Elsie MacGill

First female aircraft designer and advocate for women in engineering.

Elsie MacGill (1905–1980), a Canadian engineer, shattered barriers as the world's first female aircraft designer. She oversaw the production of Hawker Hurricane fighters during WWII, earning her the nickname 'Queen of the Hurricanes.'

Graduating from the University of Toronto in 1927, MacGill became the first woman to earn an electrical engineering degree in Canada. At Canadian Car and Foundry, she engineered the Maple Leaf II trainer and modified aircraft for Arctic conditions. Her leadership is highlighted in engineering history archives.

Post-war, MacGill championed women's rights, chairing the Canadian Federation of Business and Professional Women. She co-authored the 1970 Report on the Status of Women in Canada, influencing gender equality policies. Her legacy inspires initiatives like Society of Women Engineers.