Elevate Aviation Learning Centre

Elevate Aviation

Workplace Culture Consulting

Senior Leadership Team

Nova Andrews – Chief Executive Officer

Nova brings extensive experience in aviation and operations management, previously holding key leadership roles at Canada 3000 Airlines, Edmonton Airports, and Edmonton Economic Development. Passionate about empowering women, Nova moved on to Women Building Futures, where she honed her skills in supporting women entering non-traditional careers. Next, at the Bredin Centre for Learning, she managed employment programs that provided crucial resources and training to job seekers. These experiences deepened her understanding of workforce development and reinforced her commitment to creating inclusive opportunities. Nova initially joined Elevate Aviation as the Program Manager of the Aviation Career Exploration program, but quickly leveraged her expertise in workforce development and became instrumental in developing the comprehensive kindergarten-to-career programming now offered at the Elevate Aviation Learning Centre. Recognizing industry needs, Nova was also key in the development of Elevate Aviation’s Workplace Culture Change consulting program to improve safety and retention in the aviation industry. 

Laura Sinclair – Chief Operating Officer / Chief Financial Officer

Originally from New Brunswick, Laura made the move to Edmonton after a 13-year career in the Canadian Armed Forces in the Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery. Leveraging her educational background in marketing, accounting, and e-business, she co-founded Elevate Aviation in 2015. Her military experience provided her with a deep understanding of the challenges women face in male-dominated industries and the importance of introducing women to careers they may not have previously considered. At Elevate Aviation, Laura oversees daily operations, funding opportunities, and all operational departments, including marketing, human resources, risk management, and finance. In addition to her leadership role at Elevate Aviation, she works full-time as an IFR Air Traffic Controller with NAV CANADA. Her outstanding contributions to the aviation industry were most recently acknowledged in 2024 as the recipient of the Business Award from Northern Lights Aero Foundation. In 2023, she was honoured with a Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medal and featured in Edify Magazine’s Top 40 Under 40. Wings Magazine also recognized her as a recipient of the Top 20 Under 40 award in 2019. On her time off, Laura enjoys spending time with her kids, working out, and travelling with her husband, Mitchell. 

Christine Merrick – Director, Elevate Aviation Learning Centre

Having grown up in the world of aviation and adoring the exciting and ever changing nature of this industry, building a career in it just seemed like a natural fit for Christine. Starting her journey as a Passenger Service Agent with Canada 3000 Airlines, Christine has had the opportunity to build up her experience in various positions through a number of different airlines, eventually establishing herself as the first Station Manager of Swissport at the Edmonton International Airport. As someone who is always eager to learn and expand on her vast array of skills, she has most recently honed her analytical and leadership capabilities with Statistics Canada as a Data Collection Manager. Ultimately, with aviation always calling to her, Christine has now come full circle in her career with Elevate Aviation!  Fulfilling her passion, she is beyond thrilled to have the opportunity to introduce others to the airline industry and watch them flourish. In her spare time – she can be found spending quality time with her family and three rescue dogs from Mexico- Rudy, Juliet and Ray.

Sophia Wells – Director, Mentorship & Volunteers

Sophia is a pilot and was the chief flight instructor at the Edmonton Flying Club from 2012-2023. She holds an airline transport pilot’s license and serves as a Transport Canada pilot examiner. She continues to instruct multi IFR and Instructor candidates as well as flies the Citation 560 and Navajo for Morgan Construction. She gets to share her life-long passion for aviation through Elevate Aviation by inspiring and mentoring women new to the industry. Sophia sits on the board of directors for the Alberta Aviation Council and previously on the Alberta Aviation Museum. Her contributions to aviation were recognized in 2018 as a Top 20 under 40 recipient for Wings Magazine, in 2019 with the Outstanding Alumni Award from Mount Royal University, and in 2022 with the COPA Appreciation Award. When she is not in the sky she enjoys spending her time with her family. 

Emily Kutryk – Director, Industry Culture Development

Emily holds a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Sociology, a Master’s Degree in Industrial Organizational Psychology, and a Master’s Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus in Equity Studies. With more than a decade of experience in the aviation industry across both public and military sectors, she brings a grounded, data-informed perspective to workplace culture transformation. Emily leads the Workplace Culture Consulting (WCC) project, where she helps organizations embed representation, belonging, and leadership accountability into their operations. She is a skilled facilitator and strategist who works closely with clients to create inclusive environments that foster innovation, improve engagement, and support long-term success. Emily is certified in Change Management and designs tailored strategies that position inclusive workplace culture as a competitive advantage rather than a compliance requirement. Her expertise spans workplace culture development and communication efficiency, with a strong focus on sustainable, people-centered change. With a deep understanding of the regulated and operationally demanding aviation industry, Emily helps clients align cultural goals with business outcomes in industries where safety, structure, and performance are critical. Her work has been featured in the Canadian Military Journal and cited in national conversations on equity and workforce transformation. In her free time, Emily enjoys strength training, astronomy, and golf.

