CAE Women in Flight

Meet our ambassadors

Inspiring the next generation of female pilots.

They’re just like you!

Get to know our Women In Flight Ambassadors, the new generation of female pilots, and what inspired them to reach for the sky.

Alicia Hunt
@aliciahunt1

“Be persistent and apply diligently to every scholarship you're eligible for - I received more "no's" than "yeses". Put together an application package that showcases your achievements and, don't give up!”

From: California, USA
Fun fact: Alicia is a trained actress, she has worked with Ryan Reynolds, Bruce Dern & Uzo Aduba
Favourite song: Shivers, Ed Sheeran
Biggest dream: Net zero carbon emissions for the aviation industry, and a 50/50 balance between male and female pilots!
Favourite hobby: Teaching public speaking at Boston University
Cadet Programme: American Airlines Cadet Academy
CAE academy: CAE Phoenix

Alicia knew she would one day become a pilot. From the first time she flew she was instantly hooked!

But it was her previous career that sparked her interest in aviation! While working as an actress on a project that told the story of a female fighter and drone pilot in the US military, she had the privilege to tour a few naval air stations and got to meet some incredible female pilots. It was during this research for her part that she learned about the current pilot shortage and then took a discovery flight, a program designed to introduce people to flying. Fast-forward to a few years later, and she is an airline pilot for American Eagle!

Alicia is currently flying the Embraer 175 all over the United States, Mexico, and Canada. She has mentored many women who are now flying professionally themselves, is an experienced flight instructor, and takes particular joy in helping future pilots get their wings. Alicia has also served as President of the Phoenix chapter of Women in Aviation International. If you need a mentor, reach out to her!

Alicia is so grateful for CAE Women in Flight and credits the scholarship for giving her her big break and launching her piloting career.

Bisma Petafi
@bismapetafi

“Female leadership is sharing your journey and showing others that you can really achieve what you put your mind to.”

From: Buckinghamshire, UK
Fun fact: Bisma learned how to fly before she could drive a car
Mountain or beach: Beach
Window or aisle seat: Window
Dream travel destination: Northern Pakistan- for its untouched beauty.
Cadet Programme: CAE Airline Transport Pilot License
CAE academy: CAE Oxford

Bisma’s passion for flying began at a very young age when she tagged along with her mother who worked for KLM. Her mom made sure that every time they flew, Bisma and her sisters would visit the flight deck and see firsthand where the magic happens.

Bisma completed her Air Transportation with a Private Pilot Training degree while working full-time as a British Airways Cabin Crew member. Since then, Bisma has completed her ground school training at CAE Oxford, followed by the Commercial Pilot Training at the CAE training centre in Phoenix, Instrument Rating at CAE Oxford and MCC at CAE London Gatwick.

No stranger to the aviation industry, Bisma has worked as a Crewing Officer for easyJet and as Cabin Crew for British Airways—roles she believes gave her a broader understanding of the airline industry and the expectations that come with becoming an airline pilot. She has since returned to easyJet, now working as a Second Officer and fulfilling her lifelong dream of becoming an airline pilot.

She is thankful for the opportunity that CAE Women in Flight has given her, that otherwise would have been unachievable.

Cindy Wong
@cindywongyc_

"I want to continue to inspire young girls on their aviation journey.”

From: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Three things cannot live without: Rice, Spotify, and Netflix
Fav food: Tom yum soup
Childhood ambition: A superstar
Hashtag that best describes Cindy: #coffeeholic
Cadet Programme: AirAsia Cadet Pilot Programme
CAE academy: CAE Kuala Lumpur

Cindy’s aviation journey started after she completed her degree in psychology at the University of Queensland in Australia. In fact, Cindy had no real knowledge about the aviation industry until her older sister got a job as a member of the cabin crew and began sharing stories about all the female pilots she was meeting.

When Cindy returned to Malaysia, she decided to pursue piloting and became an AirAsia cadet pilot and enrolled in AirAsia’s MPL program at the CAE training centre in Kuala Lumpur.

Her aviation journey continued in CAE Melbourne, flying the Cessna 172. Cindy has since advanced to completing further training such as the basic phase in B737 and A320 type rating sims. Cindy has been working with AirAsia as an Airbus a320 First Officer since 2023. She now has over 1500 hours and has unfrozen her ATPL.

For Cindy, CAE Women in Flight has given her access to a network of inspiring women who have been on a very similar journey. She looks forward to encouraging other young girls and women to get on board and join the aviation industry.

Daniela Saucedo
@Danielasau__

“Gender is not a limit – the limit is the sky.”

