training (E.I.T.)
• Involved in creating a simulator for a LM2500
Gas Turbine engine. A project highlight was
project management, hardware and software
aspects all working together for a team effort.
• Her systems and simulations efforts support
the Canadian Armed Forces’ ability to defend
Canadian interests.
“My #AeroPassion
is the instant on
take-off when the
ground falls away ”

16. Jen Gatenby
Systems Analyst – Controls,
Simulations & Software,
GasTOPS
“My vision for the future of women in
aerospace is to see more women become
involved & passionate about aerospace &
aviation. Women have the potential to be
successful in this industry with the right
attitude, education, & a supportive network.
I have seen firsthand how aerospace &
aviation education can inspire young
women to pursue careers in STEM.”

17. Angela Schoellig
Assistant Professor, University
of Toronto, Institute for
Aerospace Studies
• Selected as the youngest member of the
2014 Science Leadership Program
• Working on a project where a swarm of flying
robots helps to monitor the environment. The
project focused on real-world problems such
as detecting toxic algae in the water.
• The Institute’s control algorithms for flying
vehicles are found in the latest drones used
for non-military applications.
“My #AeroPassion
is small flying
robots that surprise
with their agility &
elegance ”

18. Angela Schoellig
Assistant Professor, University
of Toronto, Institute for
Aerospace Studies
“I hope women who dream to work in the
aerospace industry do so & do so with the
highest aspirations. I accept any
opportunity that allows me to speak in
public about my research, experiences &
career. I hope this will change the
traditional “picture” people have about
engineering & the aerospace sector.“

19. Natasha Jackson
Mechanical Design EIT,
Cascade Aerospace
• Develops major modifications for large
aircraft. Cascade’s work maintains and adds
products to commercial and military aircraft.
• Currently working on a project that adds
auxiliary fuel and extra payload capability to
an existing aircraft.
• At the Canadian Space Agency, participated
in a concept study for a penetrator mission to
Enceladus.
• Was an Air Cadet Gliding instructor
“My
#AeroPassion is
enabling new
capability”

20. Natasha Jackson
Mechanical Design EIT,
Cascade Aerospace
“I want us to reach a point where
gender differences are truly not a
factor and not even given any thought
in employment matters or opportunity.
I’ll support this by doing my job to the
best of my ability and being an
example of someone doing the job in
equal standing with my male peers.”

21. Melinda Bissinger
Manager – Materials
Engineering, Pratt & Whitney
Canada
• Joined Pratt & Whitney Canada Materials
Engineering in 1995
• Has led the Materials of Concern Reduction
Program since 2005. This program involves
evaluating and implementing alternative
technologies to eliminate environmentally un-
friendly materials & processes.
• Most enjoyable projects for her include
sustainable technology and eliminating
hazardous materials in engines.
“My
#AeroPassion is
making blue
skies greener by
using sustainable
materials”

22. Melinda Bissinger
Manager – Materials
Engineering, Pratt & Whitney
Canada
“Don’t give up and follow your
instincts.”

23. Linda Wolstencrof
President of Aerospace
BizDev
• Over 25 years experience in domestic
and international aerospace markets
• A professional engineer holding an MBA
• Enjoys projects that combine business
innovation with interesting aerospace
technology.
“My #AeroPassion
is helping
aerospace
technology make
our world a better
place”

24. Linda Wolstencrof
President of Aerospace
BizDev
“I would like to see more
togetherness and inclusiveness; we
are all ‘people’ regardless of race,
sex, heritage and religion. In my work
I pay attention to capabilities and
merit instead of attributes that lead to
generalizations.”

25. Romina Garcia
Senior Process Engineering
(Cleaning and Stripping)
StandardAero
• Provides global support to StandardAero
facilities on cleaning, stripping and plating
aircraft engines.
• Enjoys constantly expanding and honing
her technical, managerial and decision-
making skills in new challenges
• Developed a chemical processing tool
which reduced turn-around time by 85%
“My
#AeroPassion is
safety”

26. Romina Garcia
Senior Process Engineering
(Cleaning and Stripping)
StandardAero
“The support I provide generally allows life
to go on more smoothly for our staff,
whether through resolving a production
stoppage, sourcing or developing a better
mechanism to accomplish a task, or even
just hearing out their technical (and
personal) concerns.”

