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…what never changed from that day in 1984, was my desire to serve my country. I knew in 1984 that I wanted to fly. I had an innate feeling that later I recognised was a desire to lead and follow to the best of my ability. The rest is a series of opportunities and choices.

In 2019, the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) partnered with Elevate Aviation, a non-profit organization that provides a platform for women and underrepresented groups to thrive and succeed through careers in aviation. Through this partnership, among many other programs and initiatives, an RCAF-wide informal mentorship program was developed.

I learned a great deal about the weight of responsibility as an Executive Assistant to a General Officer. I had the obvious duties of coordinating and preparing him for his meetings with his subordinates, general staff, or outside civilian and government partners. I was the “gatekeeper” to his office to some degree for both written documentation and for office calls. I knew I would be privy to sensitive things and I would have to demonstrate total discretion. I expected that going into the job. But I only fully appreciated, once I was seated in the position, that I as a member of the inner sanctum I was one of the most trusted people within his circle. I was privy to the personal deliberations that came with the most challenging decisions. I had the opportunity to see the human side of command at higher levels.