Bourse

La Fondation des Possibilités d'Envol a demandé à un groupe de leaders des secteurs canadiens de l'aviation, de l'espace, des affaires et de l'éducation d'examiner près de 50 candidatures provenant de six provinces, suite à l'appel de candidatures 2025 de la Fondation. Le comité d'examen tient à remercier tous les candidats et toutes les personnes qui soutiennent leur passion pour l'aviation. Il est indéniable que former la prochaine génération d'aviateurs canadiens est un effort collectif, et nous sommes reconnaissants d'avoir constaté cet engagement de la part de chacun d'entre vous à travers notre beau pays. Nous reconnaissons les efforts déployés pour soumettre une candidature sincère, authentique et créative. À tous les candidats : ce fut un plaisir de faire votre connaissance et de découvrir votre dévouement, votre expérience et vos réalisations. Nous avons été touchés par vos rêves inspirants de devenir pilotes professionnels et nous sommes impatients de voir vos futures contributions à l'aviation canadienne.

C'est avec plaisir et honneur que nous vous présentons les récipiendaires des bourses 2025. Une courte biographie a été rédigée pour chacun d'eux et elles, à partir de leur lettre de motivation et de documents supplémentaires. Dans le cadre de leur candidature, les récipiendaires ont été invités à élaborer un plan de communication et d'inspiration pour l'année suivante, lequel est joint à leur texte. Certains éléments de leurs déclarations étaient particulièrement inspirants et le comité a jugé bon de les partager avec le reste du Canada.

Félicitations aux récipiendaires des bourses de la Fondation des Possibilités d'Envol 2025 !

Récipiendaires de la bourse de Qualification Multimoteur

Angel Abraham - Cornwall, ON

Angel Abraham came to Canada at the age of four and realized that flying was her future. She aspires to become a pilot with a major Canadian airline and intends to fly in Northern Ontario to provide supplies to First Nation Reserves. She is a strong coordinator, having organized Girls in Aviation Days, professional networking events, and raised funds to attend the Women in Aviation (WiA) conference. She works as a dispatcher at Diamond Flight Centre, applies discipline and focus to her flight operations, and is an individual who bridges gaps in under-represented groups. Angel graduated with Dean’s honours in Commercial Aviation Management at Western University in 2025, was the President of the Aviatrix Club and the WiA Representative. As part of this award, Ms. Abraham will develop a mentorship program for First Nations, bridging the gap for under-represented groups en route to becoming a professional pilot, and connecting students through her YouTube channel “The Student Pilot.”

Emily Smith - Brantford, ON

Emily Smith once wondered if the sky was meant for her; aviation has now given her purpose, resilience and community. She has a goal of joining a major airline in Canada and plans to help make the sky limitless to everyone, regardless of their challenges. Emily pursues excellence in the Geography and Aviation Program at the University of Waterloo (UofW), is an Aviation Ambassador, a representative on the Aviation Society, and an Athletics representative. She volunteers with the 99s, Women in Aviation, and encourages young women to join this amazing industry. She works as a dispatcher at the Waterloo Wellington Flight Centre (WWFC) and teaches in the CPL ground school. Emily is an award winner with a genuine desire to contribute and also works on the Velis electric aircraft research project at UofW. As part of this award, Ms. Smith will bring aviation directly to underfunded schools and communities, along with real stories from student pilots.

Yaseen El-Zoghbi - Steinbach, MB

Yaseen El Zoghbi arrived in Canada the day before his first discovery flight carrying two suitcases and one bold decision. Destiny had called him to the skies. He’s drawn to medevac, surveilling, and cargo flying in Canada’s north, eventually making his way to one of Canada’s major air carriers. Yaseen graduated with a BA in arts, economics, and mathematics from the American University in Cairo and works to cover his flying expenses. His volunteer and community service is wide reaching and includes building roofs for homes in rural villages, conducting food and clothing drives, and donation drives for refugees. He also volunteered at the Canadian National Aerobatic Championships. As part of this award, Yaseen wants to organize a flying food drive to a Northern First Nations community, having been inspired by other young pilots. He will create aviation artwork to showcase on social media where the next generation of dreamers can look for inspiration; his favourite is the iconic DHC-2 Beaver.

