Vanguard Magazine

46 APRIL/MAY 2020 www.vanguardcanada.com tHe LaSt wOrD • Women in Aerospace Canada is dedicat- ed to expanding women's opportunities for leadership and professional develop- ment as well as increasing their visibility in the aerospace community by creating a professional network in Canada and across the globe. WIA-Canada has part- nered with various aerospace and de- fence companies that have demonstrated a commitment to the advancement of women. • The Northern Lights Aero Foundation aims to attract women to careers in avia- tion and aerospace by recognizing and celebrating the achievements of accom- plished women in these fields. Every year, the Foundation's national award program, the Elsie MacGill Award, rec- ognizes, promotes and inspires past, present and future generations of Ca- nadian women in the industry in the categories of Flight Operations, Gov- ernment, Business, Education, Engi- neering, Pioneer and Rising Star. Marillyn A. Hewson, Lockheed Martin Chairman, President and CEO recently said "recognizing the achievements of women helps promote a culture of inclu- siveness and build momentum for chang- ing structural and process impediments that stand in the way of other women advancing in the organization. Moreover, highlighting successful women sends a clear message to individual women that the organization is committed to gender diversity and will support their develop- ment and growth." Women's accomplishments are gain- ing traction and trailblazers should be applauded. Celebrating the strides that have been made to drive gender di- versity and inclusion in the workforce also provides encouragement to other women. When women see other women being celebrated and recognized, they can visualize a path for themselves and they are encouraged, even emboldened, to strive for more. It highlights those organizations that are willing to take practical and consistent steps to enable women to develop their skills and ad- vance, helping to create a culture that attracts more women. Actively promot- ing diversity sends an explicit message to women that they are being seen and that diversity is a high priority. It also pur- posefully communicates to all employ- ees that there is an unquestionable and genuine commitment to the amount of change required to overcome years of outdated practices and biases. It's becoming increasingly obvious that gender diversity is critical to business suc- cess in aerospace and defence and inclu- sion is the way to truly unlock the power of diversity. 3 References 1. Ellingrud, K., Manyika, A., Manyika, J., Woetzel, J., Riefberg, V., Krishnan, M., & Seoni, M. (2016). The power of parity: Advancing women's equality in the United States. The power of parity: Advancing women's equality in the United States. McKinsey Global Institute. 2. Government of Canada. (2018). Defence Investment Plan 2018 Part II: Maximizing Defence's Success. 3. Korn Ferry Institute. (2020). "Soar- ing through the glass ceiling: Taking the global aviation and aerospace industry to new heights through diversity and inclusion." Eva Martinez is Senior Director In-Service Support at Bluedrop Training & Simulation and Vice-President Women in Aerospace Canada. Photo: DND

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