2019 - Honouring women in defence and security organizations who have lost their lives by suicide, and those who continue to struggle with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and mental health. As we pay tribute to those who have died, we aim to inspire a future where, we work together to reduce the stigma around mental health and improve support services for those employed in the defence and security field.

Let us pause for a moment to remember those who aren’t with us today – those who didn’t make it all the way home.

And let us recognize, support and thank those that are working their way back – such as Natacha Dupuis and Annabelle Dionne - their perseverance and resiliency is inspiring.

https://vimeo.com/321737225

We are thrilled to announce the launch of the new WiDS logo as part of the ongoing evolution of our brand.  At the heart of our branding remain the three pillars on which the organization is founded: Creating Connections, Developing Talent, and Recognizing Excellence.

As WiDS changes the dialogue going forward, the brand will grow with us and represent a new way of telling the story – it’s up to all of us, men and women, to enable talent development and leadership for women throughout their careers.

WiDS is pleased to announce the expansion of our highly successful Speed Mentoring event. In 2019, we are thrilled to have events in Ottawa, London and Halifax - giving our regional members the opportunity to connect with leaders in Canada’s defence and security industries.

“At WiDS, two of the pillars on which we base our success are ‘creating connections’ and ‘developing talent’. Our Speed Mentoring event contributes to both. This event is really about putting yourself out there, asking questions, and taking advantage of an opportunity where so many senior-level mentors are in one space. These men and women have compelling stories and come prepared to share valuable career advice,” said Jackie Pothier, WiDS' Vice President of Professional Development.

Speed Mentoring provides a unique forum for those either just starting out or mid-career to interact with senior-level men and women in industry, military and the public sector. Mentees have the opportunity to engage in 15-minute conversations with talented senior leaders who represent a wide array of organizations in the defence and security industries. While these short sessions are designed for participants to seek career advice, they often turn into engaging conversations rather than following a simple question and answer format.

OTTAWA – Women in Defence and Security (WiDS) is pleased to announce General Dynamics as our first ever Patron Sponsor.

For the next three years, General Dynamics Land Systems–Canada, General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems–Canada, and General Dynamics Mission Systems–Canada will support us at the Patron level in our mission to promote and advance careers for women in the defence and security domains. The sponsorship will help ensure the overall success and growth of all WiDS programs and initiatives – everything from the WiDS Annual Memorial Scholarship Breakfast to our Annual Speed Mentoring Event. To successfully execute our mandate, WiDS depends entirely on the financial support of organizations like General Dynamics.

“WiDS is thrilled to welcome General Dynamics as our inaugural Patron Sponsor,” said Jana Lee Murray, President of WiDS. “This multi-year commitment will play a pivotal role in helping WiDS to achieve its mission to promote and support the advancement of women in Defence and Security in Canada. This will be accomplished through our investment in future leaders, our events focused on developing talent and enabling our members to create connections – all platforms that align with the culture of General Dynamics.”

Women in Defence and Security (WiDS) provides platforms for a vanguard of talented and devoted Canadian women serving our national defence and security missions. Today, WiDS has more than 2,000 members who work across industry, government, military, police services and first responder agencies. Members include men and women at various levels of their careers. WiDS is an arm’s length special operating committee of CADSI.

WIDS Program Manager

We would like to thank all applicants for your enthusiastic responses.  We will be contacting those candidates invited to take the next steps in the application process only.