In celebration of Women in Aviation Week, The KF Centre for Excellence proudly hosted an inspiring Fireside Chat & Networking Event on March 4, welcoming over 80 attendees to honour and empower women in the aviation industry.
A Warm Welcome and Inspiring Conversations
The event began with a friendly reception, allowing guests to connect, share stories, and build new relationships within the aviation community.
The highlight of the evening was the fireside chat, featuring seven accomplished women from across the aviation sector. These speakers shared their unique journeys, insights, and words of encouragement:
- Tracy Medve, KF Aerospace President and CEO
- Anne Downie, CPHR, KF Aerospace HR Director
- Leah Marcoux, KF Aerospace Civilian Flight Instructor for Canadian Armed Forces
- Charlotte Favareille, Southern Interior Flight Centre Flight Instructor
- Stacy Tober, KF Aerospace Project Supervisor, Licensed A.M.E.
- Jillian Stuart, KF Aerospace Supply Chain Manager
- Darlene Callaghan, Head of FAcT Engineering
Sharing Experiences and Opening Doors
Throughout the panel, speakers offered candid reflections on the challenges and successes they’ve faced. They highlighted educational opportunities, shared career insights, and emphasized the importance of perseverance.
Tracy Medve, President & CEO of KF Aerospace, remarked, “This event isn’t just about celebrating women’s achievements. It’s about creating opportunities, sparking inspiration, and showing that aviation is a place for everyone.”
Additionally, the panel underscored the many pathways available in aviation, from trades and technical roles to leadership and innovation.
Engaging Discussions and Meaningful Connections
The Q&A session invited enthusiastic participation. Attendees explored topics such as career development, mentorship, work-life balance, and future trends in aviation.
During the networking portion of the evening, inspiring stories and thoughtful questions emerged:
- A local community member expressing gratitude for aviation’s role in delivering vital medical supplies that restore sight in remote areas to those in need.
- A WestJet flight attendant sharing thanks for the leadership and expertise of women keeping her crew and passengers safe.
- A recent high school graduate, eager and prepared with a list of questions about future education and training opportunities.
- UBC Okanagan’s aerospace program representative exploring potential guest speaker partnerships.
- Three young women actively seeking information about trade careers in aviation.
These conversations underscored the power of the event in fostering inspiration, mentorship, and meaningful connections. It was a clear reminder that the future of aviation is bright – and inclusive.
Inspiring the Future of Aviation
The event reinforced the KF Centre for Excellence’s ongoing commitment to celebrating achievements in aviation and inspiring future generations. By hosting events like this, the Centre proudly breaks down barriers, amplifies diverse voices, and showcases the many opportunities aviation offers to everyone.
