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Meet Our Students: Celebrating Success Stories – Radhika Kalia

By Diana Corredor
In our Meet Our Students: Celebrating Success Stories series, we continue to highlight students whose experiences reflect the unique opportunities and personal growth that define the Western journey. This edition features Radhika Kalia, an Honours Specialization student in Commercial Aviation Management with a Minor in Economics.

For Kalia, Western’s one-of-a-kind Commercial Aviation Management (CAM) program was more than just a good fit—it was her only choice. “It’s the only program in Canada where I could study aviation without being in the flight training stream,” she explains. “I’ve always been passionate about airline and airport operations, and this program uniquely combines business and aviation, allowing me to work toward a management-focused career in the aviation industry without needing to become a pilot.”

That unique blend of disciplines has offered Kalia both academic rigour and practical preparation. With support from faculty and advisors, she has tailored her degree to align with her long-term goals—including her upcoming participation in a faculty-led study abroad program in the Netherlands. “I’ll be taking upper-year MOS and economics courses abroad while gaining international experience. It’s an incredible opportunity that will strengthen my global perspective and open doors for graduate studies,” she says.

The guidance Kalia received along the way has been instrumental. “I owe a lot to amazing professors and advisors,” she shares. “Professor Maria Ferraro helped me map out my degree and plan for the exchange, while professors like Sarah Ross and Chris Roulston deepened my critical thinking and made learning genuinely meaningful.” She also credits Chris Whitty for igniting her passion for aviation as a professional pathway.

Academic advising and career support played a vital role as well. With their help, Kalia added a Minor in Economics to complement her aviation studies and refined her course selections to align with internship and career opportunities. “That support gave me the confidence to pursue new experiences, including international learning,” she says.

Beyond the classroom, Kalia has been an active contributor to student life. She volunteers annually at the London Airshow, representing the CAM program and networking with industry professionals. Her involvement in the Women in Aviation Western Aviatrix Chapter has connected her with a community of peers who share her enthusiasm and ambition. She’s also helped lead an Aviation Badge Event with The Ninety-Nines, Inc.® for Girl Guides of Canada, inspiring the next generation of aviation enthusiasts.

Her interests and impact extend beyond aviation. As part of the Seniors in IT Club, Kalia leads tech workshops for seniors at a local retirement home—an experience that has sharpened her communication and teaching skills. She’s also worked at varsity games as event staff and looks forward to joining the Western Bookstore team next year, staying connected with campus life in meaningful ways.

Leadership has been another cornerstone of her experience. As VP Events for the Western Bhakti Yoga Club, she plans events that support wellness and mindfulness. “It’s a space where I can apply creativity and organization to help build a sense of community,” she says. She also took on a creative project with the CAM Council, designing a T-shirt for program merchandise. “Seeing other students wear something I created—that was really special.”

Kalia also served as a Residence Life team member, supporting fellow students and building leadership skills through event planning and community engagement.

Reflecting on her journey from Dubai to London, Ontario, Kalia acknowledges the challenges and growth that came with the move. “It was my first time living away from home and adapting to a new culture. At first, it was overwhelming, but I’m proud of how I adjusted and embraced the experience. I’ve become more confident and self-reliant.”

Among her proudest achievements are receiving the Doug Needham Memorial Award in Commercial Aviation and being accepted into Western’s study abroad program. “Both represent the hard work I’ve put into my studies and extracurriculars. They’ve been defining moments in my time at Western.”

Her advice to new students? “Take initiative and explore everything the faculty has to offer. Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. The more you engage, the more you’ll grow—personally and professionally. And definitely connect with your professors—their support can make a world of difference.”

Celebrate Radhika Kalia’s inspiring journey with us, and learn more about the pathways available through the DAN Department of Management & Organizational Studies. Stay tuned for more success stories in our series, and follow our social media channels for updates on how our students are making their mark in the world.

If you want to share your own story or know someone who should be featured, please reach out to us!