WMN Canada - Women's Mentoring Network Canada

Episode 65 features Michelle Adams. Michelle began her career at Royal Roads Military College graduating from RMC with a degree in Chemical and Materials Engineering in 1993. Michelle served in the Navy as Combat Systems Engineer. She returned to RMC’s Environmental Services Group, as a civilian Project Engineer, and joined the Reserves to complete her Masters in Chemical Engineering also at RMC. In 2002 she began working towards her PhD, completing in 2006. Since 2008, she has been a professor at the School for Resource and Environmental Studies at Dalhousie University. Tune in to hear about the adventures that she’s had as she’s navigated her unique path!

Episode 64 features Kathleen Beeman. Kathleen is a graduate of Royal Military College, class of 1984. Kathleen received her BA in Economics (Commerce). Upon graduation she served as a Logistics Officer with a Finance specialty.. Kathleen was a Squadron Commander at Royal Roads Military College. After releasing from the CAF, Kathleen took her MBA at the University of Ottawa and had a varied career in the private sector. Today Kathleen buys run down houses and brings them up to code so they can be rented at reasonable rates, when she’s not working on her farm! We talk about the many different roles she’s had throughout her career.

Episode 63 features Rear-Admiral (retired) the Honourable Rebecca Patterson, Senator for Ontario. Senator Patterson served in the Canadian Armed Forces for 34 years, enrolling as a Critical Care Nursing Officer in 1989 after obtaining a Niagara College Diploma in Nursing. A BScN/PCNP certificate (Summa Cum Laude) from the University of Ottawa soon followed, as did an occupational transfer to Health Services Operations Officer. A Certified Health Executive with the Canadian College of Health Leaders and a graduate of the CF Command and Staff College Advanced Military Studies Course, Senator Patterson is now the first woman to be a military veteran and be appointed to the Senate. Tune in to hear about her career and the type of work she does as a Senator. We also discuss the idea of a career manager during the transition from military to civilian life and work.

Episode 62 features Geneviève Bonin, a graduate of Royal Military College in the class of 1993. Geneviève began her studies at CMR in St. Jean, moving to Kingston to complete her B.Eng in Chemical and Materials Engineering. She was commissioned as a Naval Engineering Officer in the Royal Canadian Navy. Her path took her from the Navy to business school at the University of Ottawa, where she completed her MBA. As a professional management consultant, she has led numerous management consulting practices within top firms including BCG, McKinsey & Company and PwC. Geneviève also focuses on various philanthropic missions to support serving members, veterans and their families. Tune in to hear more about her fascinating career journey and her advice on getting involved.

Episode 61 features Nancy Taber (née Callard). A graduate of Royal Military College, class of 1993, Nancy studied Politics earning her Bachelor of Arts. She trained and deployed as an Air Navigator in the Sea King community serving on board HMCS Iroquois, HMCS Athabaskan and HMCS Toronto. Nancy earned her Master of Education in Adult Education at Mount St Vincent University and completed her PhD at the University of South Australia. Nancy is a professor at Brock University with a research focus on gender, militarism and learning. Nancy has published journal articles and book chapters in her research area and has also published short stories. This year, her debut novel was published. Tune in to hear about her unique career journey and how her research led to her first novel, A Sea of Spectres.

Episode 59 features LCol Melanie Lake. A graduate of RMC, Class of 2002. Melanie studied Chemical Engineering. While originally enrolled in the RCAF, she switched early and was trained as a Combat Engineer. Currently the CAF Senior Advisor to Canada’s Ambassador for Women, Peace and Security. Melanie was Commander of a Task Force in Ukraine on the last complete rotation before full scale war. Tune in to hear about her unique journey.

Episode 58 features Kathy Litalien. Kathy entered CMR at 16 and graduated in 1992 from RMC with her Honours Economics & Commerce degree. Kathy was an Army Logistics officer who has continued to reinvent her career across continents, companies and industries. Tune in to hear about her newest adventure as a franchise owner and the advice she shares about starting at the bottom.