27. Nimita Wadhwa
Spacecraft Engineer, Satellite
Operations
Canadian Space Agency
• Working on Near Earth Object Space
Surveillance Satellite (NEOSSat).
NEOSSat is a dual mission microsatellite
looking for inner solar system asteroids
and tracking other satellites.
• Commanding a spacecraft in orbit is her
favourite part of her job.
• On the steering committee of the Women
in Science, Technology Management at
CSA
“My #AeroPassion
is to be part of our
spacefaring planet
for the benefit of
human kind ”

28. Nimita Wadhwa
Spacecraft Engineer, Satellite
Operations
Canadian Space Agency
“In the next 25 years, I wish to see
equal pay for equal work. Also, equal
representation of women in
aerospace, especially in the technical
fields & astronaut corps. I believe we
need to continue to inspire young girls
towards STEM disciplines.”

29. Alis Ekmekci
Assistant Professor, University
of Toronto, Institute for
Aerospace Studies
• Founder and leader of a state-of-the-art
Experimental Fluids Research Laboratory
at UTIAS
• Working with Bombardier & Messier-Dowty
to understand the noise-generating
mechanisms in landing gear and to come
up with innovative solutions for noise
mitigation.
“My #AeroPassion
is developing
cutting-edge
technology that
shapes the future. ”

30. Alis Ekmekci
Assistant Professor, University
of Toronto, Institute for
Aerospace Studies
“I would like to see more and more
talented bright women to become
influential leaders in engineering.”

31. Amanda Ennis
Project Engineering, Pratt and
Whitney Canada
• Part of the PW800 Project Engineering
Team responsible for the Accessory
Gearbox and Turbine Exhaust Case on the
PW100 engine families.
• In 2013 had the unique opportunity of
testing turbo-fan engines on the P&WC
Boeing 747sp flying test bed.
“My #AeroPassion
is summer evening
spotting @YUL with
my husband. ”

32. Amanda Ennis
Project Engineering
Pratt and Whitney Canada
“My vision for Women in Aerospace is
that we continue to encourage each
other to bring our intellect & passion
to this industry & demonstrate to
younger generations how rewarding it
is to be part of the Aerospace
community.”

33. Carole Pilon
Pilote d’essai de production,
Bombardier Aéronautique
• Effectue des vols aux commandes des
Challenger 605 et Challenger 350 en tant que
capitaine. Plus de 11 000 heures de vol à son
actif.
• Rôle de s¹assurer que l’avion rencontre les
critères de sécurité, d’intégrité et de qualité.
• Avec une formation d'ingénieure mécanique
ainsi que de pilote, travaille sur la certification
de nouveaux équipements, tels que le
Challenger 605 et le Challenger 350.
“Mon #AéroPassion
est de pouvoir
voler des avions
neufs et à la fine
pointe de la
technologie.”

34. Carole Pilon
Pilote d’essai de production,
Bombardier Aéronautique
“Mon conseil aux jeunes femmes visant
l¹aérospatiale est de ne jamais douter de
leurs capacités et de leur place. Le
monde de l¹aviation est un monde
passionnant et si on est habité par cette
passion le fait d’être un homme ou une
femme n’a pas d’importance.”

35. Sarah Oliveira
Onsite Engineering Manager,
UTC Aerospace Systems
• Supports development of the Bombardier
Global 7000/8000 business aircraft.
• Has been involved on the Global 7000/8000
from initial concept, to detail design & now to
the test and verification phase. She can’t wait
for this plane to fly!
• Involved with outreach activities with University
of Toronto and SAE promoting careers in
engineering to high school students
“My #AeroPassion
is making things
fly.”

36. Sarah Oliveira
Onsite Engineering Manager,
UTC Aerospace Systems
“My dream is that we no longer talk
about women in aerospace. Each
person should be elevated based on
their ability, and I hope that women will
be considered in the greater aerospace
community as equal contributors.”

37. Nadia Malik
Manager, Quality – Challenger
Business Aircraft, Bombardier
Aerospace
• In her 15 years at Bombardier has been
exposed to the entire product life cycle of the
aircraft.
• Responsible for pre-flight, paint, certification,
documentation and delivery for the
Challenger Business Aircraft.
• Being involved in the conception, launch and
development of the Global 7000/8000
Business Aircraft is a project highlight.
“My #AeroPassion
is business aircraft
interiors.”

