Articles of Interest
People write things. We respond to some of what they write.
Intersections of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Submitted by Anesha Mohammed
October is a powerful month for reflecting on equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in aerospace, as it aligns with Women’s History Month in Canada, Islamic Women’s History Month, and Women in STEM Month. These observances highlight the intersectional challenges faced by women—particularly Muslim women and women of color—in a historically male-dominated industry. With women representing only about 24% of the aerospace workforce and even fewer in leadership roles, the need for systemic change is evident. Celebrating the achievements of women like Roberta Bondar, Julie Payette, and Elsie MacGill is crucial, but the focus must also shift to addressing the institutional barriers that hinder greater diversity. To create a truly inclusive aerospace industry, efforts must go beyond tokenism and tackle the unique challenges that women and other underrepresented groups face.
Changing ‘What an Engineer Looks Like’ One Boardroom at a Time Submitted by Veronique Nell
The article reflects on the gender disparity in engineering, particularly in Canada, where less than 13% of licensed engineers are women. Veronique, a Mechanical Systems Engineer, shares her personal journey, expressing gratitude for the support system that encouraged her to pursue a career in STEM. Despite often being one of few women in professional settings, she emphasizes the importance of proving doubters wrong and demonstrating capability. The more women who claim their place in engineering, the easier it will be for future generations to envision themselves in the field. Veronique also highlights that while progress is slow, change is possible when women assert their presence in traditionally male-dominated spaces.
How space technology extends beyond our universe Submitted by Silvia Bianchi
One of our esteemed 2024 WIA Canada Speakers, Shelli Brunswick, has just published an amazing article for The Forbes Technology Council.
In her work, she explores how space technology extends beyond our universe to impact sustainability here on Earth significantly.
World Neurodiversity Day June 16 Submitted by Silvia Bianchi
Next Month on June 16th WIA will be celebrating World Neurodiversity day 2024. To draw the attention to the important contribution of this community to the workplace, we present our members a short article that not only reminds us of the definition of Neurodiversity, but also how we can help make workplaces more neurodiversity-friendly.
Creating a Highschool Aerospace Club Submitted by Manasa Srivatsan
Inspiring Future Aviators Manasa’s story motivates other young women to pursue their dreams in aviation. Her passion transcends age, demonstrating that enthusiasm knows no bounds. As she aims for the skies, she embodies the spirit of aviation, ready to reach new...
The Importance of Rest: “Why Rest is Vital for Success and Well-Being” Submitted by Sabrina Gomez Vila
Feeling overwhelmed by daily tasks and deadlines is common, especially when juggling multiple responsibilities. However, as highlighted in the Forbes article, "Why Rest Is Vital for Success and Well-Being", rest is crucial for maintaining success, health, and...
Big Risk, Big Reward: Using a risk-based system to achieve stability, balance, and well-being. Submitted by Katy Doucette
Aerospace is a fast-paced, heavily regulated industry that offers an environment of high risk and high reward. My story in aerospace started two years ago when I transitioned from law enforcement. Moving from one high risk, high stakes industry into another, I wasn’t sure what to expect. With over 17 years of program and project experience in the private, public, and nonprofit sectors, I was excited and a little nervous about joining a one-hundred-year-old aerospace start up.
“Leading Our Way: How Women are Re-Defining Leadership” Submitted by Silvia Bianchi
In preparation for our WIA Canada session of the 19th of September, in August we are reading the book “Leading Our Way: How Women are Re-Defining Leadership”.
In this book, Gaia van der Esch discovers what leadership can look like and how each one of us can become a catalyst for change.
PHWL’s Inaugural Year a Resounding Success Submitted by Lucinda Lew
Women’s sports is attracting more and more sport fans and with this popularity brings large business opportunities. For us in Canada, PHWL’s inaugural year was a resounding success.
The season has wrapped on the debut year of the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) and all signs point to success on and off the ice. (Spoiler alert: The Walter Cup was hoisted for the first time by Minnesota.) The first year saw six franchise locations (Boston, Minnesota, Montreal, New York, Ottawa and Toronto) suit up and consisted of a shortened 24 game regular season due to a late season start in January 2024.