WiDS Canada

It is and we are excited to highlight an inspiring 2024 from Life at PwC, Carinna Lin!

As an accomplished and dedicated professional, Carinna protects Canadian critical infrastructure through her expertise in information technology governance, security risk, compliance management, and privacy. Carinna leads the development of cybersecurity services for the Department of National Defence Resource Management Information System, working collaboratively, focusing on identifying critical issues, user and administrator needs, and empowering a team to provide strategic advice and services for consideration and decision-making.

Thank you to Leonardo Canada for supporting WiDS in . Learn more about our Emerging Leaders here: https://www.wids.ca/cms/Emerging-Leaders

This week's is an incredible from Microsoft Canada, Divya Jhunjhunwala!

Divya is a Microsoft Account Technology Strategist who works with high security organizations within the public safety portfolio of the Government of Canada. She helps mission owners and CIOs to map their transformation plans against their technology roadmaps at to leverage innovative technologies to implement digital solutions that help keep our country and communities safe. Divya is passionate about her role and inspires others with her vision and expertise.

Thank you to Leonardo Canada for supporting WiDS in . Learn more about our 2024 Emerging Leaders here: https://www.wids.ca/cms/Emerging-Leaders

Happy ! Today, join us in celebrating a 2024 from Marshall Canada, Charlain Malcolm.

With over 19 years of experience as an engineer in the defense industry, Charlain inspires others around her with an ability to always find innovative ways to apply her skills and contribute to the success of the organization. While holding a variety of roles in her career from project engineer to quality expert to business analyst and now supply chain specialist, Charlain always excels at creating relationships that empower. Charlain elevates and motivates her colleagues towards success by means of a shared vision.

Thank you to Leonardo Canada for supporting WiDS in . Learn more about our Emerging Leaders here: https://www.wids.ca/cms/Emerging-Leaders

For this , we celebrate two amazing from our platinum sponsor, Lockheed Martin!

Erika Cion, Eng. was recently accepted into the LM Aero Advanced Technical Leadership Program for the class of 2025. This program accelerates the technical, professional, and leadership development of individuals through various means. Of over 150 applicants, only 15 top talents are selected for entry in this program, representing the top 10%.

Kelly Alder is an outstanding mentor. Her approach and communication style helps to keep tensions low even in tough situations. Strongly volunteer-oriented, Kelly is a member of Lockheed Martin Canada's Gender Balance Employee Resource Group (ERG) and is a regular supporter of Women in Engineering and STEM.

Thank you to Leonardo Canada for supporting WiDS in . Learn more about our 2024 Emerging Leaders here: https://www.wids.ca/cms/Emerging-Leaders

It is and today we celebrate from Leonardo DRS. Meet Amy Dolomount: A Trailblazer in Operations and Supply Chain! 🌟

With over 20 years of experience across oil and gas, transportation, and defense, Amy Dolomount has made an impressive impact in every role she's tackled. Now, as the Director of Operations at Leonardo DRS Canada, she’s implementing top-notch supply chain practices and driving excellence. 🚀

Amy’s passion extends beyond operations—she’s a strong advocate for female empowerment, diversity, and inclusion. From her involvement with Women in Aviation to her roles on Female Leadership Advisory Boards and mentoring emerging professionals, Amy is committed to fostering growth and representation in the industry. 🌟

Armed with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, a Bachelor of Business Administration, two supply chain designations, and nearly completed MBA, Amy continues to inspire and lead with dedication. We’re excited to see the continued impact of her leadership in the defense sector!

Thank you to Leonardo Canada for supporting WiDS in . Learn more about our Emerging Leaders here: https://www.wids.ca/cms/Emerging-Leaders

It is and today we celebrate two amazing from our 2024 Emerging Leaders Sponsor:Leonardo Canada Alessandra Cereseto and Christine St-Clair.

With over 15 years of diverse management experience in Defence, particularly in Aircraft and Cyber Security, Alessandra has been a driving force in expanding Leonardo’s presence in Canada. Her dedication in bridging divisions, integrating cultures, and building strong relationships with First Nation communities has been instrumental. Her leadership and interpersonal skills empower teams to achieve success and secure complex contracts. 🙌

Meanwhile, Christine, our Security and Trade Compliance/Business Compliance Officer, brings her unmatched dedication and positive energy to every project. She expertly manages our Corporate Office, ensures our certifications are always up-to-date, and is the go-to person for PSPC and DoD. Christine is a key player in our bid teams and supports Leonardo US Corporation, showcasing her reliability and trustworthiness. 🌟

Together, Alessandra and Christine exemplify excellence and collaboration. Thank you both for your incredible contributions!

