Calgary is a city of bright minds that fosters an environment where people can realize their ambitions to build a meaningful life and career. Along with a supportive ecosystem for innovation and growth, the city’s booming aerospace sector is a shining example of what the Blue Sky City can offer to talent in any stage of their career.
Raised in Alberta, Shelby Jessiman’s journey embodies the opportunities possible in Calgary. From growing up on a ranch to pivoting into the aerospace industry where she was able to access the tools to succeed — Shelby’s story is just getting started.
Shelby moved to Calgary in 2022 and quickly became an active part of the city’s vibrant aerospace community, where her career has since soared with opportunities for mentorship and professional growth. We spoke with her about her journey to learn why Calgary is the perfect place to launch a career in aerospace.
What brought you to Calgary?
I grew up on a ranch near Camrose, Alberta and moved to Montana after high school on a volleyball scholarship. I then worked in manufacturing for eight years in Stettler, Alberta, focusing on occupational safety.
However, I felt unsupported and unrecognized, because I wasn't given opportunities to develop myself professionally. I made a career change and moved to Vancouver Island where I worked at a school district, eventually discovering aerospace by chance through Viking Air, which then amalgamated as De Havilland Aircraft of Canada.
I was later offered a transfer back to Alberta with the company to work in the Twin Otter Final Assembly location and moved to Calgary in October of 2022, now currently in the corporate office. I’m very excited about the opportunities in the growing aerospace industry here.
What opportunities does Calgary have that make it the ideal place to pursue an aerospace education and career? 
Aerospace can seem intimidating, especially if you don’t have a technical or engineering background, but there are many areas within the industry where you don’t need that specific expertise, that you can pursue in Calgary.
In my previous role, I had the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in manufacturing, particularly by observing the assembly line, working with subject matter experts and understanding how the aircraft was made.
My current role as Project Manager involves me working on mergers and acquisitions, product strategy and organizational strategy to position the company for growth in the coming years. This includes developing 3-to-5-year strategic plans, setting up KPIs, balancing scores cards and ensuring each business unit has a clear approach to succeed.
Skills from fields like human resources, supply chain management, operations management and even business are highly transferable to aerospace. The University of Calgary offers programs in these fields and are great for building relevant skills. I am currently pursuing an Executive Master of Business at the Haskayne School of Business through the University of Calgary.
Additionally, there are fantastic networking opportunities, especially for women in aerospace. I’ve been involved with Women in Aerospace Canada for about two years now, hosting various events that help connect people in the industry. These events are a great way to meet others from different areas of aerospace — it’s a small industry, so these connections can be valuable for pursuing a career in aerospace.
How has Calgary’s professional network helped you advance in your career?
Organizations like Women in Aerospace Canada are dedicated to supporting women and promoting diversity in the aerospace industry. We focus on leadership development, professional growth and mentorship opportunities. One thing I've noticed growing in the aerospace community is the increasing importance of mentorship, which isn't limited to just women mentoring women — it’s about allyship and building connections across the board.
How would you describe Calgary’s aerospace sector in terms of opportunities for women and underrepresented groups?
I was fortunate to be part of the first cohort of the De Havilland Aircraft of Canada’s “PropelHer Program" in 2023, which was designed to help women in the organization develop their leadership skills.
Through this program, I gained a mentor who is also the President of Women in Aerospace Canada, Nancy Barber, who has been a tremendous support and inspiration in my career.
More organizations here are actively seeking diversity, welcoming individuals from all backgrounds, experiences, education and cultures. Research shows that diverse teams are stronger, whether it's in project work, business units or across the organization. Having a mix of perspectives and expertise leads to greater success.
What do you love most about life in Calgary?
On a personal level, Calgary has been incredibly welcoming. I love spending time in places like Prince's Island Park, the OdaFit Crossfit community and exploring areas like Mission and Kensington. The city has a vibrant and diverse atmosphere, with people eager to socialize and engage, whether it's in a coffee shop or a local store. This openness not only supports local businesses but also helps create a dynamic environment for newcomers to the city, encouraging them to stay and contribute.
Learn more about what it’s like to live and work in Calgary, and our economic action plan, Uplook, that outlines a plan to build a community with vibrant, accessible communities for all.