Dina Jammaz – Director, Community Engagement

Dina has been an Air Traffic Controller for over 25 years and loves every minute of it. She is a passionate advocate for aviation education and outreach, devoting much of her time to engaging in the aviation community. Dina also serves as President of Alberta Air Tours, a non-profit organization that aims to inform and educate communities across the province and to inspire a new generation of aviation enthusiasts. Though born in Edmonton, her family moved to Kikino Métis settlement where she spent her youth. Through her role at Elevate Aviation, Dina continues to work with communities to introduce careers in aviation. From airshows to educational workshops, to mentoring others entering a career in aviation, she ensures the continued growth of a thriving aviation community. 

 

Program Management and Coordinators

Alberto Jiménez Ponce

Senior Manager, People and Culture

Alberto brings a wealth of experience in HR management and a deep commitment to advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in the workplace. Most recently, Alberto worked at WestJet as a Talent Acquisition Partner where he honed his expertise in recruitment and DEI initiatives within the aviation industry. With a Bachelor’s degree in International Business Strategy and several years of experience in leadership, HR, and DEI roles, Alberto has a proven track record of developing and implementing innovative strategies that foster inclusive work environments and support underrepresented groups. With a collaborative work style and a strong commitment to driving positive change, Alberto is eager to contribute to Elevate Aviation’s goals and help shape the future of aviation by promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. Outside of work, you can find Alberto spending time with friends, being active outdoors, traveling, enjoying the sun, swimming, and trying all kinds of foods!

Naomi Barclay

Senior Administrator, Executive Operations

With over 20 years of experience strengthening organizations through governance, operational excellence, and collaborative leadership, Naomi is passionate about creating spaces where people feel connected, supported, and free to share their stories. This passion is woven into both her personal life, where she brings women together for powerful conversations, connection, and community, and her role at Elevate Aviation, where we open doors for women and underrepresented groups to pursue rewarding careers in aviation. Her love for travel, from navigating new cities and perspectives to a life-changing encounter with Mountain Gorillas in the Congo, has opened her up to profound growth, understanding, and transformation. It’s a reminder that we’re all connected by our shared human experience, and when we come together, make space for authenticity, and learn from each other, we become so much stronger together.

Kristine Morris

Programs Manager, Elevate U

Kristine is all about making change happen. As the Program Coordinator for Elevate U, Elevate Aviation’s leadership development initiative, she brings her passion for empowering women together with her expertise in adult education, facilitation, and program development. With a background in social work and over a decade of experience supporting women through personal and professional transitions, Kristine is skilled at designing transformative learning experiences that build confidence, leadership capacity, and real-world skills. She began her journey with Elevate Aviation as a facilitator for the WEST Program, helping women explore aviation careers and build meaningful lives, before stepping into her current role with Elevate U. In addition to her work with Elevate Aviation, Kristine also leads a series of Conscious Living retreats for women internationally, creating space for reflection, self-discovery, and intentional living. A proud French Albertan (yes, that’s a thing!), she’s celebrating 30 years with her life partner and enjoying the joy of grandparenting. Her home is always full of animals – some hers, many rescued – each finding a soft place to land. Kristine believes in the power of kindness and brings that spirit to everything she does.

Quan Luu

Brand Engagement Manager

Quan is an accomplished marketing and communications professional with over a decade of experience in brand development, digital marketing, and social media strategy. He specializes in enhancing brand visibility and audience engagement through data-driven campaigns, compelling storytelling, and integrated communications. With a strong passion for travel and the aviation industry, Quan offers a unique global perspective that informs his strategic approach to building brand equity—particularly for organizations within aviation, travel, and lifestyle sectors. A committed ally and advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, he is dedicated to supporting underrepresented communities and leveraging marketing as a tool for meaningful impact and connection.

Ilianna Thasitis

Mentorship Program Manager & Administrative Assistant

When Ilianna first developed an interest in aviation, she dreamt of becoming a pilot. However, at that point in her life, she felt that dream was out of reach. After achieving accomplishments in other areas, such as graduating from MacEwan University, Ilianna developed the confidence to pursue her goal. Today, Ilianna is a licensed Private Pilot and is actively working toward her Commercial Pilot’s License at the Edmonton Flying Club. Learning to fly has been one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of her life. Once she completes her CPL, Ilianna plans to pursue her Multi-IFR and Instructor Ratings to teach others how to fly and serve as a mentor while building her flying experience. Ilianna finds immense fulfillment in her involvement with Elevate Aviation’s initiatives and loves working on impactful projects that make a difference in the lives of others. Outside of aviation, Ilianna enjoys cooking, staying active, and spending time with friends and family. Her journey reflects her determination and passion for inspiring others to achieve their dreams in aviation.