38. Nadia Malik
Manager, Quality – Challenger
Business Aircraft, Bombardier
Aerospace
“I hope we see more women in
leadership positions [in Aerospace].
I believe women bring a different
dimension to conversations and a
very important dynamic to the
workplace.”

39. Cindy Dorneval
Aircraft Performance Engineer,
Bombardier Aerospace
• Always knew she wanted to be an engineer
• Part of the Flight Sciences group analyzing
aircraft performance to make sure they meet
the certification regulations through analyses
and flight testing.
• Performs calculations for potential
customers to assess the performances for
typical missions.
“My #AeroPassion
is certification, flight
test, CSeries,
engineering, aircraft
performance.”

40. Cindy Dorneval
Aircraft Performance Engineer,
Bombardier Aerospace
“I hope [in the next 25 years] it
becomes so normal to see women
in aerospace that we don’t even talk
about it anymore.”

41. Laura Drudi
Vascular Surgery Resident,
McGill University
• Her goal is to combine her passions for
space & cardiovascular medicine in her
pursuit to become a flight surgeon.
• With a CSA grant was part of a research &
leadership program at NASA Academy.
Participated in a sub-study of a tissue
collecting program with rodents aboard STS-
131. Study looked at effects of a 14-day trip
to the International Space Station on the
immunologic system.
“My #AeroPassion
Aerospace
Medicine.”

42. Laura Drudi
Vascular Surgery Resident,
McGill University
“My hope is we see an expansion of
women’s participation in the astronaut
training corps as well as commercial
endeavors. With changes in space
access, research areas devoted to
women's health in microgravity should
become one of the priorities for safe
space exploratory efforts, and I hope to
lead those efforts as a flight surgeon.”

43. Natasa Misic
Engineer III Systems,
Honeywell Aerospace
• Works in the Test Engineering Department
ensuring designs have no flaws &
manufactured units are built to design.
• Responsible for hardware / software
design & integration of test equipment
used for environmental qualification & final
acceptance test of electrical power
distribution units in an aircraft.
• Production support is the most challenging
and most rewarding part of her job .
“My #AeroPassion
respect.”

44. Natasa Misic
Engineer III Systems,
Honeywell Aerospace
“With current technological
development, wireless communication
& social networking, the world has
become a global village & society
demands safe, fast & convenient air
travel. My advice to young ladies
entering aerospace is: take ownership
of your future because there will be
nothing else in your way.”

45. Erika Kangas
Flight Test Engineer,
Bombardier
• Lead FTE on a program for a Challenger
605 business aircraft that was modified to
perform search and recue and surveillance
mission.
• Was onboard the first biofuel flight in
Canada
• Favourite parts of being a Flight Test
Engineer is working directly with the end
product and travelling to exotic places to
support testing.
“My #AeroPassion
is pushing the
corners of the
envelope.”

46. Erika Kangas
Flight Test Engineer,
Bombardier
“I’ve participated in a number of events
& organizations that promote, encourage
and recognize women in Aviation &
Aerospace in Canada. I believe these
events are invaluable for sharing with
young women the opportunities
available to them within the Canadian
Aerospace Industry.”
“My #AeroPassion
respect.”

47. Kheira Aboubi
Senior Engineering Specialist,
Thermodynamics, Bombardier
Aerospace
• Has worked on more than six development
and sustaining aerospace programs at
Bombardier
• As Thermodynamics Lead working on the
Global 7000/8000 a main job function is
developing ice protection and ice detection
systems
• Her work contributes directly to the safety
of the aircraft and comfort of passengers.
“My #AeroPassion
is contributing to
the design & test of
new complex
aerospace
technology.”

48. Kheira Aboubi
Senior Engineering Specialist,
Thermodynamics, Bombardier
Aerospace
“I am convinced based on my own
experience that women are equally
capable as men to be strong
contributors in this domain. I would like
to encourage more women to pursue
careers in Aerospace & experience the
professional satisfaction I’ve had.“

49. Lucy Li
Senior Research Officer,
Composite Products Group,
Aerospace National Research
Council Canada
• Completed her PhD in the Department of
Aerospace Engineering at the University
of Bristol (UK)
• Helped the Royal Canadian Air Forces
develop a new repair technology that
saved RCAF millions of dollars
“My #AeroPassion
there’s no limit in
the sky, chase the
sun”

50. Lucy Li
Senior Research Officer,
Composite Products Group,
Aerospace National Research
Council Canada
“In the next 25 years, I would like to
see more women join this amazing
industry and turn their dreams into
reality. It would be my pleasure to do
my part to foster a cultural change in
the workplace to recruit, retain and
promote women in Aerospace.”

