A Royal Canadian Air Force Air Combat Systems officer spent the day Saturday helping young girls in Winnipeg realize it’s possible to pursue a career in aviation and aerospace.
“Growing up, we didn’t have role models like that in aviation,” said Lt. Col. Genevieve Dussault, commander of Winnipeg’s 402nd Squadron, during a Girls in Aviation Day event Saturday at the Royal Western Canadian Aviation Museum.
“I’m very passionate about my job. I love what I do. And it’s great to be able to inspire that passion in young girls.”
Dussault said he looks forward to answering questions about what it’s like to fly a plane or what first got him interested in aviation.
The event gave 200 girls aged between 8 and 17 the opportunity to interact with pilots, engineers and aviation experts.
At Saturday’s event, girls between the ages of eight and 17 had the chance to interact with pilots, engineers and aviation experts, and get up close and personal with a variety of aircraft.(Trevor Brine/CBC)
“I’ve finally found something that inspires me and gives me hope for the future,” said 12-year-old Win Cunningham.
She is interested in studying airplanes and wants to become a pilot. Aviation runs in her family, her father is a mechanic in the Royal Canadian Air Force, and has influenced her, she said.
“He’s able to work with people to send these giant metal tubes flying into the air, which is one of mankind’s most incredible creations.”
Gladness Jeje and her friend Nefe Martins, both 10 years old, were excited to see the different planes at the museum.
Gladness thought becoming a pilot would be a challenge, but Neffe felt ready for the challenge.
“I believe we can do it,” she said. “I was really excited because I wanted to see a real plane.”
Gladness Jeje, 10, helps her friend Nefe Martins, also 10, try on gear. (Trevor Brine/CBC)
Girls who attended the event had the opportunity to tour the planes, listen to presentations at various stations and learn more about the military, the STARS air ambulance team and aviation cadets, as well as try on the uniform to get a better understanding of what it’s like to fly.
Dussault said she hopes events like Saturday’s can simply raise awareness about the industry and open the door for young girls to a career in aviation.
“If you don’t know that something exists and is available to you, you can’t explore it,” she said.
“I want young girls to say, ‘Maybe this is something I want to do when I grow up.'”
After 28 years in the aviation industry, she says there’s still nothing quite like flying.
“There’s no better day than when I’m up there in the office,” she said. “It feels like freedom.”
