Defence Team News Interview with Julia Scouten, Women in Defence and Security (WiDS) president
Video / March 08, 2023
Transcript
Genevieve Germano: We're in Ottawa covering the Women in Defence and Security, or WiDS, Annual Awards Breakfast, celebrating the empowering women in Canada's defence and security industries. I'm here with the newly appointed president of WiDS, Julia Scouten, to tell us more.
Julia Scouten: I am absolutely honoured to be taking on this role and to be part of this incredible organization.
Genevieve Germano: Congratulations, and thanks so much for joining us today.
Julia Scouten: Thank you.
Genevieve Germano: So can you tell us a little bit about WiDS and today's event?
Julia Scouten: Yes, today is WiDS' 2023 Annual Awards Breakfast, and it's a chance to give out not one, but two scholarships and a fellowship with CGAI. What's really special about today's event, it's our first in-person since the pandemic and we have over 1,000 in attendance and over 400 people online.
Genevieve Germano: And this community is all about creating connections for women and supporting them in the advancement of their career. Can you tell me a little bit about your experience working as a woman working in a mostly male-dominated industry and how WiDS has supported you?
Julia Scouten: Yeah, so I've been… As a veteran, and working in cyber security pretty much my whole career, I've always worked in a male-dominated career. And I can tell you first-hand that WiDS is all about creating a community of support to promote everyone else and to really have that community of inclusion.
Genevieve Germano: So, this year's theme is "Be You, Be True, Belong." How does that theme relate back to the WiDS overall mission?
Julia Scouten: This year's theme is really special because I think working in a male-dominated field, as women we tend to adapt or change our style to fit their style. And this year's theme is really to remind us that it's important to be ourselves, to use our voice, and that there's a community to support us.
Genevieve Germano: So are there any upcoming events for WiDS, and how can women join your community?
Julia Scouten: Oh yes. So, on April 20th, downtown Ottawa, we're going to have our speed mentoring event. And then we're going to launch our national mentorship program in the fall. And then have a few more creating connections and professional development events. To join WiDS, go to our website at wids.ca and we're on social media as well.
Genevieve Germano: Thank you so much for chatting with us and congratulations.
Julia Scouten: Thank you so much.
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