Maria Van Scherrenburg - Ottawa, ON

Connecting with people, sharing her passion for aviation, and helping others discover the joy of aviation drives Maria van Scherrenburg to build a meaningful career in aviation and show others what makes flying so special. Search and rescue operations, aerial firefighting, medevac, and Northern operations represent the meaningful work Maria aspires to do in the future. Maria pursues excellence in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Ottawa (UofO) and works as a dispatcher at the Rockcliffe Flying Club. She volunteers with the 99s, the Canadian Aviation and Space Museum, Women in Aviation, and at the Flying Club. Through the Young Eagles, she also interned with Daher Aircraft in France. Maria is an award winner and believes that leadership, learning from others, and inspiring the next generation are an integral part of the aviation journey. As part of this award, Ms. Van Scherrenburg will continue outreach, including organizing an open house at RFC where visitors will engage directly with professionals through various stations showcasing all aspects of aviation.

Preksha Shah - Brampton, ON

Enrolling in the Royal Canadian Air Cadets program was the spark that set Preksha Shah on a path in aviation and introduced her to opportunities that she never knew existed. She wants to pilot for medevac operations in Canada to assist in disaster relief and positively impact our country before moving to the airlines. Preksha pursues excellence in the Science and Aviation program at the University of Waterloo (UofW), is a member of the executive of the UofW Aviation Society, a WISA Ambassador, and the UofW Representative at multiple public outreach events. She also volunteers with Women in Aviation, the 99s, Lladliyan, empowers South Asian girls and women to pursue their full potential, and helps sustain a supportive aviation community. Preksha is an award winner and works three part time jobs in order to pursue her passion for piloting. As part of this award, Ms. Shah will bring aviation and mentorship into schools and Air Cadet squadrons through Aviation Leadership Discovery Days during the year.

Alisha Marie Coelho - Brampton, ON

For Alisha Coelho, aviation is about connection: the ability to bridge people, places, and possibilities through flight. Her passion for flying is deeply rooted in her family’s history. She has a goal to work as a medevac pilot, helping residents of remote regions access life-saving healthcare. She is enrolled in the Science and Aviation Program at the University of Waterloo (UofW), volunteers at Girls Can Fly, Northern Lights Aero Foundation, UofW Aviation Society, and is the social media coordinator for the 99s. Alisha believes that aviation should feel like a shared resource that connects every part of Canada. As a part of this award, Ms. Coelho will plan an initiative called Fly Forward Remote which brings aviation directly to remote communities, partnering with schools, organizations and advocacy groups to host outreach days where pilots and students connect.

Récipiendaires de la bourse de Qualification de Vol de Nuit

Mohammed Al-Maghazachi - Windsor, ON

The first time Mohammed Al-Maghazachi boarded an aircraft, he knew instantly he wanted to be a pilot for the rest of his life. Mohammed believes that aviation is a symbol of hope and purpose. His goal is to become a commercial pilot and flight instructor to inspire a new generation of pilots to reach their potential. He earned his PPL through the Royal Canadian Air Cadets, pursued excellence in school, works full time to support his flight training and family, volunteers with the Air Cadets as an aviation instructor and at the Canadian Aviation Museum in Windsor, Ontario. As part of this award, Mr. Al-Maghazachi will expand his contributions at the Air Cadet squadron through an initiative called Walk Around Wednesday held inside hangars where young people meet pilots, learn about aircraft, and experience the aviation environment. He also wants to train on the historic Chipmunk to conduct youth discovery flights.

Olivia Dobson - Calgary, AB

The greatest asset that Olivia Dobson contributes to the aviation industry comes from outside of aviation: her passion for the environment. Olivia never felt anything could counter the colossal scale of destruction from forest fires until she discovered aerial firefighting. She pursues excellence in the Science and Aviation Program at the University of Waterloo (UofW), volunteers at the Waterloo Wellington Flying Club, and thrives on testing her skills and learning new knowledge each day. Her passions extend beyond aviation: environmentalism, conservation and rescue all deeply motivate her performance. As part of this award, Ms. Dobson will deliver aviation presentations each semester to schools in Alberta, align content with education curriculum, and educate youth about aviation opportunities and organizations that exist across Canada.

