WMN Canada - Women's Mentoring Network Canada WMN Canada with Amanda Kalhous

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.