Air Canada promotes grassroots equity initiatives

Nordia King’s journey from serving cocktails to maintaining airplane engines is a testament to the transformative power of pursuing one's passion. As an aircraft maintenance engineer with Air Canada in Toronto, she embodies the spirit of determination and the importance of diversity in the workplace.

Originally from the United States, King moved to Canada in early 2020, initially enrolling in a social work program to complement her degree in forensic psychology. However, she soon realized that her true passion lay elsewhere. A pivotal moment occurred when one of her professors suggested that she explore the aviation maintenance program, igniting her interest in a field she had previously considered. This encouragement proved to be the catalyst she needed to pursue a career in aviation.

Overcoming Challenges in Career Transition

King's transition into the aviation sector was not without its difficulties. As a mother of three, including a newborn son born in June 2020, balancing family life with her studies was a significant challenge. To manage her responsibilities, King dedicated her early mornings to studying, often waking up between three and four AM to ensure she could also be present for her children during the day.

Her previous experience as a flight attendant provided her with unique insights that she brings to her current role. Understanding the operational side of air travel allows her to address issues effectively, such as ensuring that refreshments are available for passengers. King highlights the interconnectedness of her roles: “Even something as simple as repairing the coffee machine can impact the flight crew's interaction with passengers. My priority is to ensure safety, but those small considerations make a big difference.”

Advocating for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Beyond her technical role, King is deeply committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within Air Canada. She serves as a DEI Champion, participating in a volunteer-led program designed to elevate awareness of these critical issues at the grassroots level. This initiative aims to foster a more inclusive workplace culture among employees across various departments.

Christianna Scott, the director of diversity, equity, and inclusion at Air Canada, emphasizes the importance of the DEI Champions in reaching a broader audience. “We have employees in different roles, from those working on the ramp to those in the air; engaging them can be challenging,” she explains. The program, which began with just 50 volunteers, has expanded to over 120, showcasing the growing commitment to DEI initiatives among staff.

The Role of Peer-to-Peer Training in DEI

One of the key factors contributing to the success of the DEI program is the peer-to-peer training approach. As Scott notes, “People are more likely to trust a message that comes from someone they can relate to.” For instance, one of the DEI Champions recently trained customer experience specialists at the airport, integrating DEI principles into the standard training for 5,000 employees. This method not only enhances learning but also fosters a culture of inclusivity throughout the organization.

Personal and Professional Influence

Scott's background as a former labor and human rights lawyer adds depth to her role. Born in Ghana and moving to Québec as a child, she has always been passionate about identity and equity. After 17 years in a litigation-focused role at Air Canada, she transitioned to her current position in 2022, seeking to make a proactive impact on equity within the company. “This job allows me to ensure that everyone is treated equitably,” Scott remarks, highlighting the significance of her work.

Inspiration and Empowerment

King aims to inspire others through her journey, particularly her daughters. “I want them to see that anything is possible. You can switch careers, step outside your comfort zone, and pursue what you want,” she asserts, embodying the message that determination and passion can lead to success.

This commitment to empowerment extends beyond her family, as King actively works to raise awareness about DEI issues within her professional sphere. Her story illustrates how individuals can harness their experiences to contribute positively to their communities, encouraging a culture of inclusivity and support.

Recognition of Air Canada’s DEI Efforts

Air Canada’s commitment to diversity and inclusion has not gone unnoticed. The company has been recognized as one of Canada’s best diversity employers for 2025, reflecting its ongoing efforts to create an equitable workplace environment. This acknowledgment serves as validation for the hard work and dedication of employees like King and Scott, who advocate for meaningful change.

• Support for grassroots DEI initiatives.
• Expansion of the DEI Champions program from 50 to 120 volunteers.
• Integration of DEI training into standard employee programs.
• Recognition as a top diversity employer, reinforcing commitment to equity.
• Encouragement of personal growth and career transitions within the workforce.

The collective efforts of Air Canada employees and leadership underscore the critical importance of fostering diversity and inclusion in the workplace. By supporting initiatives that promote equity at every level, the airline not only enhances its corporate culture but also sets a standard for others in the industry to follow.