Statistically, half of the smartest people in Ontario are men and the other half are women. So why aren’t manufacturers taking full advantage of the pool of talented women? This episode features Nikki Morshedi, the Executive Director of Women in Aerospace Canada, who shares insights into the challenges women face in STEM fields, why gender diversity is crucial for maintaining a competitive edge, and how WIA is helping women enter, stay, and thrive in the aerospace sector (and beyond).

• 01:02 Interview with Nikki Morshedi of Women in Aerospace Canada
• 04:19 Nikki's Journey into Aerospace
• 09:46 Her Brilliant LinkedIn Hacks
• 12:20 Embracing What Women Bring to Teams and Reducing Barriers
• 16:23 Women in Aerospace Canada: Mission, Scope, and Programs
• 23:33 What to Expect from WIA’s Mentorship Program, Tips for Mentors and Mentees
• 27:20 WIA’s Partners
• 32:01 Future of Women in Aerospace and Final Thoughts

Find Out More about Women in Aerospace Canada

• Women in Aerospace Canada website: wia-canada.org
• WIA Mentorship Program webpage: wia-canada.org/2025/04/15/ready-to-soar-join-the-wia-canada-mentorship-program-2025

Trillium Network for Advanced Manufacturing Reports on Gender Diversity

• Data Bulletin #14: Visible Minorities and Ontario Manufacturing https://trilliummfg.ca/data-bulletin/visible-minorities-and-ontario-manufacturing/
• Occupational Diversity and Ontario Manufacturing Data Bulletin trilliummfg.ca/data-bulletin/occupational-diversity-ontario-manufacturing
• Gender and Ontario’s Manufacturing Workforce trilliummfg.ca/data-bulletin/gender-and-ontarios-manufacturing-workforce
• Gender Diversity and Ontario Manufacturing: Lessons from Five Leading Companies https://trilliummfg.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Gender_Diversity_And_Ontario_Manufacturing.pdf
• Making it in Ontario, S10 E3, Hot Off the Press: New Data on Diversity in Manufacturing https://player.captivate.fm/episode/01981aa3-8a62-4ad3-870c-220ae8322749/

Find Out More About Trillium

• Trillium website: trilliummfg.ca
• Trillium GIS: trilliumgis.ca
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/trilliummfg
• X/Twitter: x.com/TrilliumMfg
• Instagram: instagram.com/trilliummfg
• Facebook: facebook.com/trilliummfg
• Old ‘Making it in Ontario’ Episodes: https://soundcloud.com/making-it-in-ontario-past

About the Making it in Ontario Podcast

Making it in Ontario is your window into what's next in manufacturing. Ontario’s economy depends on manufacturing, but the latest research reveals concerning trends that could undermine the sector’s strength—if we don’t address them. Join us as we talk to CEOs and other leaders at the forefront of the sector about productivity, strategy, talent markets and career opportunities, and the role of manufacturing in a prosperous and sustainable future.

This podcast is an initiative of the Trillium Network for Advanced Manufacturing. It is produced by Storied Places Media.