From: Mexico City, Mexico
Dream aircraft to fly: Boeing 777X
Cadet Programme: Aeromexico Cadet Program
CAE academy: CAE Phoenix
Hobbies: playing tennis, movies, and spending time with her dog named Zulu.
Most important role models: Mom, Dad and her favorite flight instructor.

It’s safe to say that Daniela’s parents were a great influence on her becoming a pilot. Both her mom and dad had long careers in the aviation industry, working as flight attendants.

Daniela has very vivid memories of herself at only 5 years old accompanying her dad on trips and offering welcome treats to passengers, investigating the aircraft, and of course, the first time she visited the cockpit. Those moments planted a seed for what eventually would become a lifelong passion.

Her first flight was back in April 2019, and at that precise moment realized she was made to be a pilot. Beginning her career in aviation at CAE Phoenix where she completed her training and received her commercial pilot’s license.

Daniela wants to inspire women and young girls to consider a career in aviation. To her, leadership is something that people shouldn’t take for granted. She hopes to help inspire young girls to do more, dream more, and influence positive energy.

CAE Women in Flight truly changed everything in her life. This opportunity introduced her to a new family that shares her passion for the aviation world. For Daniela being part of this movement is a huge responsibility, but also an incredible journey!

Now she’s working for Aeromexico, the airline she always dreamed of. First plane was the Embraer 190, and recently changed to be First Officer of the Boeing 737 NG/MAX.

Lauren Beam
@laurenbeam

“I hope that many more young girls will consider aviation to be just as viable as any other profession. There has never been a better time to enter the industry.”

From: Houston, Texas
Fav airport: Daniel K. Inouye International, Honolulu, Hawaii
Fav song: Humble and Kind, Tim McGraw
Fav sport: Volleyball
Biggest Dream: To live my life with purpose
Cadet Programme: CAE Southwest Destination 225
CAE academy: CAE Phoenix

Born to fly, Lauren’s passion for aviation was sparked at a young age while attending airshows with her grandfather. After earning a degree in Industrial Distribution from Texas A&M University and working as an engineer, she knew her true calling was in the sky.

Lauren began her journey at CAE Phoenix through the CAE Southwest Destination 225° program, where she earned her instrument rating, commercial pilot license, CFI, and CFII. She later served as a flight instructor in the Training Excellence Department. Now a First Officer at Southwest Airlines flying the Boeing 737, Lauren is proud to be part of a dynamic pilot community.

As a CAE Women in Flight Ambassador – Southwest Airlines, Lauren is committed to inspiring more women to pursue careers in aviation and be part of this empowering movement. She actively shares her journey to inspire future female aviators—whether speaking at school Career Days, welcoming young passengers to the flight deck, or mentoring aspiring pilots. Her mission is to honor the trailblazing women before her by creating new pathways into aviation for generations to come.

When she’s not flying, Lauren enjoys hiking in National and State Parks, boating, fishing, and kayaking.

Kyra Jarvis
@kyrajarvis

“I want to break gender barriers and encourage other young women to join this industry. It is important that we are leaders to help set up for a bright future of women in aviation.”

From: Nova Scotia, Canada
Where your passion for flight comes from: Going to airshows with my dad and seeing the planes by my childhood home.
Best piece of advice you’ve received: Challenges and setbacks are nothing to be afraid of when entering a career as a pilot.
One thing people don’t know about you: I love playing golf! A book everyone should read: ‘Stick and Rudder’, and ‘Handling the Big Jets’!
Biggest challenge for female pilots: People underestimating them! Biggest dream: Fly the Boeing 787 Dreamliner or 777.

Kyra is in her fourth year at the University of Waterloo while training for her Commercial Pilot License and Multi-Engine rating at the Waterloo Wellington Flight Centre. She is a member of the Ninety Nines, Canadian Owners and Pilots Association, and Winged Warriors in Aviation. Kyra is Vice President of Marketing for the University of Waterloo Aviation Society, where she is trying to grow the number of women. She says, “the greatest pleasure in life is doing what people say you cannot do” and “challenges and setbacks are nothing to be afraid of when entering a career as a pilot”.

Meera Bissonauth
@meerabissonauth

"I want to break gender stereotypes in aviation and motivate students, especially girls, to believe in their dreams."