51. Joana Rocha
Assistant Professor, Department
of Mechanical & Aerospace
Engineering, Carleton University
• Has a Ph.D. and a M.A.Sc. In Aerospace
from the Department of Mechanical
Engineering, University of Victoria
• Working in collaboration with Bombardier
Aerospace to research turbulent-flow
induced noise in aircraft, in low- and high-
speed wind tunnels at Carleton University
“My #AeroPassion is
Aeroacoustics,
aircraft design for
noise reduction,
turbulence modeling
and wind-tunnel
testing.“

52. Joana Rocha
Assistant Professor,
Department of Mechanical &
Aerospace Engineering,
Carleton University
“As a researcher, I am devoted to
develop fundamental research that is
driven by an application that protects
our environment and society and
improves existing or forecasted
issues.”

53. Stephanie Thompson
QC Lab Manager and NDT Level
3, Avcorp Industries, Delta, BC
• Has a Masters of Materials Engineering
from the University of British Columbia
• Manages four labs: Calibration, Materials
and Processing, Ultrasonic NDT and
Liquid Penetrant NDT
• Began her career as a metallurgist in the
primary steel manufacturing industry in
England
“My #AeroPassion
is learning how
innovative NDT
techniques can help
save lives!“

54. Stephanie Thompson
QC Lab Manager and NDT Level
3, Avcorp Industries
“Women often bring a different
perspective and approach from their
male counterparts and I truly believe
that this diversity can only help to
improve the industry.”

55. Brigette VanAert
Engineer II
Honeywell Aerospace
• Develops embedded software for
Satellite Data Units on various aircraft
• Her interest in aerospace began in a
co-op placement at Curtiss-Wright
Controls Embedded Computing and
NAV Canada
“My #AeroPassion
is contributing to
exceptional
machines by writing
great code.“

56. Anali Stewart
Associate Product Manager,
Bombardier Business Aircraft
“My #AeroPassion
is watching SpaceX
try to land a rocket
on a barge.”
• Responsible for maintaining the
competitiveness of the Learjet
product line
• Involved in launching the next-
generation Ka-band in-flight
internet service on Global aircraft

57. Anali Stewart
Associate Product Manager,
Bombardier Business Aircraft
“My advice is gender-neutral:
Don’t stay in a job for years
that you aren’t passionate
about.”

58. Stefanie Ruel
Life Sciences Mission Manager,
Astronaut, Life Sciences &
Space Medicine division,
Canadian Space Agency
• Initiates, develops, leads and executes
science-based missions aboard
microgravity vehicles, including the
International Space Station
• Worked on teams that developed
treatments for osteoporosis and visual
perception deficits
“My
#AeroPassion is
to aim for the
stars.”

59. Stefanie Ruel
Life Sciences Mission Manager,
Astronaut, Life Sciences &
Space Medicine division,
Canadian Space Agency
“The challenge with working in the space
industry involves recognizing the need for
patience. You don’t immediately see the
impact your work has on everyday lives
but you know you are adding to knowledge
that will one day lead to socio-economic
benefits for all Canadians.”

60. Nasim Kaveh
Embedded Software Specialist,
CS Communication and Systems
Canada
“My
#AeroPassion is
learning,
exploring and
transferring
knowledge.”
• Holds a B.A. and Masters degree in
Mechanical Engineering from McGill
• Performs testing, verification and
validation of the aircraft’s FADEC
• Previously held positions at Pratt &
Whitney Canada, Bombardier Aerospace
and the Mars Desert Research Station in
Utah

61. Nasim Kaveh
Embedded Software Specialist,
CS Communication and Systems
Canada
“What matters is to find stability and
have a work-life balance that helps
us grow in both our personal lives
and at work.”

62. Thank you for coming and Celebrating
Women in Aerospace with us.
Nous vous remercions pour votre
participation à la célébration des
femmes en aérospatiale.