In celebration of International Women’s Day, WestJet took time to discuss the important contributions of women in aviation. Focusing on the journeys of remarkable women in the industry, the airline not only honored their success but also recognized the hurdles overcome to get there, by hosting a panel discussion led by Chief People Officer Jacqui McGillivray.
"Discussions like these, where women share their stories and strategies for success, help to create a roadmap for the next generation of women leaders," said McGillivray, WestJet's Chief People Officer. "We are committed to breaking down barriers and fostering an environment where women are empowered to excel."
Featuring prominent leaders in the aviation industry, McGillivray was joined by Daniele Gorla, WestJet’s Vice President of Supply Chain and Procurement; Marcella Howley, Vice President of Inflight Operations at Sunwing; Ashlee Tanner, WestJet Senior Manager in Technical Operations; and Sonia Syed, Development and Performance Manager for WestJet Airports.
The discussion was a powerful exploration of the career paths of these accomplished women, with each panelist sharing personal stories about their rise in the aviation world, the obstacles they faced, and how they continue to break barriers. Panelists discussed strategies for encouraging more women to pursue careers in aviation and how professionals across the industry can better work together to promote gender equality and better support the advancement of women in aviation.
Their advice to young women starting in aviation was clear: be resilient, stay curious, and seek mentorship. It’s a collective responsibility to create an environment that nurtures women and champions their advancement. The discussion underscored that the road to equality isn’t just about individual success—it’s about industry-wide change.
It is clear that the road ahead requires continued effort, but with each conversation like this one, WestJet is helping pave the way for a future where women are equally represented and empowered at all levels of aviation.
Watch WestJet’s International Women’s Day panel discussion here:
