Emily Reiman
Director, Industry Culture Development
Emily holds a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Sociology, a Master’s Degree in Industrial Organizational Psychology, and a Master’s Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus in Equity Studies. With over a decade of experience in the aviation sector, both in the public and military spheres, she is a skilled, relatable, and industry-informed facilitator who uses data-driven solutions to drive impact. Emily has a strong background in DEI and a passion for effecting positive change within the workplace. She is Change Management certified and leverages the power of DEI by viewing it as a strategic advantage rather than a regulatory necessity, fostering a culture of inclusion that drives innovation and makes organizations attractive to top talent. Additionally, she brings expertise in talent management, leadership development, and organizational effectiveness. In her free time, she enjoys strength training, astronomy, and golf.
Sanja Ivanov, Ph.D.
Lead Strategist
Sanja is a strategist and educator with expertise and passion for fostering cultures of innovation and belonging in the public and non-profit sector. Over the last decade, Sanja has developed programs and training tools aimed at empowering professionals from traditionally marginalized backgrounds across Canada. Her strategies and recommendations have aimed at fostering inclusive and equitable workplaces, while her tailored coaching has equipped faculty with essential inclusive teaching practices. Sanja's commitment extends to mentoring graduate students in career development and workplace success and supporting intercultural communication initiatives, driving positive change in educational and professional settings. Sanja holds a Ph.D. from the University of Toronto.
Alberto Jimenez Ponce
HR Specialist
Alberto brings a wealth of experience in HR management and a deep commitment to advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in the workplace. Most recently, Alberto worked at WestJet as a Talent Acquisition Partner where he honed his expertise in recruitment and DEI initiatives within the aviation industry. With a Bachelor’s degree in International Business Strategy and several years of experience in leadership, HR, and DEI roles, Alberto has a proven track record of developing and implementing innovative strategies that foster inclusive work environments and support underrepresented groups.
In this role, Alberto will be instrumental in advancing the Women’s Economic and Leadership Opportunities (WELO) project, focusing on creating inclusive aviation careers by enhancing DEI policies, developing succession plans, and driving recruitment and retention initiatives. Alberto’s passion for diversity, equity, and inclusion, and dedication to making a meaningful impact align perfectly with Elevate Aviation’s mission to empower women and underrepresented groups and to dismantle barriers in the aviation industry.
With a collaborative work style and a strong commitment to driving positive change, Alberto is eager to contribute to Elevate Aviation’s goals and help shape the future of aviation by promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. Outside of work, you can find Alberto spending time with friends, being active outdoors, traveling, enjoying the sun, swimming, and trying all kinds of foods!
Kendra Kowerchuk
Programs Assistant
Kendra Kowerchuk has spent her entire life living in Kehewin Cree Nation while attending school in Elk Point, Alberta, at F.G. Miller High School, from which she recently graduated in 2022. After high school, she dedicated herself to working as a Youth Care worker at a Group Home in her community, where she cared for children newborn to age 18 in the foster care system. Her passion for aviation was sparked by solo travel, during which she visited over ten different airports in 2023. This experience allowed her to meet many people who were passionate about their jobs, igniting her own love for aviation. Driven by this newfound enthusiasm, she decided to pursue a career in the aviation industry and enrolled in the WEST program with Elevate Aviation. Kendra graduated from the program with Cohort Juliet in July 2024 and applied for the Programs Assistant position on the day of her graduation. She feels immensely grateful to have discovered that aviation is her dream career path and is thrilled to work for the company that solidified her passion for the industry!
Consultants & Facilitators
Alicia Lue
DEI Facilitator
Alicia's work in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is grounded in her lived experience as a Black woman, as well as seven years of professional experience within the aviation industry. As a freelance writer, Alicia has written about the consequences of systemic racism for The Walrus, Maclean's and Elle Canada.
Krishna Mann
DEI Consultant & Facilitator
Krishna is a visionary social impact and communications strategist in the global tech and entertainment industries. With comprehensive DEI expertise spanning all organizational functions, Krishna creates impactful change from the inside out—building the infrastructure brands need to achieve long-term, sustainable change. Her human-centered and data-informed approach provides pragmatic solutions to address systemic inequities. Krishna has led groundbreaking initiatives, from algorithmic audits to combat bias to ethical content strategies that authentically represent diverse groups. Leveraging the power of storytelling for social change, Krishna's transformative work has shaped DEI strategies for industry leaders such as TED, PBS, 9 Story Media, and Wattpad—creating lasting impact across the tech and media landscapes.
