Women in Defence and Security announced new executive

Women and Defence and Security (WiDS) Executive Team announced Lorena MacKenzie as the new president.

Lorena has been an active member of WiDS for over 10 years and has served on the Executive Committee since 2018 as Vice President of Marketing and Communications.

Outgoing WiDS President, Jana Lee Murray, says everyone at WiDS is thrilled with Lorena’s appointment to president.

 “Not only has she demonstrated tremendous passion for the WiDS organization through active involvement, but she is dedicated to what we stand for,” she said.

In response to the appointment, Christyn Cianfarani, President and CEO of CADSI and WiDS parent organization, thanked Jana-Lee for her contributions and dedication to WiDS over the past five years as president.

They added, “We’re excited to see what the future holds for WiDS under Lorena’s leadership; it goes without saying that the organization will continue to grow and thrive.”

Lorena has more than 20 years of experience in marketing and communications and has worked extensively throughout industry supporting the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), allied forces, and security agencies on a global scale, implementing strategic campaigns across six continents. She has been with General Dynamics Mission Systems–Canada since 2001 in increasingly senior roles and currently serves as International Marketing & Communications Manager.

Lorena was awarded Esprit de Corps’ Breaking Down the Barricades: Women in the Defence World, for her contributions in support of the CAF.

Lorna noted the community, along with WiDS, provides tremendous value as a platform to put critical conversations on the table.

“I have spent the bulk of my career in the defence and security industries and, while I am encouraged by the strides being made toward a more diverse and inclusive environment, there is work to be done,” said Lorena. “I am truly honoured to be taking on the role of President and doing my part to make that work happen,” she continued.

WiDS also announced that the following new members joined Lorena on the WiDS Executive Team:

• • •  Debbie Goodleff, Co-Vice President, Industry Relations.
    •  Natasha Jamieson & Morgan Little, Vice President, Marketing and Communications.
    •  Christina Jutzi, Co-Vice President, Scholarships & Fellowships.
    •  Caroline Leprince, Vice President, Professional Development.
    •  Julia Scouten, Co-Vice President, Government Relations, Canadian Armed Forces, and DND.

WiDS aims to promote and support the advancement of women in careers related to Canadian defence and security. They’re developing a community that works together to transform culture and provide opportunities for educational and professional development, networking, and more. For more information visit WiDS website here.