Air Canada, CAE Announce the 2025 Captain Judy Cameron Scholarship Recipients
Over the weekend, Air Canada and CAE celebrated International Women’s Day (March 8) with the announcement of 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.
Arielle Meloul-Wechsler, Executive Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer, and Public Affairs at Air Canada, said that: “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. Congratulations to this year’s winners.”
Marie-Christine Cloutier, Vice President, Performance, Strategy and Marketing at CAE, said that: “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.”
Cloutier continued: “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.”
Judy Cameron, Boeing 777 Captain at Air Canada (retired) and Director of the Northern Lights Aero Foundation, said: “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.”
She continued: “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.”
2025 recipients include:
- 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
Go to www.aircanada.com for more.
