UWindsor student wins Air Canada female aviators scholarship

Olivia White, studying Aeronautics Leadership at the University of Windsor has been awarded with a $5000 scholarship from Air Canada.  

The scholarship is part of Air Canada’s initiative to motivate the next generation of women aviators.

“The scholarship not only helps financially but it also inspires us as women to pursue a career in aviation,” said White.  “It makes women feel welcomed and wanted in a predominately male industry. Regardless of receiving the award or not, it’s great to feel supported as a young woman.” 

Along with White, four other women were awarded the scholarship. The airline announced the recipients on International Women’s Day, as it celebrated the achievements of its female employees.  

Olivia White, third from left, with the winners of the inaugural Captain Judy Cameron Scholarship, awarded in partnership with the Northern Lights Aero Foundation, each receive $5,000 toward their studies in aviation. (CNW Group/Air Canada)

“Women here have shattered glass ceilings throughout, holding professional careers in every department [of the airlines],” said Calin Rovinescu, President and Chief Executive Officer at Air Canada. “I admire the determination that these four amazing young women have to pursue their flying. Their accomplishments to date are outstanding.” 

Along with her studies, White volunteers for Air Canada Rouge’s Girls Take Flight event in Oshawa. 

Air Canada also made history as it featured a flight operated with all female crew flight from Toronto to Edmonton on March 5. It was the first transcontinental flight to be guided by all-female Nav Canada Air Traffic Controllers for the air-route.