What is female leadership to you? Building each up for success in a male-dominated field.
What’s one piece of advice you would give to someone starting out in the aviation industry? Do not get discouraged by the amount of studying that is involved in becoming a pilot. Your dedication to your goals will push you and see that you get through the journey.
Where did your passion for flying come from? When I was younger, I would travel on long-haul flights on airlines like Air Canada and Air Mauritius to visit family across the globe. This ignited my passion for flying with admiration for the possibility to go anywhere.
Guilty pleasure treat? Poutine!
Summer or Winter? Winter
What is your favourite airport? CNC3, Brampton Airport, Ontario, Canada

Meera has worked as a passenger agent, weight and balance specialist, and airline operations coordinator, before living her dream to take flight training. Achieving her Commercial Pilot License last year was her proudest achievement. Her next step is an Instructor Rating at the Brampton Flight Centre. Meera volunteers with the Civil Air Search and Rescue Association and through the Ninety-Nines, helped conduct over 20 aviation presentations to schools. She co-founded “Approaching Finals”, that connects female student pilots across Canada with professional pilots.

Mia Cochran
@miacochran

“My love of flying has encouraged me to keep finding ways to handle adversity and persevere.”

From: Ontario, Canada
Favourite time of day: Early mornings.
Dream travel destination: Ireland.
Best way to decompress after a flight: BListen to some music with a cup of tea, a piece of chocolate and a puzzle to work on.
How you reacted when you won: I ran around my apartment with my roommate jumping with joy!
Where did your passion for flying come from: My first flight in a Piper Cub on floats with Ron Cooke. Totally unforgettable!
Yoga or Pilates: Yoga.

Mia’s love for flying encouraged her to overcome air sickness and pursue her Commercial Pilot License at Mount Allison University in New Brunswick. She plays on the varsity soccer team and competed on Canada’s women’s soccer team in the Maccabhi Games in Israel. As secretary of the Mount Allison Aviation Society, she has promoted increased access to aviation, particularly for women, by hosting monthly events. Mia belongs to the Ninety-Nines and volunteers with “Girls Take Flight” in Oshawa.

Jaime Hanson
@jaimehanson

“I am so excited to be an ambassador because helping others achieve their dreams is a huge part of my own dream.”

From: Alberta, Canada
Three things you cannot live without: My dogs! BamBam, Ludo and Dozer.
What did you want to be when you grew up: A fighter pilot or race car driver.
Best piece of advice you’ve received: “If it can be done, you can learn to do it.”
Biggest dream: To own and run my own flight operation, fly-in fishing excursions, and running supplies to remote off-grid homesteads.
One thing people don’t know about you: I’ve only been on ONE airline flight before becoming a pilot.
Coffee or tea: Coffee all the way!

Jaime taught herself Grade 12 Math using YouTube to meet entrance requirements at First Nations Technical Institute, where she obtained her Private License within three months, just before all the aircraft were lost in a hangar fire. She has peeled logs, shoveled snow, and detailed vehicles to make ends meet. Her next goal is obtaining her Commercial Pilot License and Float Rating at Skywings in Red Deer, Alberta. Jaime plans to do presentations for high school students “to show them that being a pilot is possible and walk young women through the process of how I did it”.

Elle Betchley
@ebaviation

“The most important part of being an ambassador is to share my story…I want to be able to shout from the roof tops that they absolutely can do it!”

From: Horsham, West Sussex UK
How you felt when you were told you were a CAE Women in Flight: Totally overwhelmed, shed a few (happy!) tears, and was just bursting with excitement.
All-time favourite food: Chicken & Prawn Pad Thai
Advice for the new generation of girls in aviation: Be bold. Be strong. Be brave. NEVER give up! You can achieve anything you put your mind too.
One thing people don’t know about you: I am a PADI qualified Scuba Diver!
Cadet Programme: CAE Generation easyJet Pilot Training Programme
CAE Academy: CAE London Gatwick

Unlike many aspiring pilots, becoming a pilot isn’t something Elle dreamt of her whole life. After gaining a degree in agriculture Elle became an Agronomist, within the Agricultural Industry and that was her career for the last 7 years until August 2023.

With a love of travel, she had always found the role of a pilot fascinating and had always admired pilots but never considered it a career. Her inspiration came from her husband, who was training as a pilot and that introduced her to the world on aviation. The more she learned the more she wanted to have a career in the sky!

Elle is now on the Generation easyJet Pilot Training Programme, has completed her ground school training and is preparing to start her core Flight Training Phase.

As a CAE Women in Flight, Elle is looking forward to giving back and inspiring other women to consider a career in aviation.

Ashley Gellatly

“I look forward to the many opportunities to encourage young women in aviation and offer support in the future in whatever ways I can, by continuing to volunteer my time.”

Where did your passion for flying come from?
Reading lots of WW I/II books in high school that were related to aviation! One of them being Unbroken by Lauren Hillenbrand.

