08/03/2026
Today is International Women’s Day and this year’s theme is “Give to Gain.”
Growing up, I didn’t realize how extraordinary the woman in my house was. My mom was the first female tactical helicopter pilot in Canada, the one kicking down a door that women today get to walk through.
To me, she was just Mama 💕
From flying helicopters to kayaking in the Rockies and canyoneering in Costa Rica. Adventure, courage, curiosity… that’s the energy I grew up around.
As I got older, I started to understand what it meant to be the first. The pressure. The resistance. The responsibility. But what stands out to me the most isn’t just what she achieved, it’s how much she gave along the way.
She gave knowledge.
She gave mentorship.
She gave kindness, curiosity, and encouragement to everyone around her.
In our house, the goal was always simple: be a contributing member of society.
Not just by having a job, but by showing up for your community, giving your time, your wisdom, your support, or your resources where they’re needed.
I didn’t follow my parents into the military, but I carry that belief with me every day. Whether it’s serving on nonprofit boards, supporting local businesses, or helping build stronger communities through my work, there are always ways to give.
Because the beautiful thing about giving without expectation is that you always gain something back.
Perspective.
Connection.
Joy.
Now I see it through a new lens, being a mother to a daughter.
Just like my mom did for me, I’ll do everything in my power to make sure she grows up believing she can be and do whatever she wants. And hopefully, by the time her generation steps into the workplace, the struggles many women faced will simply be stories of the past.
Today I’m thinking about the women who broke doors down before us, and how we keep them open for the ones coming next.
