This week we are recognizing one of the eight 2026 Elsie award winners. Named after Elsie MacGill, the chief aeronautical engineer at Canadian Car and Foundry who oversaw the production of 1,451 Hawker Hurricanes during the Second World War, these are annual awards given by the Northern Lights Aero Foundation, an organization whose vision is “To be the Premier organization in Canada that inspires, supports, and promotes women in the field of aviation and aerospace.” You can learn more about the organization by clicking here.
The first of eight award recipients is featured this week
Lori Duthie, recognized with the Business Award
Lori Duthie is the Executive Director of the Canadian International Air Show (CIAS) and has been a distinguished leader in aviation for over 30 years. In her more than 25 years with the air show, Lori has transformed it into a more accessible and inclusive experience for all audiences with initiatives such as a STEM Zone to inspire youth and new Canadians, as well as introducing live audio and video streaming allowing over 250,000 viewers across 40 countries to enjoy the show.
Before joining CIAS, Lori held various roles at Air Canada, including Ramp Operations Manager and Senior Manager of Airports Productivity. As a labour consultant, she guided managers through complex labour and operational challenges. She has served in the Canadian Armed Forces reserves and has been an Honorary Colonel of the Lorne Scots Regiment. Lori is a sought-after speaker for women in aviation events and Air Cadets squadrons.
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