What's one piece of advice you would give someone starting out in the aviation industry?
Volunteer as much as you can and take advantage of every opportunity to get more involved in the industry and meet new people!

What is your favourite airport?
The Hanover airport, because it has been my local airport since high school and it has opened so many doors for me in aviation!

Best piece of advice you've received?
Stay focused on what is best for you and don't compare that to what is best for someone else.

What three things are always in your handbag?
Chapstick, sunglasses, and gum

What are three things you can't live without?
Podcasts in the car, warm bedsheets, and hippie skincare products.

Ashley Gellatly, from Cargill, Ontario, is completing an instructor rating at Genesis Flight College. She flew skydivers last summer but has moved farther north to help care for a disabled grandfather. A former air cadet and Jazz Pathways Award recipient, she is doing her master’s in aviation safety at Embry-Riddle and serving as the Chair of the Waterloo on the Grand Ninety-Nines Chapter

Chloe Muhl

“I have truly pushed the boundaries of what I thought I was capable of as a pilot. I hope to continue developing my skills as I begin my journey flight instructing and motivate others to achieve their goals.”

Who is your mentor?
My previous instructors, David Brechin, Tymek Kubicki, Yousef Matar and Cody Moynes! Their support throughout my training and continuous efforts to help me succeed have always motivated me to push beyond what I think I’m capable of. They’ve shaped the pilot I am today, and I owe my accomplishments to them. I’m so grateful I get to continue learning from them!

What’s your biggest dream?
To fly the Boeing 787 Dreamliner in Europe

What are you most excited about at this time in your life?
Working as a flight instructor at Spectrum Airways

Where did your passion for flying come from?
Flying overseas to Germany to visit my family while I was growing up

When you're not in the cockpit, window or aisle seat?
Window seat!

What’s one piece of advice you would give to someone starting out in the aviation industry?
Enjoy the flight training journey! It can be easy to focus on the end goal but don't forget to enjoy every step of the way

Chloe Muhl, from Grimsby, Ontario, is completing an Instructor Rating at Spectrum Airways after being the first female to graduate with an Astrophysics Minor from the University of Waterloo in a record three years. Her challenging cross country flight for her Commercial License was a cross border trip to the busy Teterboro, New York airport. She has volunteered for the Canadian Undergrad Physics Conference, Girls Take Flight and as Science Ambassador for the U of Waterloo.

Nyssa Hansen

“Creating community in the face of adversity is the most powerful thing we can do. With agency comes access to resources, knowledge, and connection. Collaboration is the bedrock of aviation.”

What is the best advice you’d give to the new generation of girls?
If you are failing, you are learning. It doesn’t mean you should give up; it means you should go at it a different way. Get comfortable with failure, get comfortable with rejection, they will serve as some of the most valuable tools in your arsenal.

What is the best way to rest or decompress after a long flight?
Usually jamming out to some good tunes on the drive home from the airport.

Summer or winter?
Both! Surfing in the summer, and snowboarding in the winter.

What was the best city you’ve ever been to?
Edinburgh, Scotland. My all-time favourite place!

Describe how you reacted when you found out you won?
I was absolutely floored when I picked up the phone and the legendary Judy Cameron was on the other end. Trying to process the fact that I had won and was also speaking to an industry icon… It did not feel real. As soon as we hung up the call I had to run and tell my parents right away.

What did you want to be when you grew up?
I bounced between wanting to be a fairy or Maverick. Different kinds of wings but equally as awesome to a kid.

Nyssa, currently in her fourth year of BBA Aviation studies at the University of the Fraser Valley, is simultaneously accumulating flight hours for her commercial pilot license at Amy's Flying School. Recognizing the need for enhanced resources and community cohesion among BC's aviation sector, she established a local chapter of Women in Aviation International, where she holds the role of president. Additionally, she actively mentors high school students pursuing careers in aviation. Nyssa aims to leverage her passion for both academia and flight to make a difference in Canadian aviation.

Trisha Virdee

“Believe in your abilities and stay resilient throughout your aviation journey. Pilot training will be tough but embrace the challenges as stepping stones to achieving your dreams of flying. Find joy in every moment spent in the air and always remember to keep your chin up towards the sky!”

What is your biggest dream?
Become an astronaut! After reaching the airlines, I would shift my aspirations towards the aerospace industry.

Window or Aisle seat?
Window, duh! Seeing the flaps deploy or ailerons move on take-off as a kid was my way of connecting with the aircraft.

