Elevate Aviation is a not-for-profit based out of Edmonton, AB with a mission to help women and underrepresented groups thrive and succeed through careers in aviation. The Cross Country Tour began in 2015 to introduce aviation careers to Canadians from coast to coast. This year they will showcase 96 guest speakers across 23 Canadian cities made possible by a team of over 300 volunteers. The Elevate Aviation Cross Country Tour empowers youth to consider a career in aviation through inspirational presentations and behind-the-scenes tours by women in aviation.
Each tour day is free of charge for pre-registered students and features incredible guest speakers, lunch, and behind-the-scenes tours of the airport. Participants will hear from pilots, air traffic controllers, aerospace engineers, aircraft mechanics, and other industry professionals.
With the aviation industry facing massive shortages, now is the time to promote careers. “The Cross Country Tour is one of our most important programs,” said Kendra Kincade, President and CEO of Elevate Aviation. “When young girls see women as pilots, air traffic controllers, engineers, and mechanics, they then start to picture themselves in that career.”
Currently, women make up only 6% of private pilots in Canada and fewer than 5% of all airline transport pilot license holders are female. Female mechanics make up less than 2% of mechanics worldwide and women hold only 15% of jobs as Air Traffic Controllers in Canada.
“By reaching out to youth, Elevate Aviation’s Cross Country Tour is helping to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the aviation industry by encouraging the next generation of female pilots, engineers, and aviation professionals.”, said Emily Reiman, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for Elevate Aviation and Co-Director of the 2023 Cross Country Tour. “We hope to demonstrate to the students that the future of women in aviation is limitless.”
For more information, please visit: elevateaviation.ca, and follow them on Twitter, Instagram, Linkedin, or Facebook.
Media Contacts:
Lori Carle
Manager of Marketing, Public and Corporate Relations, Saint John Airport lcarle@ysjsaintjohn.ca
Emily Reiman
Director of DEI and Co-Director of 2023 Cross Country Tour, Elevate Aviation emily.reiman@elevateaviation.ca
Major Jacklyn Zacher Military Ambassador and Co-Director of 2023 Cross Country Tour, Elevate Aviation jacklyn.zacher@elevateaviation.ca