From Schulich to the Skies, BBA Recognized with Rising Star Award
Heather Hills (BBA ‘19), Captain on the Q400 at Porter Airlines, traces many of her professional strengths back to her time at the Schulich School of Business. An Honours graduate of the Bachelor of Business Administration program, Hills says Schulich gave her the foundation she continues to draw on in the aviation industry today.
“My time at Schulich shaped me in ways that continue to influence my career in aviation today,” Hills reflects. “Courses about organizational behavior, strategic management, specifically courses such as managing across cultures were invaluable in preparing me to work with people from diverse backgrounds, something that is so important in this industry. Marketing courses gave me the tools to deliver ideas clearly and confidently, while the push to work in groups and step outside of my comfort zone from the first day of classes helped to build the confidence I carry into my career every day.”
Her experience at Schulich extended far beyond the classroom. As a member of the York University varsity tennis team, the Schulich Consulting Club, and a competitor in case competitions, Hills gained skills in leadership, teamwork, and communication that she credits with shaping her career path.
In recognition of her accomplishments, Hills was recently honoured with the Rising Star Award from the Northern Lights Aero Foundation, an organization dedicated to attracting and inspiring women to succeed in aviation and aerospace through mentorship, scholarships, and diversity initiatives. As she explains: “Winning the Rising Star award feels like a reflection of all of these opportunities and the foundation Schulich provided me.”
Hills has combined her Schulich training with her passion for aviation to build an impressive career. After earning her airline transport licence and working as a flight instructor, she became a Captain at Porter Airlines. She also serves as Program Coordinator for the Aviation Program at Conestoga College, is Vice President of the Upper Canada Chapter of Women in Aviation and sits on the board of the 2026 Canadian Women in Aviation Conference, having co-chaired the 2024 conference.
Reflecting on her path, Hills notes: “So many young women never get to see female pilots or women in other aspects of the aviation industry. I would encourage any young woman to just get out there and do it — but also make sure you have a good balance in your life as well.”