Best piece of advice you’ve received?
A family member once advised me to "forget about aviation and pursue a career more suitable for a girl." While I appreciate their concern, this advice taught me a valuable lesson about gender disparity. It revealed the challenges faced by female minorities when pursuing interests that defy traditional norms. To overcome this adversity, I did not listen. Years later, I proudly stand as a CAE Woman in Flight Ambassador!

Favourite smell
PINESOL, the floor cleaner! Although, I feel like I should be saying aircraft engine oil or the smell of new leather seats in a cockpit

What’s the biggest challenge for a female pilot today?
You have to expectations, biases, and stereotypes that society has thrown your way for decades. At times, it may feel like a battle to believe in yourself while others doubt you, often because of gender. It's about pushing past those doubts and proving that you’re just as capable as anyone else.

Trisha Virdee, from Innisfil, Ontario, is doing her Multi Engine IFR at Seneca Polytechnic while serving as a Canadian Armed Forces Reservist First Aid Instructor/Examiner and recruiting liaison with over twenty certifications from the defence learning network. In addition to being a passionate music teacher, she is Vice president of Seneca’s Student council, leads the “Pilot 2 Pilot" Mentorship program, and is on Northern Light Aero Foundation’s Junior Board.

Arpan Srawn

From: Waterloo, Ontario

Advice for future CAE Women in Flight: Believe in yourself and your potential, as you are probably doing way better than you think you are!

What is your biggest dream: To fly my parents across the world in a jet one day!

Favourite film: Good Will Hunting

What is female leadership to you: Paving the way for others while breaking barriers yourself, leading with empathy, assuming the best intentions, and using your voice to create space for those who have been overlooked.

Best piece of advice you’ve received? Truly pause and let yourself feel the pride when you accomplish something you’ve worked hard for. Take in the moment, believe in yourself, and don’t rush past it.

Coffee or tea: Always coffee!

Arpan is completing her Multi-Engine Instrument rating in the University of Waterloo Science and Aviation Program. She revived the Women In Aviation International Winged Warriors chapter, mentors with Big Brothers Big Sisters and the University of Waterloo Aviation Society, supports new students as a university don, and volunteers for aviation events as a Ninety-Nine.

Kayla McNeely

From: Calgary, Alberta

Where did your passion for flying come from: At 18 years old, I worked on a diamond mine in the Canadian arctic as an environmental research assistant. It was a fly-in fly-out site, and we also used helicopters to get to the various project sites. I immediately loved flying!

All-time favourite food: Sushi (though watermelon is a close second!)

Coffee or tea: Coffee, always.

Summer or winter: Winter—especially if there’s a ski hill nearby

Advice for next generation of Women in Flight: Say yes, stay curious. Every experience makes you grow and makes you a better pilot.

Kayla McNeely, from Calgary, Alberta, is completing her multi-IFR training at Moncton Flight College. She discovered her passion for flying at 18 but was unable to pursue it at the time due to financial constraints. Instead, she pursued a Bachelor of Nursing degree from Mount Royal University, specializing in emergency medicine. After 2 years working as a nurse, she decided it was time to pursue her dream of becoming a pilot. 

Outside of aviation, she continues to work as a nurse while trying to fit in time for skiing, hiking, and mountain biking. She volunteers as a ski coach for the Canadian Association for Disabled Skiing and hopes to eventually move into mentorship roles to encourage more females to enter the aviation industry.

Neghat Hidari

From: Mount Brydges, Ontario

What did you want to be when you grew up: I was set on becoming a lawyer. As a pilot, I am now a meteorologist, lawyer and a bit of an engineer.

What’s your favourite time of day: Sunset, and if it’s in an airplane, even better! 

When you are not in the cockpit, window, or aisle seat: Window! 

Best piece of advice you’ve received: Slow down. Wise words from my very wise older sister. 

What is the best advice you’d give to the new generation of girls: Believe in yourself, build your community and remember to give back.

How can we make advancements in our industry: Break down barriers, create inclusive opportunities, and actively support diverse voices—because real progress happens when everyone can find a seat in the flight deck.

Neghat, from Mount Brydges, Ontario, is a Seneca Polytechnic graduate with a passion for aviation and mentorship. She’s currently completing her Commercial Pilot’s License at Diamond Flight Centre, where she also works as a ramp agent and dispatcher.

Her love for aviation goes beyond flying—she’s taught youth aviation courses with simulator training, volunteers with organizations like Urban Pilots and Elevate Aviation, and serves as a Junior Board Director with the Northern Lights Aero Foundation, co-leading mentorship and speaker initiatives.

Outside the cockpit, Neghat supports newcomer families through the Cross Cultural Learner Center and mentors youth with Big Brothers Big Sisters London. Her journey is all about lifting others while she climbs.