Meet the Team

Aviation has been a part of my life from the very beginning. I grew up at the Kingston airport, where my parents owned a helicopter maintenance company—and I learned to ride my bike just outside the hangar doors. That early connection to aviation led me to graduate from the Aviation Management program at Algonquin College in 2020, and I’m now pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics with a minor in Psychology at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

I attended my first Women in Aviation International (WAI) conference in 2020 and immediately felt inspired. After joining the Upper Canada Chapter, I dove into volunteering and got involved with as many events as possible. I served as Vice President in 2023 and was proud to take on the role of Chapter President in 2024. Volunteering has always been a passion of mine, and I’m excited to continue helping others find their place in this incredible community.

Professionally, I’m a First Officer at Voyageur Aviation Corp., flying medevac missions on the King Air 200—a role that’s both challenging and deeply rewarding. Outside of aviation, I’m a proud new mom to a beautiful baby boy and enjoy spending my free time doing arts and crafts.

Heather Hills is a Captain on the Q400 at Porter Airlines. She holds an Honours degree in Business Administration from the Schulich School of Business and is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Human Factors from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. She is a graduate of the Integrated Transport Airline Licence program at the Brampton Flight Centre, where she also worked as a flight instructor before joining Porter.

Towards the end of her flight training, Heather began volunteering with several organizations that promote women in aviation. She joined the Upper Canada Chapter of Women in Aviation International at the end of 2019 as the Social Media and Webmaster Chair, which marked the beginning of her journey in advocacy and community leadership. She now serves as Vice President of the chapter. She also sits on the board for the 2026 Canadian Women in Aviation Conference, having co-chaired the 2024 event.

In addition to her flying career, Heather is the Program Coordinator for the Aviation Program at Conestoga College. She recently completed a three-year term as a Junior Board Member of the Northern Lights Aero Foundation. Outside of aviation, Heather is an avid tennis player. She competed at the varsity level and now enjoys giving back to the sport through coaching.

Bio coming soon!

Winnie Ho is a First Officer at WestJet on the Boeing 737 and an advocate for mentorship, visibility, and community in aviation. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Science and Aviation from the University of Waterloo, completing her flight training through the Waterloo Wellington Flight Centre (WWFC). She began her flying career as a flight instructor at the Waterloo Wellington Flight Centre before joining Sunwing Airlines, where she flew international routes across North America, the Caribbean, and Europe. Her time with Sunwing included a base assignment in Prague, Czech Republic, which broadened her global flight experience and cultural perspective.

Coming from a family with no aviation background, Winnie is passionate about creating pathways for others to discover flying. She served as an inaugural member of the Northern Lights Aero Foundation Junior Board, holding roles as Secretary and President, helping to expand outreach and mentorship programs for young women in aerospace.  Outside of aviation, Winnie enjoys photography, rock climbing, and travelling.

Bio coming soon!

Bio coming soon!

Bio coming soon!

I began flying in 1976 after a friend insisted that flying lessons didn’t really doesn’t cost very much. After a $10 familiarization flight, I decided it didn’t matter how much it cost, I loved it! By 1980 I had my private, commercial, multi-engine, instrument, and instructor rating.

​

I was hired by Air Canada in 1978 and worked in various departments over the years, retiring from flight dispatching in 2017, just short of 40 years at Air Canada.  In 1988 I became the first female hired into Flight Operations in a management position as a Boeing 727, then DC-8, then New Hire Pilot - Flight Operations Instructor. I enjoyed a short instructing career in the early ‘80s and mid 90’s and also really enjoyed my right seat time on a Navajo Chieftain flying charters and cargo.  As a member of the First Canadian Chapter of the Ninety Nines, I volunteered to fly for the Ontario of the Environment under the umbrella of Operation Skywatch. We’d take a C-172, one or more environment enforcement officers and fly all over southern and northern Ontario conducting aerial surveillance and photographing illegal dumping of waste materials by industries.  

Having co-chaired the 1995 (Hamilton), the 2005 (Ottawa), and the 2013 (Mississauga) Canadian Women in Aviation conferences, I know it is so important that as many women as possible are introduced to the industry.  We can support you in your aviation career, be it in Air Traffic Control, flight dispatching, flying, engineering, whatever your aviation heart desires. I’ve met so many wonderful and inspiring ladies over the years because of this organization and have so many memories that I’ll cherish forever. 

Board Advisor