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De Havilland Canada launches program to support emerging women leaders

De Havilland Canada has teamed up with Women in Aerospace Canada to launch a new program to advance career development opportunities for women across the company and in the aerospace sector.

The program, Women in Aerospace at De Havilland Canada, is a six-month development initiative that will see its first participants undertake leadership, mentorship, and skills-development activities.

“WIA-Canada is the perfect partner to help us launch this initiative. The program aligns where we want to go as a company with our increased focus on upskilling and diversifying our workforce,” said Brenda Allen, chief people officer, De Havilland Canada. “De Havilland Canada wants to help shape the future of aerospace in Canada, and that means building programs like this that push the sector forward.”

Nancy Barber, president of Women in Aerospace Canada and a De Havilland Canada executive member, said the group is dedicated to supporting aerospace companies in their efforts to expand opportunities for women.

“Our industry has so many talented women professionals who are making a difference, and Canadian aerospace will be better when more are in leadership positions,” said Barber.

How the program workers

Under the new program, an initial cohort of women from across De Havilland Canada’s Calgary, Victoria, and Toronto offices will participate in training and ongoing mentorship with executive team members. In addition, the program features in-person events, exposure to experts, and dedicated funding for each participant to engage in self-directed learning.

“This is an exciting opportunity for us to cultivate future leaders and, with the support of WIA-Canada, we look forward to welcoming more women into the program down the road,” said Brian Chafe, chief executive officer, De Havilland Canada. “De Havilland Canada is committed to diversity and inclusion in our workplace. The creation of this program is something that all of us at De Havilland Canada can be very proud of.”