Onkit Saha - Fredericton, NB

Every time Onkit Saha climbs into a cockpit, his spirits are lifted and imagines how alive the aircraft is. Flying makes him feel free. Onkit wants to become a pilot in the RCAF and be a test pilot one day. He is applying to the military through the ROTP program to study mechanical and aerospace engineering. He is an Air Cadet, received his GPL and PPL during summer training, and instructs the next generation of young aviators. Onkit competes successfully in the Canada-Wide science fair, enjoys public speaking, and volunteers at fundraisers for the homeless. He’s a member of the student council, tech support for the school’s theatre, and enjoys conveying emotion through multiple musical instruments. He’s in his school band, is a pianist in two bands, composes his own music, and enjoys an array of competitive sports. As part of this award, Mr. Saha will mentor future GPL and PPL applicants, attend multiple events and airshows to foster growth of youth, and work towards his glider familiarization rating to fly other youth.

Julia Marie Noël - Kitchener, ON

One day attending a career talk, Julia Noël saw a plane fly overhead. From that moment, she realized that maybe it was realistic to become a pilot and her curiosity for aviation turned into determination. Julia is in the Commercial Aviation Management Program at Western University, is pursuing her commercial flight training at Diamond Flight Centre, volunteers or mentors with Aviatrix, the Mustang Flying Club, Women in Aviation, the International Association of Airport Executives, and is a class representative on the Aviation Student Council. She volunteers at the London Airshow, Girls in Aviation Day, and also participates in an International Test Pilot School (ITPS) study whether eye movement is influenced by pilot experience. As part of this award, Ms. Noël is committed to outreach activities as per previous years, including volunteering at the London Airshow and engaging with young children, especially young girls, about careers in aviation.

Abdalla Abdellatif - Waterloo, ON

The passion for aviation began for Abdalla Abellatif with the Royal Canadian Air Cadets where he learned the foundation of leadership, professionalism, and community. Abdalla feels pride in flying methodically, safely, with attention to accuracy, and has a dream of becoming an airline pilot. He is enrolled in the Geography and Aviation Program at the University of Waterloo (UofW), is a class representative in the UofW Aviation Society, now Director of Events, is a course Teaching Assistant, and works as a ramp agent at the Waterloo Wellington Flying Club (WWFC). As part of this award, Mr. Abellatif wants to establish a Flight Path Mentorship Program that connects university students and flight instructors with local high school students and Air Cadets curious about flying. Mentorship sessions would result in meaningful exchanges at schools and WWFC.

Alexis Demers - Gatineau, QC

Alexis Demers was always draw into aviation for its mixture of challenge and adventure. Alexis has a goal to build a professional career in Canadian aviation through bush flying and larger commercial operations that serve remote areas. He obtained a college degree in Mechanical Engineering at Select Aviation College, worked as a dispatcher, and volunteers in aircraft maintenance, inspections and airworthiness of aircraft systems. Alexis is a member of his school’s aviation safety council and interned with a small Canadian bush operator. As part of this award, Mr. Demers will organize events to showcase the world of bush flying and float operations, share experiences and stories that demonstrate technical skill, adventure, and purpose. He believes that the Canadian aviation industry is built on passion, professionalism and community.

Statistiques du programme de bourses 2025

Scholarship Impact

72000$

Montant total donné

Jeunes pilotes financés

90%

Issus de communautés sous-représentées

60/40

Proportion femme/homme des récipiendaires

Provinces et territoires

Age moyen des récipiendaires

Ces 12 jeunes pilotes canadiens exceptionnels ont fait preuve d'un dévouement et d'un engagement impressionnants envers l'avancement de l'aviation au Canada. Ces jeunes représentent la prochaine génération de pilotes professionnels canadiens, et nous sommes fiers de dire que redonner à la prochaine génération fait déjà partie intégrante de leur identité. Nous avons hâte de les voir atteindre des sommets encore plus élevés!

Rien ne serait possible sans le soutien très généreux de nos donateurs et commanditaires, notamment NAV CANADA, CAE et la Fondation Familiale Elina et Giuseppe Borsellino. Nous sommes extrêmement reconnaissants envers tous les bienfaiteurs de partout au Canada qui ont contribué à notre aventure jusqu'à présent. Nous vous remercions sincèrement de votre confiance en notre mission et nous avons très hâte de collaborer à nouveau avec vous tous en 2026!