Source: Air Canada
In celebration of International Women’s Day on March 8, Air Canada and CAE proudly announce the eight winners of the 2025 Captain Judy Cameron Scholarships. The two Montreal-based global aviation companies have again joined forces to award scholarships to eight women from across Canada who are pursuing careers as commercial pilots or aircraft maintenance engineers.
The Captain Judy Cameron Scholarship, now in its sixth year, was established in honour of Air Canada’s first female pilot. Scholarships are awarded annually by Air Canada and CAE, in conjunction with the Northern Lights Aero Foundation, to foster the next generation of women in aviation.
“Air Canada is proud to be a leader fostering the next generation of women pursuing careers as pilots or maintenance engineers. Initiatives like the Captain Judy Cameron scholarship help inspire and encourage women undertaking non-traditional aviation careers, which in turn develop diverse, rich synergies in our industry and supports young women in STEM,” said Arielle Meloul-Wechsler, Executive Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer, and Public Affairs at Air Canada. “Congratulations to this year’s winners!”
“Women will play a key role in meeting the aviation industry’s demand for pilots in the future, and the CAE Women in Flight program and Captain Judy Cameron scholarship provide invaluable, merit-based support to deserving recipients,” said Marie-Christine Cloutier, Vice President, Performance, Strategy and Marketing at CAE. “It is essential for girls and young women to see strong role models in aviation, to know that a career in this industry is not only possible but achievable. By spotlighting the journeys and achievements of the four CAE Women in Flight Ambassadors, we hope to inspire the next generation to pursue their dreams in aviation with confidence and determination, leading to the success of the industry as a whole.”
“The highlight of my year is informing recipients that they are receiving the Captain Judy Cameron scholarship. These young women not only excel in their own training but are actively encouraging other women in their aviation journeys,” said Judy Cameron, Boeing 777 Captain at Air Canada (retired) and Director of the Northern Lights Aero Foundation. “As they walk on stage at the Northern Lights Aero Foundation gala on October 4, I will be filled with pride to see the future of aviation. Congratulations to all eight women and to Air Canada and CAE for generously funding the scholarships.”
Biographies of the Captain Judy Cameron Scholarship winners
Air Canada award recipients:
- Kimberly Ballantyne – Winnipeg, Manitoba
- Aymie Rioux – Quebec, Quebec
- Liv Letourneau – Port Moody, British Columbia
- Trisha Virdee – Innisfil, Ontario
CAE Women in Flight Ambassadors:
- Neghat Hidari – Mount Brydges, Ontario
- Kayla McNeely – SW Calgary Alberta
- Arpan Srawn – Edmonton, Alberta
- Miriam Roumia – Waterloo, Ontario