Each year, the WiDS Awards Breakfast provides a unique platform to recognize the remarkable contributions of women working in Canada’s defence and security industries. The event also celebrates Emerging Leaders and awards scholarships to women studying in the defence and security fields to aid in the promoting and advancement of women in careers related to Canada’s defence and security.
This year’s celebration was held virtually and in Ottawa, Ontario, on March 1st, under the ‘Inspire, Innovate. Empower, Elevate’ theme. The ceremony was graced by the powerful words of keynote speaker LGen (Ret) Senator Rebecca Patterson, whose journey through the ranks of Canada’s military and subsequent role in the Senate served as a beacon of inspiration. The audience was also privileged to hear from Major Joanna Labonté, an Invictus Games competitor, whose resilience and determination spoke volumes about the indomitable spirit of women in these fields.
Through WiDS’ ‘Emerging Leader’ campaign, L3Harris proudly took the opportunity to spotlight four remarkable women from its talented workforce: Stéphanie Malouin, Human Resources Business Partner; Sara Roy, Software Group Lead; Alexandria Harmsworth, Specialist, Industrial Security; and Michelle Monte, Sr. Associate Software Engineering.
“L3Harris is proud of our collective commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce,” said Ugo Paniconi, L3Harris Technologies General Manager (Mirabel, Quebec). Tom Kirkland, L3Harris Technologies Vice President and General Manager (Waterdown, Ontario) added, “Our support of the WiDS Awards Breakfast is not just to recognize and celebrate individual achievements but is a reflection of our dedication to empowerment, innovation and a creation of an environment where everyone can thrive.”
Through L3Harris’ sponsorship, the company’s Emerging Leaders, their supervisors and executives had the opportunity to attend the event in person, joining over 1,400 esteemed guests from government, industry, policing and academia in an atmosphere of celebration and inspiration. Virtual gatherings were also hosted at L3Harris facilities across the country. These brought employees together, strengthening the sense of unity and pride of their colleagues.
