Where Are They Now? Elevate Aviation Inspire Alumni

Over the years, Elevate Aviation Inspire has featured incredible women who are breaking barriers and redefining what’s possible in aviation. We caught up with five of our Inspire Alumni to see where their journeys have taken them since we last celebrated their stories.

Cassandra Derks – Lead Aircraft Maintenance Engineer, Heavy Aero Maintenance Center

Since her Inspire feature, Cassandra has stepped into leadership as the Lead Aircraft Maintenance Engineer at Heavy Aero Maintenance Center in Edmonton. In 2024, she received the Northern Lights “Rising Star” Award. In her personal life, she married, welcomed her son, and is now expecting her second child.

• Biggest lesson: “It’s okay to be who you are and feel the way you do. Don’t change yourself to fit in.”
• Advice: Be your authentic self and never let anyone dim your light.

Cathy Press – CEO, Chinook Helicopters

As the CEO of Chinook Helicopters, Cathy continues to lead one of Canada’s most respected flight training organizations. Cathy’s focus remains on growth—both for her business and her personal career.

• Advice: Persevere and follow what makes you happy—success will follow if you remain true to yourself.
• Message: “It is not what happens, it is what you do about it.”

Dassie Persaud-van Der Westhuizen – Aviation Planner & Co-Founder, Spectrum Navigators

Dassie co-founded Spectrum Navigators, an initiative dedicated to making air travel more accessible for autistic passengers. Outside of aviation, she placed in the Top 20 at Miss Universe Canada and is relocating to Germany.

• Biggest lesson: “Don’t be afraid to pivot—who you are now isn’t who you should be five years from now.”
• Advice: Don’t waste time trying to fit into other people’s boxes.

Melissa Haney – Flight Operations Manager & B737-200 Pilot, Air Inuit

Melissa has transitioned into a B737-200 Captain role and was promoted to Flight Operations Manager at Air Inuit in 2024. She also oversees the Air Inuit Sparrow Program, which creates opportunities for Inuit to earn their pilot licenses.

• Biggest lesson: “Enjoy what you are doing.”
• Advice: Don’t be shy to ask questions, make contacts, and get involved.

Amanda Sarginson – VP & Chief Legal Officer, NAV CANADA

In 2024, Amanda stepped into her current role as VP & Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary at NAV CANADA. She previously led a large HR and Labour Relations team as AVP.

• Advice: Don’t wait for opportunities. Make them happen.
• Message: The aviation industry offers diverse career paths, each essential. Stay positive, humble, and kind.

These five women embody what Elevate Aviation Inspire is all about. We invite you to join us at the 2025 Elevate Aviation Inspire Gala on October 18, 2025, at 7:00 pm.

For more details, visit the event page HERE.