Litzy Baeza
DEI Consultant & Facilitator
Litzy has worked in the field of international education for the past 20 years managing a variety of projects overseas, primarily in Latin America. Presently, Litzy is a Gender, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (GEDI) consultant & educator. She teaches a variety of courses at different universities and colleges across Canada and also develops curricula and programs related to GEDI. Litzy has also helped to implement and develop GEDI strategies with various organizations across Canada and Internationally, being experienced in international development projects as a gender equity specialist.
Natalie Azzi-Mofrad
DEI Consultant & Facilitator
Dr. Natalie Azzi-Mofrad is a community focused leader, writer, advocate and researcher with 20+ years experience promoting gender equity and working to eliminate gender-based violence. Natalie possesses extensive experience working in private and public sectors, leading DEI initiatives and ensuring these initiatives are permanently implemented in business practice and policies. She also holds a Ph.D. in Criminology and Social Justice from OntarioTech University. She is a 2024 Outstanding Thesis Award finalist for her doctoral dissertation showcasing intersectionality to explain structural inequalities that perpetuate gender-based violence.
Nichole Deck
DEI Facilitator
Nichole is a self-employed entrepreneur who came into the aviation industry by chance and has now managed to combine her aviation interest with her training and facilitating expertise. A former building inspector, Nichole relocated with her family to Iqaluit, Nunavut and took up a part-time position working at an airline ticket counter. From the ticket counter she progressed into the training department and as a Registered Professional Trainer and Learning Management System administrator. Nichole is a passionate proponent of treating others with kindness and dignity.
Nitu Purna
DEI Consultant & Facilitator
As an RSW and EDI consultant, Nitu uses her experiences in three countries and as an immigrant to Canada to bring a unique storytelling approach to equity work. She is an anti-oppressive practitioner, committed to dismantling barriers and fostering belonging. Understanding our stories can create spaces where every voice is heard and valued, Nitu believes that together, we can make a difference.
Ogho Ikhalo
DEI Consultant & Facilitator
Ogho Ikhalo is an accomplished leader with over 18 years of academic and professional experience. She has a robust background in strategic communication and is an award-winning specialist in diversity, equity, and inclusion, and has a strong background in human resources. As a human rights advocate, Ogho is privileged to reside on the Ancestral Traditional Territories within Upper Canada Treaty 13, in Turtle Island. She is the Founder and CEO of AFROdisiac Consulting and has held senior leadership positions across various sectors, including Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Hydro One, and Director of Women’s and Human Rights at the Ontario Federation of Labour.
Renée Whittaker
DEI Consultant & Facilitator
Renée has an extensive work history that spans both community engagement and academic spaces. She has taught college-level courses, including Special Topics in Sociology and Introduction to Black Studies, as well as Black Girlhood Studies at a University level. These experiences inform her research, which focuses on Afro-Caribbean diasporic women’s and girls’ engagement with self-care, radical care, community, and reformative justice in Canada. She aims to highlight how care is practiced, emphasizing acts that are often overlooked by Western society but can foster joyful endurance and social transformation.
Sinaa Dabbagh
DEI Consultant
An EDI professional committed to advancing gender equity and fostering inclusive environments where diversity thrives. Focused on championing initiatives that create a tangible difference and inspire lasting change for equity-deserving communities.
Subah Chhabra
DEI Consultant & Facilitator
Subah is a Certified Canadian Inclusion Professional (CCIP). Her professional background encompasses prior roles in finance, business development, and communications. She holds a postgraduate certificate in Human Resources Management and a Master's in Commerce, underpinning her extensive expertise in the field. Presently, she leads the Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives at a prominent North American law firm. Over the course of her career, Subah has collaborated with diverse organizations such as the Toronto Humane Society, Compass Group, Sick Kids, Teach For India, and Deloitte. Within these capacities, she has substantially contributed to enhancing employee retention, cultivating an inclusive workplace culture, and advancing diversity within the workforce. Subah has provided her expertise by serving on several boards, including the Central Toronto Youth Services. She is characterized by her drive, attention to detail, and unwavering belief in the pivotal role of individuals within an organization. Subah advocates for establishing a robust, transparent, and inclusive workplace culture where everyone feels respected and valued.
Tynan Allan
DEI Consultant & Facilitator
Tynan Allan is a recognized leader in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, with a proven track record of implementing trauma-informed, high-impact initiatives across sectors such as law enforcement, healthcare, and tech. As a podcast host and LinkedIn Top Voice, Tynan intentionally uses his platform to advocate for systemic change, backed by his extensive research background and strategic experience at organizations like the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Rogers Communications, and Doctors Manitoba. Having visited 15 countries and represented Canada as a G20 Entrepreneur delegate, he brings an anti-racist, anti-colonial global perspective to his work, blending creative insights with rigorous methodologies. Tynan has a knack for making complex DEI concepts not only accessible but downright compelling, adding a creative twist to each discussion.
