Fanshawe professor named to Women in Aviation International’s Emerging Leaders Class of 2026

Haley Whitelaw, professor and coordinator of Fanshawe’s Flight Services program, has been recognized by Women in Aviation International (WAI) as one of only 30 scholarship recipients worldwide named to its Emerging Leaders Class of 2026. 

The prestigious scholarship provided the opportunity for Whitelaw to complete a Women in Leadership certificate program delivered by Harvard University’s Professional and Executive Development division, an intensive program tailored to address the unique challenges women face in the aviation and aerospace industry. 

Following a series of online readings, discussions and coaching sessions, the cohort assembled at Harvard’s Cambridge, Massachusetts campus for workshops on executive communication, strategic thinking and negotiation, led by renowned Harvard faculty and industry experts. Interactive learning experiences included case studies, group discussions, reflective exercises and role-playing activities. 

Whitelaw, a founding member and past president of WAI’s Great Lakes Aviators Canada chapter, says it was an honour to represent both Fanshawe and Canada among a distinguished cohort of aviation and aerospace professionals from 14 countries.  

Participants included airline captains and first officers, military aviation leaders, aerospace engineers, educators, air traffic controllers, non-profit founders, executives, and other professionals from organizations such as NASA, Boeing, Virgin Galactic and regulatory agencies around the world. 

“It was inspiring to engage with such an accomplished and varied group of women making their mark on the aviation industry,” says Whitelaw.  

Whitelaw’s experience provided valuable opportunities for professional growth, global networking and leadership development, while showcasing Fanshawe’s commitment to excellence and innovation within the aviation sector. 

“I’m excited to bring those perspectives back to Fanshawe and share them with students,” she says. 

With more than 20,000 members in 120 countries, Women in Aviation International is the largest organization in the world dedicated to increasing the number of women involved in all areas of aviation and aerospace.