Episode 57 features Capt(N) Kelly Williamson. Kelly is a graduate of Royal Military College, class of 2000. Kelly studied Military & Strategic studies completing her B.A with a minor in Military Psychology and Leadership. She also continued into a Master’s program at Carleton University completing a Master of Arts in Communications in 2002. Kelly began her career as a MARS officer (now Naval Warfare Officer) completing her Bridge Watchkeeping Certificate and her Naval Officer Professional Qualification as well as her Above Water Warfare Qualification. In 2009, Kelly made an occupational transfer to Public Affairs. Kelly has continued to grow her career in the Public Affairs branch and currently serves as Director General Coordination Strategic Joint Staff Headquarters Commanding Officer and Public Affairs Branch Advisor. Tune in to hear about Kelly’s journey and some great thoughts on reverse mentorship.

Episode 56 features Anne Reiffenstein. Anne took a different route to military college, entering as a Captain and graduating with her BMASc in 2000. Anne joined the Canadian Armed Forces in 1989. She served as an Artillery officer until her retirement in 2018. While getting a later start in her educational journey, Anne continued to learn and teach. Tune in to hear about the opportunities she had for teaching and her current role as a Doctoral Student in Business Administration.

Today’s episode is a bonus, featuring our first ally. Sam Chung has founded a women-only mentorship, coaching and advisory platform centred on equity, access and self-advocacy called Elletourage. We're partnering with Elletourage to support equitable pathways of learning and growth for women veterans. Elletourage provides a platform for connection between community members that are looking for more formal mentorship, sponsorship, advisory and coaching. This partnership will also help support the podcast with a portion of member revenue going back to WMN Canada. Use referral code WMN24 to sign up at https://elletourage.com/register.

Episode 52 features Dr. Erin White, a Chemical Engineering graduate from Royal Military College class of 2002. Erin was commissioned as an Air Navigator and later enrolled in the MMTP to become a physician. Tune in to hear about her career transition, her thoughts on mentorship and why it matters to have leaders who look like us.

Episode 51 features LCol Sarah Lemay. Sarah is a graduate of RMC class of 2008 in Chemical Engineering. She began her studies as a prep in CMR, St Jean. After earning her commission she started her career as deputy SAMEO at CFB Valcartier as part of the Tactical Aviation community. With a spouse serving in the Army, Sarah talks about some of the challenges and opportunities she has navigated - resulting in 7 postings in the 15 years since graduation. Tune in to hear some great advice for approaching mentorship and life.

Episode 50 features a special guest, retired flight surgeon Dr. Karen Breeck. A graduate of Memorial University in Newfoundland, Karen was recruited into the forces through the Medical Officer Training Plan during her first year at Med School. Tune in to hear more about her career and her current activities as an advocate for Veteran Women’s Health. We are dedicating this episode to a colleague and friend we shared more than 20 years ago, Capt Juli-Ann (Jules) MacKenzie, RRMC Class of 1995.

Episode 49 features Julianna Fudge. A graduate of RMC, class of 2008. Julie began her career at CMR before moving to RMC to study Civil Engineering. Julie has served as an engineering officer in Gagetown, Ottawa and Petawawa. She completed a post grad in Geodesy and Geomatics at UNB and has applied this in 2 postings to Mapping and Charting Establishment in Ottawa. Julie talks about her career and how she transitioned male to female while continuing to serve.

Episode 45 features Sherry Lachine. Sherry is a graduate of RMC, Class of 1993. She began her career at CMR in St Jean, QC transferring in 3rd year to complete her B.Eng Mechanical.  Sherry was posted to NDHQ Ottawa upon graduation and completion of her CELE (Air) training. She left the Forces through the FRP (Force Reduction Program) and pursued a number of varied roles before deciding to study Psychology. Over the past 12 years Sherry has grown her business providing mental health training. Tune in to hear about the path she took and some great advice she shares for us all.

Episode 44 features Victoria Benotto. Victoria joined in 2008 and attended 1st year at CMR before attending RMC for the remainder. She graduated in 2013 with a Bachelor’s in Honours Military Psychology and Leadership, having gotten married and having her first child during her undergrad. Upon graduation Victoria was posted to Gagetown as a logistics officer with a specialization in supply chain management. She began as Systems Control Officer at base supply and continued on to the Canadian Army Trials and Evaluations Unit in 2015, as the Adjutant and Quartermaster. She transferred to PSEL in 2016 (in Gagetown) until 2018, then was posted to Ottawa as 2IC Personnel Development,. In 2021 she was posted to Transition HQ and is currently in the transition centre awaiting a medical release, while pursuing education as an interior decorator. Tune in to hear more about her experience as a mother while completing the ROTP program.

