WMN Canada - Women's Mentoring Network of Canada: Recent Episodes
WMN Canada
Episode 60 features special guest, Shannon Parker. Shannon graduated from University of Regina with a Bachelors degree in Anthropology, and the University of Saskatchewan with a Bachelors degree in Education. After teaching high school for 6 years, Shannon became a police officer with the Saskatoon Police Service. She retired 2 years ago and joined Deloitte as a Director for their cybersecurity practice. Tune in to hear about some of the experiences Shannon has had including as a former chair of the National Cyber Council for Canadian Law Enforcement.
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.
Episode 55 features Jill Carleton. Jill attended Royal Military College in Kingston and graduated in 1987 with a BA in Honours Economics & Commerce. Jill was commissioned as a Naval Logistics officer upon graduation. Jill served aboard HMCS Preserver and HMCS Terra Nova. Upon her retirement from the regular force, Jill joined the Public Service and continued to serve. She worked in multiple organizations from Pension Plan to CHFA Strategic Planning. In retirement Jill is still an active volunteer in multiple organizations. Tune in to hear some of her wisdom from across her experience.
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 53 features Theresa Towns. A graduate of Royal Military College, class of 1984. Theresa earned her B.A - Commerce and began her career as a Logistics Officer (Supply) in the Air Force. Tune in to hear about the different transitions in her career and life, from the military to day care to library.
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 48 features Tracy-Anne Versteeg. A graduate of the Class of 1994, Tracy began her studies at Royal Roads and completed her B. Eng in Chemical and Materials Engineering at RMC. She was commissioned as a Marine System Engineer completing her training service and serving on multiple ships. She has also done tours at CF Naval Engineering School, CF Recruiting Centre Hamilton,NDHQ, and as Deputy Base Support Group Commander at ISAF HQ, Kabul.
Episode 47 features Trish Loye. Trish is a graduate of RMC, class of 93. She graduated with a BSc in Honours Physics. Having completed the RETP program, Trish served as a Signals officer for 1 year in the reserves before moving to Calgary to complete her Masters in Medical Physics. Trish is now a successful author of Military Romance and Urban Fantasy. Tune in to hear about her career transitions. Trigger warning: This episode includes reference to sexual assault.
Episode 46 features Jen Causey. Jen graduated from RMC, class of 1999 with a BA - Economics and Political Science. She began her journey as a prep at CMR before transferring in first year to RMC. Jen served for 22 years in the Regular Force as an Artillery officer and has juggled her civilian role as an Activity Leader at Calian for the past 6 years with her Primary Reserve role as Commanding Officer of 42nd Field Artillery (and also now 30th Field Artillery). Tune in to hear more of Jen’s experiences.
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 43 features Special Guest, Sandra Perron. An ROTP graduate from the University of Winnipeg, Sandra joined the Canadian Forces as a Logistics officer before transferring to the Infantry when it first opened to women. Sandra has shared her experiences through her 2017 memoir, Out Standing in the Field. In this episode she talks about how she’s giving back to the women veteran community through her retreat, The Pepper Pod.
Episode 42 features Daryl Tremain. A graduate of RMC, class of 1986, Daryl received her Bachelor’s of Engineering Physics as a Reserve Entry Training Plan candidate. Daryl was classified as an AERE officer and completed OJT (on the job training) during her summers. Daryl shares openly her journey following her younger sister's suicide in 1991 and the impact her discoveries have had in her life.
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 39 features Jean Traynor. Jean is a graduate of Royal Roads Military College, class of 1993. Jean graduated with a degree in Physics & Oceanography. Jean recently ‘retired’ after 35 years in the Royal Canadian Air Force as an Air Combat Systems Office (aka Air Navigator). Her career took her to Winnipeg, Alaska, Ottawa and Colorado. She is now working for Public Service and Procurement Canada.
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 36 of the podcast features Marcelle Laliberté. Class of 1996 in Honours History and Political Science. Marcelle spent 6 years between CMR and RMC, and went on to pursue higher education throughout her career, which has seen her move around the world and most recently graduate with her Doctorate from UPenn. She currently serves as Dean of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at HEC Paris, France.
Episode 35 features Lydia Evequoz. A member of the class of 2008, Lydia graduated with a Civil Engineering degree. Lydia has served as a construction engineer across multiple postings. She’s currently the Wing Commander in Gander, NL. Tune in to hear more about her career and the myth of “planning” a family.
Episode 34 features Diane Kotelko. Diane graduated from RMC in 1986 with a Mechanical Engineering degree. As an RETP cadet, she had to find a job after graduation and has been working as a Design Engineer (aka Rocket Scientist) for Bristol (now Magellan) Aerospace for over 35 years.
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 32 features Colleen Hagerty, a graduate of RMC. Colleen is a member of the Class of 1985 with an Honours Economics and Commerce degree. Colleen served until her retirement in 2008 between Reg and Reserve Forces as a logistics officer. Tune in to hear more of her story including her cross-country adventure.
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 Kate Vigneau, a graduate of Royal Roads Military College, class of 1988 in Military Studies. Kate served as an Army Logistics Officer (Transport and Finance) for over 25 years including 4 years at the Joint Warfare Center in Stavanger, Norway. Kate is also a mother of seven and shares some of the unique solutions she identified to maintain a career throughout motherhood.
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 21 features Catherine Priestman, a graduate of Royal Roads Military College. Cathy graduated with a degree in Military and Strategic Studies, class of 1992. She served as a Logistics officer in the RCAF for 12 years before “retiring”. Cathy immediately went back to school for her MBA and has been consulting ever since. She incorporated her marketing business in 2012.
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 17 features Claudia Vachon. Claudia attended CMR (St. Jean) and RMC graduating in 1997 with a B.Eng in Electrical. After serving as a Communications and Electronics Engineer in the RCAF, Claudia retired in 2006. Elle a travaillé comme traductrice et pursuit maintenance un diplôme en enseignement. *This is our first bilingual episode
Episode 16 features our usual host, Amanda Kalhous, as the guest. Carla Harding and Amanda’s daughters, Emma & Julia take turns asking the questions. Amanda graduated from RMC, Class of 1994 with her B.Eng Electrical. After serving as a Communications and Electronics Engineering officer for 5 years, Amanda earned her M.Eng Electrical at Dalhousie University. Amanda is passionate about leadership, innovation and mentoring.
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.
Episode 9 features Anna-Michelle Shewfelt. Anna-Michelle is a graduate of RMC, class of 2012 with a BA in English. Many listeners will recognize Anna-Michelle's name as the current editor of eVeritas.
Episode 8 features 19093 Laura-lee Innes. Laura-lee began her education at CMR St Jean as a prep and graduated from RMC with a degree in Chemical and Materials Engineering. She also returned to RMC to complete her PhD. From CELE(A) officer to Air Navigator to environmental scientist and university professor, Laura-lee's career has taken a number of different paths.
In Episode 7 we are joined by recently retired Major Helga Grodzinski (nee Rausch). Helga graduated RMC in 1986 with an Honours English degree. She has utilized those skills throughout her 38 year career as a Logistics Officer.
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.
Episode 2 features my classmate, Carla Harding. A graduate of the Class of 1994, Carla has served in the Canadian Army for 30 years. She shares some of the lessons she's learned over the years and how she approaches mentoring.
Episode 1 features Kate Armstrong. Kate is a graduate of the Class of 1984. Currently working on her second book, Kate joins us from her treehouse in Nelson, BC. Kate talks about her time in uniform as a supply officer as well as her successful corporate career before turning towards her true passion in life - as a writer.