INNISFIL - Trisha Virdee has wanted to soar through the sky for nearly her entire life.
That passion and commitment was recognized March 6, when the Innisfil woman was named a recipient of the Northern Lights Aero Foundation’s sixth annual Captain Judy Cameron scholarship. The $5,000 award is funded by Air Canada and training company CAE, and presented to Canadian women in aviation.
Eight recipients were chosen from across the country for their accomplishments, inspiration, and encouragement of other women in aviation.
“My inspiration to fly started when I was younger,” said Virdee, in a video on the foundation’s website. “I was always fascinated by planes, but cultural and financial barriers made it a path difficult to pursue. Despite all that, I chose to follow my dreams and now I’m committed to helping others do the same.”
Her goal is to fly within the commercial airline industry.
“To other women looking to pursue this career, you belong here,” she said. “The path isn’t going to be the easiest, but don’t let anyone tell you it’s not possible.”
Six other pilots were recognized this year, including Kimberly Ballantyne, Neghat Hidari, Kayla McNeely, Aymie Rioux, Miriam Roumia and Arpan Srawn, as was aircraft maintenance engineer Liv Letourneau.
Recipients will be acknowledged at the foundation’s annual gala on Oct. 4 at the Pearson Convention Centre in Brampton.
Cameron became the first female pilot to fly for Air Canada. She is also the first Canadian woman to captain the Boeing 777, the largest plane in the company's fleet.
"Meeting scholarship recipients at the Northern Lights gala each year is the highlight of the evening for me,” said Cameron, who is now retired. "These young women are the future of aviation. They have not only shown determination and excellence in their training, but they have also encouraged other women by mentoring and volunteering. Thanks to Air Canada and CAE for supporting diversity in these fields where women are so underrepresented."
For more information about the scholarship or the foundation, visit northernlightsaerofoundation.com.