Maegan Extross

Wing Program Coordinator

Maegan earned her Glider Pilot’s License and Private Pilot’s Licenses through the Air Cadet program, before graduating as a Warrant Officer Second Class in 2015. She attended the Aviation Safety Advanced Diploma Program at Seneca College, where she became the President of the Seneca Aviation Association in her first year and established a very successful annual networking event that brings together members of the industry and students. Maegan was chosen to be the Valedictorian of her class and graduated with Honours. She completed a co-op term with NAV CANADA, where she was hired full-time after her graduation in 2018. She works as a Research Analyst, providing traffic and safety analysis to support informed decision-making. Maegan was a recipient of the Northern Lights Aero Foundation’s Elsie McGill Rising Star Award in 2021. Outside of work, she enjoys volunteering for other organizations close to her heart, planning trips, and trying new restaurants.

Sushant Kumar

Volunteer Program Coordinator

Sushant is an accomplished legal and human resources professional with extensive experience in law, volunteer coordination, and human resources. With a robust background in advocacy and a passion for diversity, equity, and inclusion, Sushant has dedicated his career to driving social change and promoting equal opportunities. Throughout his legal career in India, Sushant collaborated with various women’s empowerment organizations to spread awareness and champion gender equity. He has demonstrated his leadership capabilities by managing 3,000 volunteers as a Coordinator for the 2023 World Police and Fire Games held in Winnipeg. His exceptional organizational skills and ability to cultivate professional alliances have been instrumental in the successful execution of large-scale events and projects.

Hannah McKay

Community Engagement Coordinator

Hannah’s aviation journey began in 2018 as a flight attendant, but her passion quickly led her to the flight deck. She achieved her private pilot license in 2021 and has since added a commercial license, multi-engine rating, and flight instructor rating to her accomplishments. In addition to her role as an instructor at the Edmonton Flying Club, Hannah contributes to Elevate Aviation’s mission by using her commitment to promoting women in aviation and cultivating a supportive environment through community engagement. Beyond the skies, Hannah finds joy in baking bread, mountain biking, snowboarding, and enjoying time outdoors with her family.

Nikki Joubert

Data and Intake Administrator

Originally from Saskatchewan, Nikki launched her administrative career at the Federal Department of Justice Canada, in Records Management and later advancing through various administrative and management roles in Saskatoon. In 2006, she embraced a lifestyle change by moving to a serene Alberta acreage, where her passion for creativity, craftsmanship, and painting inspired the establishment of a successful custom steel fabrication company with her husband. Recently, Nikki pursued her lifelong interest in aviation, completing Elevate Aviation Learning Centre’s WEST program (Cohort Hotel) and achieving a milestone in her education with the Fundamentals of Aviation course at The University of Waterloo. During her time at the learning center, Nikki cherished the camaraderie among the staff and strongly resonated with Elevate Aviation’s mission to provide a pathway for women and underrepresented groups to thrive in aviation careers. This alignment was so profound that Nikki eagerly pursued an opportunity to join the team.

Caylen Dorrington

AME Competitions Coordinator

Caylen hails from Halifax, Nova Scotia, and brings over a decade of experience as an Aviation Systems Technician with the Royal Canadian Air Force. While stationed in Shearwater, NS, she worked extensively on both the Sea King and Cyclone helicopters in both hangar and shipboard environments. Her technical expertise is rooted in mechanical systems, with a particular focus on main transmissions, rotor heads, and track and balance. Driven by a passion for hands-on mechanical work, Caylen later served as a Quality Manager in Greenwood, NS, where she conducted audits and ensured operational safety and compliance with regulations. Currently, she serves as the Training Coordinator in the Employment Training Office for 405 Squadron. In this role, she oversees personnel development, career progression, and supports overall operational readiness. She also acts as a Human Performance in Aviation representative, leading initiatives that promote cognitive, mental, and physical wellness across her teams. Beyond her military duties, Caylen is deeply committed to giving back. She has volunteered with Elevate for the past three years, serving as a mentor and speaking at events during the organization’s cross-country tour. She also represents the Royal Canadian Air Force as an official RCAF Ambassador, appearing in recruiting campaigns for the Canadian Armed Forces. In addition to her professional and volunteer roles, Caylen is entering her third year of the Bachelor of Business Administration program at Acadia University. Outside of work and studies, she enjoys spending quality time with her two daughters, travelling with her husband, Shane, and embracing new opportunities to learn and grow.



Meet the Elevate Aviation Learning Centre Team

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