Episode 41 features Crystal Gayed.  Crystal is graduate of Royal Military College, class of 2005.  Crystal earned a degree in Honours Politics, with a minor in Psychology. Crystal began her career as a MARS officer with the west coast fleet transferring to the Public Affairs branch in 2008, where she served until her release in 2016. After her medical release, Crystal completed her Master's degree at Royal Roads University in Intercultural and International Communications with an auto-ethnographic thesis on stigma. Tune in to hear more about her career and her journey with Multiple Sclerosis.

Episode 40 features Sue Wigg. A graduate of Royal Military College, Class of 1984, Sue earned her B.Eng in Engineering and Management. She joined the Corps of Royal Canadian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (RCEME) upon graduation and continued to serve until her retirement in 2016.  Sue's career took her across the country and overseas and back to RMC, as Director of Cadets.  Tune in to hear about her career and her return "home".

Episode 38 features Kristine McGregor (née Beamer).  Kristine attended RMC with the Class of 1994.  After leaving RMC in Dec 1991 she went on to graduate as a Respiratory Therapist and has been working in that field ever since.  Kristine joins us to talk about being in health care through a pandemic, the lessons she learned during her 18 months in the Canadian Armed Forces and how we look at learning.

Episode 37 features Cindy Legarie.  Cindy enrolled in the Canadian Armed Forces in 1997 and studied at Royal Military College in Kingston.  Graduating in 2002 with a degree in Chemical Engineering, Cindy has spent her career as an Combat Engineer with the Army.  Currently posted to Mons, Belgium in SHAPE headquarters, she’s interviewed for the podcast by guest host (also in Belgium), BGen Carla Harding.  Tune in for a great conversation about inclusion and mentorship (amongst other topics)!

Episode 33 features Maj Heather Reibin a graduate of RMC, class of 2005.  Heather completed her degree in Chemical Engineering and now serves as a Combat Engineer for the Army.  Heather’s career has taken her from West to East and she is currently based in Ottawa as Staff Officer to the Army Commander. Tune in to hear about her journey.

Episode 31 features Col (Ret'd) Nishika Jardine.  A graduate of RMC, class of 1986.  Nishika earned her B.Sc in Math & Physics and served in the Royal Canadian Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Branch for 37 years.  She is currently serving as the Veteran's Ombud.

Episode 30 features Suzanne Raby, class of 1984. Suzanne graduated with a B. Comm degree and served for 38 years as an army logistics officer with a Transportation specialty. Suzanne is now a Science Fiction author. Tune in to hear her story.

Episode 29 features Sandy Malone. A graduate of RMC, class of 1985 with a BA in English. Sandy served as a Security officer (MP) while completing her mandatory service. She has been an insurance professional for over 20 years. Sandy shares both the ups and downs of her journey.

Episode 28 features Christine Carignan, a graduate of CMR, class of 1992. Christine earned her degree in Business Administration before continuing on for a 29 year career as an Army Logistics Officer. Christine now works alongside her business partner at DIAKI Experiences as a leadership coach.

Episode 27 features Stephanie McFarlane.  A graduate of RMC, class of 1995 in History.  Stephanie served as a MARS officer until her retirement in 2004 when she transitioned to Saanich police.  She is currently a major crimes detective.

Episode 26 features Theresa Winchester, a graduate of the University Training Plan for Members, class of 1986.  Theresa graduated from RMC with a degree in Honours History and served as a Personnel Admin officer until she retired as a Major. Theresa was a women's shelter manager for several years and now works as a travel agent.

Episode 25 features Monica Bobbitt. Monica is a graduate of Acadia University with a BA Honours Psychology.  A writer and speaker, Monica writes the popular blog, A Goat Rodeo, based on her experience as a military widow in Canada. Tune in to hear our conversation about grief and transitions as well as how Monica is currently mentoring - as an Honorary Lieutenant Colonel.

Episode 24 features Kristin Topping, a graduate of RMC, class of 2002.  Kristin has a B.Eng Chemical and served as an Aerospace Engineer for 22 years - including 6 years as a professor at RMC where she was a recipient of the 1965 Teaching Excellence Award.  Kristin suffered a traumatic brain injury that led to her medical release last year, however her resilience is obvious as she talks about being an entrepreneur in the world of exotic houseplants.