Thank you to Leonardo Canada for supporting WiDS in . Learn more about our Emerging Leaders here: https://www.wids.ca/cms/Emerging-Leaders

On this We're considering a WiDS water table at the Canada Army Run in Ottawa on September 22, 2024. We’re looking for 15-20 volunteers to cheer on runners from 08:30 to 12:00.

Interested? Fill out our survey by August 30: https://app.smarterselect.com/programs/97831-Wi-Ds?force_isolation=true

Join us to support runners and showcase our WiDS spirit!

Congratulations to LGen Jennie Carignan on making history as the first woman in Canada to lead the Canadian Armed Forces as the Chief of the Defence Staff. LGen Carignan's appointment marks a significant milestone and is a testament to her exceptional leadership and dedication.

At the same time, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to Lieutenant-General Frances Allen for her remarkable service as Vice Chief of Defence Staff. LGen Allen's support to Women in Defence and Security (WiDS) has been both inspiring and impactful, and her leadership has greatly advanced our mission to empower and equip women in our industry.

Both of these women have been pivotal in shaping our vision, and we celebrate their contributions today and every day. Best wishes to LGen Carignan in her new role, and a fond farewell and thank you to LGen Allen for her extraordinary commitment!

It is and today we celebrate two amazing from IFS!

Chantal Strachan excels at delivering exceptional solutions and program support. Her product and operational knowledge elevates the customer product experience and ensures critical operations can seamlessly continue. As manager of a team of 17, Chantal empowers her team with her detailed industry knowledge providing a world class service.

Nadine Etong continues to elevate herself through her varied education, growth and progression in her professional career, and in development and leadership of others in both her peer and reporting group. Over the past decade, as the Director, Product Management, Nadine's leadership has helped shape industry leading product solutions in Aerospace & Defense.

Thank you to Leonardo Canada for supporting WiDS in . Learn more about our Emerging Leaders here:
https://www.wids.ca/cms/Emerging-Leaders

For our we introduce and celebrate Jessica Chiasson, an from Genoa Design International Ltd.

Jessica not only has a strong belief in delivering a high-quality product, but she also realizes that to do so she must provide an environment where all team members have an opportunity to learn, grow and develop their skills. One attribute that really stands out for Jessica is her ability to empower her team. She encourages them to always speak up; no problem is too big or small to be addressed. Her attitude of 'let's tackle this together' builds trust and loyalty within her group.

Thank you to Leonardo Canada for supporting WiDS in . Learn more about our 2024 Emerging Leaders here: https://www.wids.ca/cms/Emerging-Leaders

Happy and congratulations to Sabrina Ornawka from Esri Canada for being recognized as an .

Sabrina is not only a leader at Esri Canada, but also within her role supporting the Defence and Security organizations that she works with every day. Sabrina's leadership has led to innovative applications of geospatial solutions in many areas including the implementation of a modern Search and Rescue (SAR) system supporting CJOC decision makers.

Thank you to Leonardo Canada for supporting WiDS in . Learn more about our 2024 Emerging Leaders here: https://www.wids.ca/cms/Emerging-Leaders

For our , we introduce and celebrate Kasey as an from Duke Smart Staffing Solutions!

Kasey Beggs recently stepped up to an acting role leading the recruiting team. Her energy and enthusiasm consistently inspire the team, and her commitment to excellence is exemplified by leading by example. Kasey has a natural talent for empowering others and provides support and mentorship to help team members develop and thrive. She has demonstrated an incredible capacity for innovation and is always seeking out new solutions and approaches to better serve our clients and candidates.

Thank you to Leonardo Canada for supporting WiDS in . Learn more about our 2024 Emerging Leaders here: https://www.wids.ca/cms/Emerging-Leaders

For this , we are excited to highlight Tamara Tardif, an from CCX Technologies.

Tamara firmly guides the software engineering team with measured efficiency and empathy – delivering innovative solutions to some of the world's largest and most significant Aerospace and Defence organizations. Through informal mentoring and coaching, Tamara has helped grow a young software team in the complex space of platform cybersecurity and avionics testing, while maintaining a high degree of quality in her craft.

Thank you to Leonardo Canada for supporting WiDS in . Learn more about our 2024 Emerging Leaders here: https://www.wids.ca/cms/Emerging-Leaders

is here and today we introduce and celebrate , Tammy Ryan and Dawn Laite from Correctional Service Canada.

Tammy has been instrumental in mobilizing Correctional Service Canada's (CSC) Anti-Racism, Diversity, and Inclusion efforts. She inspires her team and colleagues inside and outside the branch by leading through example, showing respect, putting people first in her language use and her principles, and above all, demonstrating commitment to effective, meaningful service to Canadians.

