Episode 65 features Michelle Adams. Michelle began her career at Royal Roads Military College graduating from RMC with a degree in Chemical and Materials Engineering in 1993. Michelle served in the Navy as Combat Systems Engineer. She returned to RMC’s Environmental Services Group, as a civilian Project Engineer, and joined the Reserves to complete her Masters in Chemical Engineering also at RMC. In 2002 she began working towards her PhD, completing in 2006. Since 2008, she has been a professor at the School for Resource and Environmental Studies at Dalhousie University. Tune in to hear about the adventures that she’s had as she’s navigated her unique path!

Episode 64 features Kathleen Beeman. Kathleen is a graduate of Royal Military College, class of 1984. Kathleen received her BA in Economics (Commerce). Upon graduation she served as a Logistics Officer with a Finance specialty.. Kathleen was a Squadron Commander at Royal Roads Military College. After releasing from the CAF, Kathleen took her MBA at the University of Ottawa and had a varied career in the private sector. Today Kathleen buys run down houses and brings them up to code so they can be rented at reasonable rates, when she’s not working on her farm! We talk about the many different roles she’s had throughout her career.

Episode 63 features Rear-Admiral (retired) the Honourable Rebecca Patterson, Senator for Ontario. Senator Patterson served in the Canadian Armed Forces for 34 years, enrolling as a Critical Care Nursing Officer in 1989 after obtaining a Niagara College Diploma in Nursing. A BScN/PCNP certificate (Summa Cum Laude) from the University of Ottawa soon followed, as did an occupational transfer to Health Services Operations Officer. A Certified Health Executive with the Canadian College of Health Leaders and a graduate of the CF Command and Staff College Advanced Military Studies Course, Senator Patterson is now the first woman to be a military veteran and be appointed to the Senate. Tune in to hear about her career and the type of work she does as a Senator. We also discuss the idea of a career manager during the transition from military to civilian life and work.

Episode 62 features Geneviève Bonin, a graduate of Royal Military College in the class of 1993. Geneviève began her studies at CMR in St. Jean, moving to Kingston to complete her B.Eng in Chemical and Materials Engineering. She was commissioned as a Naval Engineering Officer in the Royal Canadian Navy. Her path took her from the Navy to business school at the University of Ottawa, where she completed her MBA. As a professional management consultant, she has led numerous management consulting practices within top firms including BCG, McKinsey & Company and PwC. Geneviève also focuses on various philanthropic missions to support serving members, veterans and their families. Tune in to hear more about her fascinating career journey and her advice on getting involved.

Episode 61 features Nancy Taber (née Callard). A graduate of Royal Military College, class of 1993, Nancy studied Politics earning her Bachelor of Arts. She trained and deployed as an Air Navigator in the Sea King community serving on board HMCS Iroquois, HMCS Athabaskan and HMCS Toronto. Nancy earned her Master of Education in Adult Education at Mount St Vincent University and completed her PhD at the University of South Australia. Nancy is a professor at Brock University with a research focus on gender, militarism and learning. Nancy has published journal articles and book chapters in her research area and has also published short stories. This year, her debut novel was published. Tune in to hear about her unique career journey and how her research led to her first novel, A Sea of Spectres.

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.