The Royal Military Colleges Alumni Association is proud to celebrate the recognition of LCol Cindy Legarie as a recipient of the Women in Defence and Security (WiDS) Remarkable Leader Award. It was an honour for the Alumni Association to nominate Cindy for this award, which recognizes leaders whose impact, integrity, and commitment to inclusion strengthen Canada’s defence and security community.
As an RMC graduate and an accomplished senior leader, LCol Legarie embodies the values of service, professionalism, and leadership that the RMC Alumni Association seeks to recognize and champion. Her career reflects not only operational excellence, but also a sustained commitment to developing people and fostering inclusive high‑performing teams.
Throughout her distinguished service, Cindy has consistently demonstrated principled, people‑centred leadership across a wide range of demanding roles. From command appointments in Canada to international service with NATO at Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe, she has led multidisciplinary teams with credibility, empathy, and purpose. Her current role as Deputy Base Commander at CFB Kingston, as well as her previous appointment as Commandant of the Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering, highlight her ability to lead complex organizations while maintaining a strong focus on people.
Cindy is particularly respected for her dedication to mentorship and inclusion. She actively supports the growth and development of others by creating space for learning, encouraging confidence, and leading by example. Her leadership style fosters trust, collaboration, and mutual respect, earning her a reputation as someone who elevates those around her rather than seeking personal recognition.
The RMC Alumni Association nominated Cindy for the WiDS Remarkable Leader Award in recognition of her sustained positive impact on Canada’s defence and security community. Her career aligns closely with the values WiDS promotes—empowering women, advancing inclusive leadership, and strengthening the sector through diverse perspectives and shared leadership.
Cindy’s recognition by WiDS is a reflection of both her professional achievements and the way she leads: with integrity, humility, and an unwavering commitment to service. Her story serves as an inspiration to fellow alumni, to emerging leaders, and to the broader defence and security community across Canada.
The RMC Alumni Association congratulates LCol Legarie on this well‑deserved honour and is proud to have put her forward as a candidate whose leadership truly exemplifies what it means to be a Remarkable Leader.
About the WiDS Remarkable Leader Award
The Women in Defence and Security (WiDS) Remarkable Leader Award recognizes individuals who demonstrate exceptional leadership and who actively advance the participation, development, and success of women across Canada’s defence and security community. The award highlights leaders whose actions foster inclusion, mentorship, and positive cultural change, and whose impact strengthens the sector as a whole.
Editors Note: WiDS Announces LCdr Elizabeth Eldridge RMC 2010 as 2026 Fellows
Lieutenant Commander (LCdr) Elizabeth Eldridge is a Royal Canadian Navy Logistics Officer and PhD student at the University of Ottawa within the Digital Transformation and Innovation program. She holds a BA(Honours) from the Royal Military College of Canada with a specialization in Business Administration and a Minor in Psychology as well as a MSc in Global Supply Chain Management from HEC Montréal.
As a CAF Officer, she has led diverse and multidisciplinary teams across complex domestic and international operations and has supported the CAF in various tactical, operational, and strategic sustainment roles. LCdr Eldridge continues to contribute to applied research and education in global supply chain management and has been recognized through various awards and scholarships. Her current academic work focuses on advancing supply chain resilience, readiness, and capability planning within complex defence environments. Outside of her professional commitments, she remains actively engaged in her community and values time spent with family and friends.