RCAF - Royal Canadian Air Force

02/05/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 02/05/2024 14:53

Royal Canadian Air Force Represented for the first time at the STARGAZE Gala 2023

February 5, 2024 - Royal Canadian Air Force

Author: Capt Anita Yengue, DGMPD (A&L), PMO FWSAR

Gala Venue - Centennial College Event Centre

On 9 December 2023 at the Centennial College Event Centre in Toronto, Ontario, the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) participated for the first time in the Stargaze Gala. The gala was organized by the Black Aviation Professional Network (BAPN), a non-profitcharitable organization founded in 2021 that supports Black aviation professionals in Canada. Seven RCAF members from the Black community attended the annual gala that celebrates the achievements of Black members of the aviation community in a culturally enriched environment. This year, BAPN was pleased to welcome the RCAF by acknowledging the contribution or our many technicians and professionals in aviation that are part of the Black community.

Networking Opportunities

Black RCAF members face many systemic barriers that can impact their personal growth and development in the workplace. Indeed, despite the strategies put in place within the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) aimed at eliminating racism and discrimination in the organization and the efforts made to achieve the declared objectives of employment equity (EE), it is recognized that much work remains to be done.

"Proudness for the community, as a RCAF member who started as an aircraft maintenance technician in the civilian world years ago, it was indescribable to see others with similar passions all together, with so many successful stories, old and young but mostly young. Very refreshing to encounter as, too often, the ratio in diversity in the day-to-day life is literally the opposite from what we lived that night." - MCpl Blanchard,433 ETAC.



The Stargaze Gala provides members with an opportunity to network and learn from a broader and more diverse aviation community allowing them to realize that their professional aspirations within the RCAF are attainable. This exceptional opportunity also advances confidence in the CAF and promote the RCAF in communities that have historically faced varying levels of discrimination in their struggle to be given the chance to serve, thereby eroding trust in the institution.

From left to right: Cpl Balogun, Avr Randell, Cpl Clayton, Avr Ene, Sgt Baguidy, Mcpl Blanchard, Capt Anita Yengue.



Reflecting on their participation to the event, here is what some RCAF members had to say: "I was happy to see that there are black aviation professionals that served in the military and that currently serving. The fact that the RCAF attended this event speaks volumes and improves my perception of that relationship. I never had a "super" negative perception to begin with but being invited to an event like this does help" - Avr Ene,22 Wing.

From left to right: Avr Randell, Mcpl Popescu
"I would say that the event had a positive impact on my perception of the relationship between the military and my community. Having an event like the Stargaze Gala helped to bring the military and members of our communities together and helped to foster new connections and build an understanding and appreciation for what all of us do. These connections between the military and the civilian world are integral for the wellness of CAF members as it serves as a reminder that although we operate around the globe, our families and communities are the metaphorical glue that keeps us together" - Avr Randell,400 (Tac Hel) Sqn.



"This event may have reminded the community that the military aviation world has a lot of unique experiences to share. Both the military and civilian aviation community perform similar tasks, however, the opportunity to deploy provides a different experience that could be intriguing to the community outside of the military. I think everyone should hear more about the great experiences we have during deployments" - Cpl Clayton,443 (MH) Sqn.

Booth Display

"With this event, I believed the bridge of networking and connectivity between the civilian world of Aviation and RCAF will be more stronger, couple with the fact that there were some personnel that are willing to join the RCAF but do not know how to go about it or are skeptical about it but this event created a chance to eradicate those barriers" - Cpl Balogun,402 Sqn.

"Attending this event has solidified my commitment to staying actively involved in the aviation community, and I am hopeful for the chance to attend and contribute to similar occasions in the future" - Sgt Baguidy,RCAF Academy.

By attending Stargaze for the first time, the RCAF highlighted the value of creating connections with the communities that they serve and with people representing those communities within our ranks. Let's keep working together to create such spaces and looking forward to seeing you in attendance at the next gala in 2024!

To learn more about the BAPN, visit The Black Aviation Professionals Network (BAPN) - Home (thebapn.ca) or contact Capt Anita Yengue at [email protected].