Episode 22 features Charity Weeden. Charity graduated from Royal Military College, class of 1996 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. She earned her wings as an Air Navigator (Air Combat Systems Operator) and flew on Aurora aircraft in Greenwood.  She successfully transitioned her career towards space, serving as Staff Officer Air & Space operations for the Canadian Defence Liaison Office, Washington, DC. She is currently Vice President, Global Space Policy, Astroscale US.

Episode 20 features Michelaine Lahaie.  Michelaine graduated with a BA - Honours Military & Strategic Studies from CMR, class of 1992. Michelaine retired after 30 years as a MARS (now Naval Warfare) Officer.  Michelaine currently serves as Chairperson Civilian Review and Complaints Commission for the RCMP.

Episode 19 features special guest, Rosemary Park. Rosemary graduated BA(Psych) 1976 from University of Western Ontario as part of the ROTP program and served as a Personnel Selection Officer.  She is currently Project Manager for Queen's University - Servicewomen's Salute Portal project. Tune in to hear about her subpoena related to the SWINTER trials.

Episode 18 features BGen Lise Bourgon. Lise is a graduate of the Business Administration program from Collège Militaire Royal (CMR) in the Class of 1992. Lise was part of the initial group of women accepted into the Pilot occupation and shares some of her experiences with the Sea King community. As incoming Commandant of RMC, Lise brings her unique perspective to this episode.

Episode 15 features Julia Walsh.  Julia is a graduate of RMC, Class of 1984.  With a B.Sc Math & Physics, Julia served as an Aerospace Engineer.  After the CAF, she served in the RAF and as a UK police officer (Superintendent) serving in police forces in Wales and later with the UK Inspectorate of Constabulary in London. Julia retires this year after five years at the UK Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse. 

Episode 14 features Colonel Heather Thorne-Albright, a graduate in Honours English from RMC. Heather is a member of the Class of 1986.  Heather has served as a logistics officer in the regular and reserve components of the Royal Canadian Air Force.  She was most recently the RCAF Family Advocate and has now transitioned to the role of Deputy Campaign Manager RCAF 2024.

Episode 13 features Michelle Taylor.  Michelle is a graduate of RMC, class of 1994.  With a degree in Honours English and Philosophy, Michelle served as an Artillery officer in the Canadian Army.  She subsequently served in the Royal New Zealand Air Force before transitioning her career into HR Management and Executive and Leadership Coaching.

Episode 12 features Colonel Telah Morrison.  Telah is a graduate of CMR, class of 1992 with a degree in Social Sciences and Military Psychology.  Telah has served as a Logistics Officer in the regular and reserve forces. She currently serves in the reg force as Director Military Family Services. 

Episode 11 features 14481 Linda Newton.  An RMC graduate from the Class of 1984 in Math & Physics.  Linda served as a construction engineer then completed her Master's and PhD in Construction Engineering. She's now a consultant to the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs. Tune in to hear more about her journey.

Episode 10 features Josée St-Pierre.  Josée attended CMR and RMC. Graduating Class of 94 in Electrical Engineering.  Josée served as and Aerospace Engineer before going back to school for her B.Ed.  She currently lives in Saratoga Springs, NY and is a full-time Mom and part-time Cake Maker extraordinaire.

Why I started a podcast.

Episode 6 features Eva Martinez.  Eva graduated from RMC in 1993 with a degree in Engineering Management.  She served in the Royal Canadian Air Force as  an Aerospace Engineer achieving a rank of Major.  Eva continued her civilian career in the aerospace and aviation industry and developed a passion for mentoring.

Episode 5 features Dorothy Hector.  Dorothy graduated from RMC in 1984 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering.  She served in the Canadian Armed Forces in the Royal Canadian Electrical & Mechanical Engineering branch (RCEME).  After her service, Dorothy joined the United Nation's World Food Program.

Episode 4 features Jamie Speiser-Blanchet.  Jamie entered RMC in August 1990, graduating in 1994 as a pilot and Computer Engineer in 1994.  As a tactical helicopter pilot Jamie has spent time in Valcartier, QC, Kingston, ON and Gagetown, NB along with postings to Ottawa, Toronto and Canberra, Australia.  Having returned earlier this year from Operation Impact in Kuwait,  Jamie currently commands the Canadian Forces Intelligence Group.

Episode 3 features Sandra Sukstorf.  Sandra is a graduate of RMC class of 1986 Honours Economics and Commerce. Sandra is currently serving as a Military Judge (appointed by the privy council). Her career started as a logistics officer specializing in supply and she's taken some different roles to her current position.