Dawn is a champion of employment equity and diversity, addressing systematic workplace culture issues and acting as a guiding light to the next generation of female leaders in the public service. The standard and results achieved by Canadians by the Public Service has been and will continue to be achieved as a result of the dedicated commitment demonstrated by Dawn.

Thank you to Leonardo Canada for supporting WiDS in . Learn more about our 2024 Emerging Leaders here: https://www.wids.ca/cms/Emerging-Leaders

For our we celebrate Catherine, Julianne and Lillian, from the Canadian Coast Guard!

Catherine Le Blanc has a wealth of both engineering and project manager knowledge and experience, and applies her expertise towards the future delivery of essential capabilities for the Canadian Coast Guard. As part of the CCG Vessel Procurement leadership team, she brings intelligence, creativity and dedication to her work, and in so doing, serves as a role model for others.

Julianne Upton is an indispensable member of the Canadian Coast Guard Internal Communications team. She listens to clients and colleagues and provides guidance and valuable support, going above and beyond to ensure communications to and for the staff are effective, inclusive and digital-first.

Lillian Hayward leads with integrity and dedication. Respected by her team and her peers, she embodies the values of the public service in her daily work. Over the past few years, she has continued to advance files of significant importance for the Canadian Coast Guard, bringing together various players in a collaborative manner to achieve great results.

Thank you to Leonardo Canada for supporting WiDS in . Learn more about our 2024 Emerging Leaders here: https://www.wids.ca/cms/Emerging-Leaders

For our we are excited to highlight and celebrate some incredible from Canada Border Services Agency!

Amber Rosich leads by example and has put measures in place to motivate and manage training and performance expectations. She is always looking at the future and ways of improving the operation and her staff.

Amy Marshall is not only an instructor, but a mentor who sets an example for other women to follow. There is no doubt that when women witness Amy in action, they feel empowered and inspired to reach higher.

Marie-Josée Moranville is a coach and mentor to her colleagues and is always ready to offer her expertise. She shares her knowledge through individual or organized training sessions, fully invested in the success of her peers.

Raffaela Mandarino leads with kindness and is generous with recognition of her staff in the excellent work they do to protect Canadians – nominating them yearly for Regional Director General Awards. She holds herself highly accountable and leads by example.

Thank you to Leonardo Canada for supporting WiDS in . Learn more about our 2024 Emerging Leaders here: https://www.wids.ca/cms/Emerging-Leaders

It is , and today we celebrate two 2024 nominated by Calian Group - Karen Mann and Kim Vrieling!

Karen is a consummate professional and true community connector. She is an experienced public safety and security leader, coach, and manager who thrives on bringing interdisciplinary approaches to solving complex problems.

Kim consistently goes above and beyond and always has Calian's best interests at heart. She is heavily involved with Calian's Employee Resource Groups and is leading one of our newest ERGs - Safe & Stigma-Free: Mental Health Allies.

Thank you to Leonardo Canada for supporting WiDS in . Learn more about our Emerging Leaders here: https://www.wids.ca/cms/Emerging-Leaders

For our , we highlight Jen Van Blitterswyk from The Boeing Company.

Jennifer's diverse background and expertise in aerospace engineering, leadership in Boeing's Chinook service support program and commitment to veteran organizations and STEM related causes are just a few reasons to celebrate her incredible leadership!

Thank you to Leonardo Canada for supporting WiDS in . Learn more about our 2024 Emerging Leaders here: https://www.wids.ca/cms/Emerging-Leaders



is here and we are excited to introduce and celebrate , Rachael Johnson and Zoe Slumkoski from BMT Group Ltd.

Rachael is recognized for her cheerful countenance and strong customer focus. She has received multiple commendations from both her internal & external customers, including a formal letter and Certificate of Appreciation from the Director General of Professional Conduct and Development.

Zoe is a team player that pushes everyone around her to be and become better. Her time, people, and project management skills are inspiring and an integral part in the success of the welding technology capability team.

Thank you to Leonardo Canada for supporting WiDS in . Learn more about our Emerging Leaders here: https://www.wids.ca/cms/Emerging-Leaders

For our , we celebrate two from Bank of Canada; Claudia Langevin and Christi Robitaille. We appreciate the ways in which they inspire, innovate, empower and elevate!

Claudia is an outstanding collaborator who has leveraged her skills to build and strengthen partnerships both within the intelligence community and the central banking community. She is a trusted, valued, and inspirational member of the Bank's cyber security team who sets an example for other young women to follow.

