National Post - Financial Post Magazine
WOMEN of COURAGE
Recognizing women who champion our country and its values across a diverse range of causes, with courage and compassion, even as it means risking their careers, reputations and, sometimes, their lives.
BIO: Rona Ambrose is a dynamic national leader and former leader of the Conservative Party of Canada, and a champion for the rights of women and girls. Her dedication helped create the “International Day of the Girl” at the United Nations. Rona serves on the board of directors for Plan International Canada and is co-author of a best-selling children's book, "International Day of the Girl: Celebrating Girls Around the World".
MY RAW COURAGE: Fearless. When I'm nervous or scared I ask myself “what is the worst thing that can happen?” And the answer is: “you may fail”… I've learned that failure is a good thing. Those are the times I've grown the most.
ON WHAT MAKES A LEADER: Someone who also lifts while they climb. Someone who looks beyond themselves to make space for and encourage others to become even better future leaders.
BIO: CPO1 Alena Mondelli is in her 30th year with the Royal Canadian Navy. Originally a Naval Communicator, she has sailed all over the world on almost every class of ship within the RCN and held many shore-based positions. A transformational, values-based leader, she incorporates education and mentorship as influencers of cultural change in her leadership style. She is the first woman to achieve Base Chief Petty Officer within the RCN.
ON MOTIVATION: The importance of modeling "what right looks like" and watching how it can transform culture and inspire others to do the same.
MY RAW COURAGE: I AM authentic and speak my truth with integrity and courage.
ON WHAT POWERFUL MEANS: To firmly stand in your truth despite what comes your way, and to know when to walk away when you need to.
BIO: Nathalie Fagnan is the President and CEO of Hémaquébec, a Québec Government Corporation, where she leads a team of 1,500 people in carrying out an extraordinary mission: to help save lives by providing biological products of human origin (blood, plasma, stem cells, cord blood, human tissues and breast milk) to hospitals, primarily in Québec but also across Canada and around the world. She's also active on various boards of directors.
ON MOTIVATION: Move forward, always moving forward: each challenge brings reflections. And in each reflection, there are possible solutions. The WE, colleagues and collaborators, is essential.
MY RAW COURAGE: I AM Nathalie, a woman who is very humbled and proudly supported by the courage of all those who believe in Héma-québec's extraordinary mission to save lives.
POWER SONG: “Respect”, Aretha Franklin.
BIO: Samra Zafar is an award-winning. internationally renowned speaker and educator for inclusion and mental health, and author of the book A Good Wife: Escaping The Life I Never Chose - a national bestseller based on her journey of escaping an abusive child marriage. Her work has impacted millions and has been extensively featured in global media. Samra is currently pursuing an MD at Mcmaster's Degroote School of Medicine.
MOST IMPORTANT CAREER LESSON: True power lies in empowering others.
ON WHAT MAKES A LEADER: Cultivating a safe space to enable others to shine in their authentic light.
POWER SONG: “The Champion”, Carrie Underwood.
BIO: Lieutenant-colonel Tania Maurice has 22 years in the Canadian military as an Aerospace Engineer, is the proud mother of two girls and the spouse of a military officer. Appointed to a senior leadership position in Air Force, she holds two master's degrees on retention of women in the CAF. She serves as National Military Co-chair for DWAO, where she champions the voices of women for greater equity, diversity and inclusion.
MOST IMPORTANT CAREER LESSON: Be yourself. Trying to fit into what others believe or perceive you should be will only take you so far. You need to be yourself to truly succeed.
ON WHAT MAKES A LEADER: Having the moral courage to make the right decision even when these are hard, and the willingness to take personal risk to effect the change required.