3 January 2024 Toronto, ON – The Northern Lights Aero Foundation is now accepting nominations for its 15th annual awards program. Each year, the national not-for-profit foundation honours outstanding Canadian women who have made a significant contribution to aviation or aerospace, and who continue to lay the ground work for other women to enter or excel in these industries.

The Northern Lights Aero Foundation’s Elsie MacGill Awards – The “Elsie” is named after aviation pioneer and human rights advocate Elsie Gregory MacGill, the world’s first female aircraft designer. MacGill graduated from the University of Toronto’s electrical engineering program in 1927 and later became pivotal in the design and production of the Hawker Hurricane in Canada during the Second World War. During her career, MacGill was appointed to the Canadian Royal Commission on the Status of Women, and was made an Officer of the Order of Canada.

The Foundation is always working on new initiatives, including outreach, mentorship and scholarship. We have also set up a Junior Board to teach young women about board governance.

The 2024 recipients will be selected by a judging panel comprised of industry and government professionals, and will be honoured at the “Elsie” Awards gala on October 5, 2024, in Toronto.

Air Canada continues to be the premier sponsor for the Northern Lights gala.

To nominate an outstanding woman, or for more information about the Northern Lights Aero Foundation and sponsorship opportunities, visit: northernlightsaerofoundation.com. Submission deadline for nominations is March 31, 2024.