Christi is dedicated and committed to security awareness and takes the initiative to identify security gaps and assist with the development of innovative solutions. She works collaboratively with numerous stakeholders to mitigate risks to the Bank of Canada through awareness and education.

Thank you to Leonardo Canada for supporting WiDS in . Learn more about our 2024 Emerging Leaders here: https://www.wids.ca/cms/Emerging-Leaders

For , we proudly reflect on last weekend when the "WiDS Water Warriors" participated in the Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival for the second consecutive year.

Our team of WiDS executive members, current and past emerging leaders, and dedicated supporters from our community set some goals for the weekend- improve from last year and qualify for day 2 of events. We are thrilled to announce that we surpassed our goals and won first place in our second 500m race on Saturday!

Despite the wet weather on Sunday, our team spirit remained high. We were grateful to spend the weekend with our friends and fellow competitors from The Pepper Pod, adding to the camaraderie and .

WiDS strives to offer an inclusive community committed to providing opportunities for engagement, support and inspiration to help strengthen Canada’s defence and security industry.

There is simply too much to cover in one post, so we will let the pictures do the talking. Thank you to everyone who participated, supported, and cheered for the WiDS Water Warriors. We look forward to continuing this tradition and making even more waves next year!

We invite you to join WiD Ukraine for a special event “Empowering Women in Defence: A Dialogue with Clare Hutchinson”; an open and sincere discussion about the challenges and opportunities for women in the defence sector.

Date: Wednesday, July 3, 2024
Time: 18:00 - 20:00 (EEST, Ukraine time)
Register here: https://lnkd.in/gKPPBi28

Attend in-person or online- location & link will be provided upon registration. Translation between English and Ukrainian will be available during the event.

Clare Hutchinson, a renowned Women, Peace, and Security expert and former WPS Special Advisor to the NATO Secretary General, will share her extensive experience and knowledge. She will provide valuable insights into the practical application of global policies from NATO and the UN to create real change, particularly in Ukraine. Participants will have the unique opportunity to engage directly with Clare, ask questions, and discuss their experiences.

If you have any questions about the event, please contact Kateryna Onyiliogwu at [email protected]

For this we celebrate Melissa Smith from BAE Systems Canada as one of our remarkable 2024 !

Melissa is an innovative leader in Quality Assurance who fosters careful attention to detail. Melissa always approaches challenges with confidence, positivity and determination.

Thank you to Leonardo Canada for supporting WiDS in . Learn more about our Emerging Leaders here: https://www.wids.ca/cms/Emerging-Leaders

For our , we highlight Michelle Armstrong who plays a pivotal role in the successes of the Canadian Submarine Enterprise at Babcock Canada. She encourages women to ensure their voices and ideas are heard and that their knowledge and experience is effectively leveraged. Today we celebrate Michelle for inspiring, innovating, empowering and elevating!

Thank you to Leonardo Canada for supporting WiDS in . Learn more about our 2024 Emerging Leaders here: https://www.wids.ca/cms/Emerging-Leaders

Throwback to last week when our WiDS community participated in the 8th Annual Global Forum on Women in Cybersecurity; with our president Julia Scouten contributing to an insightful panel. The event underscored the critical need for diversity to effectively tackle evolving threats and technologies. Emphasizing mentorship, the discussions highlighted strategies to overcome gender bias and foster inclusive environments. Attendees explored pathways for women to pursue leadership positions, stressing collaboration, networking, and the promotion of supportive workplace ecosystems. It was an inspiring afternoon, filled with valuable insights and powerful calls to action!

It is and time to introduce some more of our 2024 !

From ADGA Group , we celebrate Celina Chan and Stacey Chaney who inspire, innovate, empower and elevate.

Since starting as a student at ADGA group, Celina has been a natural leader with exceptional organizational skills. She channels a passion for tackling complex problems.

Stacey's focus on collaboration, connection and interoperability provides exemplary support to the growth and development of ADGA Group, and to the needs of its clients.

Thank you to Leonardo Canada for supporting WiDS in . Learn more about our Emerging Leaders here: https://www.wids.ca/cms/Emerging-Leaders

🌟 Join us this weekend to cheer on the incredible WiDS team at the Ottawa dragon boat race! 🐉🚣‍♀️

📅 Date: June 29
🕒 Time: 1st race 10:20 am, 2nd race between 3 pm and 4 pm
📍Mooney’s Bay 2960 Riverside Drive Ottawa

Our team has been training hard and is ready to make waves! 🌊 Your support means the world to us, so come out and bring your energy, cheers, and positive vibes. Let’s make this race unforgettable! 💪