We recognize the contributions women are making across our business every day. On International Women's Day, we're shining a light on the three women selected as our 2023 Women in Defence and Security (WiDS) Emerging Leaders.
Morgan Little, Team Lead, Marketing
Tell us about yourself. What does your role look like at General Dynamics?
I’ve recently taken on the position of Marketing Team Lead across our international businesses here at General Dynamics. This is an exciting role where no two days look the same. One day, I’m planning an event, the next I’m off-site shooting video on a 4x4, and the next I’m heads down designing branded material to support our various lines of business. The diversity in the type of work I get to do drives my creativity and keeps me motivated everyday.
What does it mean to you to be selected as a WiDS Emerging Leader?
Having been on the WiDS Executive Committee for the past three years, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting and working with some incredibly talented women and Emerging Leaders. Each cohort is so impressive and inspiring and I’m truly honoured, and truth be told (insert inner critic), quite surprised to be recognized alongside these game changers.
How is your organization helping to ensure a sense of belonging?
I consider myself really blessed to be a part of a team that genuinely values each other as humans first. We are all invested in our colleagues' lives and wellbeing and have each other's backs through thick and thin. We start by understanding everyone’s strengths, weaknesses, and most importantly quirks – as we normally say, weird is good. This human connection is what builds that sense of belonging.
What advice do you have for other young women looking to start a career in the defence industry?
Ask questions. Defence is a vast world with many facets – and acronyms. I came into this industry knowing pretty much nothing about the Canadian military and I joke that after 5 years I only now know about 5% there is to know. There’s a lot to understand and the best way to build confidence and grow your career is to trust your instinct and ask questions.
In one word, what does International Women’s Day mean to you?
Acceptance – of one’s self and of others.
Kathryn MacDonald, Team Lead, Core Engineering
Tell us about yourself. What does your role look like at General Dynamics?
I am presently employed in the Test Engineering – Manufacturing Ops department where I get to participate in technical roles on development programs. My newest role as Core Engineering, Team Lead allows me to expand my knowledge in cross-platform test systems used both for new production and support programs. I love to work as part of interdisciplinary teams, where I can learn a lot from people with a wide range of experience.
What does it mean to you to be selected as a WiDS Emerging Leader?
I am honoured to be recognized as an emerging leader. It means even more after meeting other nominees at the WiDS Annual Awards Breakfast and seeing everything they have accomplished so far, and seeing where this path into leadership roles can lead.
How is your organization helping to ensure a sense of belonging?
General Dynamics and the people that I have worked with so far have all made me feel wonderfully at home at this company. I have been given many opportunities in the last four years in a variety of technical and managerial roles, and have been supported in all of these roles. The support in my professional development definitely makes me feel like I belong.
What advice do you have for other young women looking to start a career in the defence industry?
First, just apply. Then, just try it! Even if you don’t feel 100% knowledgeable going into a role, you can definitely learn and grow from it.
In one word, what does International Women’s Day mean to you?
Visibility
Emily Paterson, Senior HR Advisor
Tell us about yourself. What does your role look like at General Dynamics?
I work as one of our Human Resources Advisors in Canada. My role is to act as a strategic partner to our leaders in the achievement of business objectives, with a specific emphasis on employee and labour relations. I collaborate with our leaders to develop strategies to improve employee engagement, growth, and experience. I have also had the opportunity to work closely with our unions, leading collective bargaining and creating solutions that result in an optimal working environment for all.
What does it mean to you to be selected as a WiDS Emerging Leader?
I was very grateful to be selected. We have an amazing team. I am consistently impressed by the level of expertise of our workforce. I look forward to continuing to grow in my career at General Dynamics and learn from the talented individuals that I work with.
How is your organization helping to ensure a sense of belonging?
Specific to HR, we have a team of experienced professionals in Recruitment, Compensation and Benefits, HR Systems, Global Mobility, Talent Development, and HR Operations. I enjoy collaborating with all of them to develop creative solutions to support our leaders and improve employee experience.
More generally, my organization has recently created a series of employee resource groups dedicated to promoting diversity, inclusion, and belonging. The groups focus on women, LGBTQ+, Armed Forces, Early Careers, Multi-Cultural, and Disability Advocacy, and act as an opportunity for our colleagues to come together and foster a sense of belonging.
What advice do you have for other young women looking to start a career in the defence industry?
For me, when choosing an organization to join, it was important to not only perform interesting and challenging work, but to work in an industry that is meaningful. Supporting talented professionals tasked with creating and delivering products and services for the Canadian Armed Forces and their allied forces provides meaning.
If looking to start a career in defence, a great way to gain experience would be through our co-op program. Historically, each year, we’ve hired over 60 co-op students in a variety of roles such as multiple engineering disciplines, IT, Finance, and Commercial Services. Another suggestion would be, as much as feasible, interface with technical experts and business leaders. Ask questions and seek to understand the work they perform and their priorities. This knowledge will help you to gain a better appreciation of the industry and the opportunities it presents.
In one word, what does International Women’s Day mean to you?
Potential