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As the year ends and holiday lights shine bright, it’s a moment to pause, reflect, and celebrate the progress of women and their growing inclusion in the aerospace industry. Traditionally seen as a male-dominated field, the aerospace industry has undergone significant transformation over the years. This December, we celebrate the remarkable achievements of women who are helping to shape the future of the aerospace industry while continuing to break down barriers and inspire future generations of girls and young women to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

In today’s world, we often hear the phrase: “How do you do it all?” For many women, this question seems loaded with societal expectations that we should have it all together—children, a thriving career, home-cooked meals, a well-coordinated schedule, and endless energy to cheer at every game or practice. It’s an idealized image that society has normalized but is far from the reality that most of us live. And let me remind you: fairytales don’t exist, perfection is unattainable, and no one can do it all alone.

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.