An International Women’s Day Conversation with Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025 and our Partners
In recognition of International Women’s Day, it is important to Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025 to hold space for and amplify the voices of the extraordinary women who inspire us every day. The panel below includes women in senior leadership positions supporting the Games, both internally at Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025, and among our amazing group of partners across a variety of sectors.
To celebrate the remarkable impact, strength, resilience, and unconquerable spirit of each of these women, we have asked them to answer a few questions about their leadership experiences, advice for younger generations, and what the Invictus journey of recovery means to them.
Georgia Cuthbertson, Head of Partnerships, Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025
What inspires you as a woman in leadership in your sector/role?
I am inspired by the ability to help build collaborative and positive relationships across teams and to create programs that allow for transformative experiences. It’s also inspiring to me to be able to support and mentor team members as they continue to grow and develop in their own careers.
What’s a piece of advice you would give to younger or emerging women in leadership?
I would say take care to listen to the conversations and discussions that you’re a part of, but also be confident in your expertise. Don’t be afraid to use your voice and own your insights. Trust yourself that you should be in the room. I would also stress the value of building strong networks as you grow in your career.
What does the Invictus Journey of Recovery or the Invictus partnership mean to you?
It highlights how, no matter the situation, whether in a professional environment or on a Competitor’s journey, none of us is an island unto ourselves. We all depend on others to help support us, and ultimately, we all have a hand on our community’s back.
Susan Doniz, Chief Information and Data Analytics Officer, The Boeing Company
What inspires you as a woman in leadership in your sector/role?
I am always inspired by women who genuinely support each other. It is truly uplifting to witness women who go above and beyond to encourage and empower each other, not out of obligation, personal connections or self-interest, but simply because they genuinely want to see other women succeed.
What’s a piece of advice you would give to younger or emerging women in leadership?
I would encourage younger or emerging women in leadership to embrace courage and be a source of inspiration for others. It is important to have the courage to explore new opportunities, try new things, and step outside your comfort zone. Don’t be afraid to take risks and learn from any failures along the way.
What does the Invictus Journey of Recovery or the Invictus partnership mean to you?
The Invictus Journey of Recovery is special because it takes a holistic approach to helping Veterans. This resonates with me because at Boeing, we are committed to supporting Veterans and their families in every area of their lives from their mental, emotional and physical well-being to helping them build fulfilling careers. The Invictus partnership aligns well with our commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of Veterans, and it is an honor to be part of an initiative that empowers them to thrive.
Jenny Duncan, Head of Marketing and Communications, The Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025
What inspires you as a woman in leadership in your sector/role?
I’ve been inspired over the course of my career by seeing more and more female leaders who have really helped me in my career and who inspire me as a leader myself. And so for me, what inspires me in leadership is to pass that on to the next generation of team members that I work with, and to help them figure out what they want in their career. Maybe that’s the next leadership job, learning a new skill, or providing a way to support their family. What I love about leadership is being able to help people find their path and support them in whatever way speaks to them.
What’s a piece of advice you would give to younger or emerging women in leadership?
Earlier on in my career as a leader, I really tried to model myself after my current leaders, but after I became more comfortable as a leader I realized I was a better leader when I was myself, and led with my own style. The best leaders are women who are authentically themselves and lead their own way, rather than trying to shape themselves into somebody else’s idea of a perfect or typical leader. Figure out what inspires you and how you can be the best version of your authentic self as a leader, then go find great leaders who align with that who you can learn from.
What does the Invictus Journey of Recovery or the Invictus partnership mean to you?
Before I joined Invictus, I hadn’t thought a lot about my family connection with the military, even though there are so many elements around my life that have that connection. For me, the Invictus Journey of Recovery is both about having a better understanding of the past and ability to honour it, but also to look at how we can support everyone involved today. From competitors to family and friends, to employees working on the Games, how can we be inspired to come together for a brighter future, whatever that means to each of us.
Maj. Joanna Labonté, Public Affairs Officer, Canadian Armed Forces
What inspires you as a woman in leadership in your sector/role?
As a woman in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) I am inspired by the female trailblazers who came before me and by the young women I see leading the way today. Taking our earned seat at the table, in all facets of life, is something we cannot take for granted and should do so proudly and unapologetically.
What’s a piece of advice you would give to younger or emerging women in leadership?
Strive to be strong, passionate and supportive leaders in your work and in your life. People matter. Aim to lead with compassion and grace. Everyone benefits with this approach.
What does the Invictus Journey of Recovery or the Invictus partnership mean to you?
A reemergence of confidence and self-worth through the dynamics of team building, competition and sport. I found my voice again and now stand proudly thanks to the camaraderie and support I found in every aspect of my Invictus journey.
Charleen Grant, First Nations Coordinator, The Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025
What inspires you as a woman in leadership in your sector/role?
What inspires me is that I’m an Indigenous woman in an important role, showing the world who are as Indigenous people. And I feel that it is a powerful statement to let the world know who we are not only as First Nations, but also that I’m putting out there that I’m an Indigenous woman reaching out to the world.
What’s a piece of advice you would give to younger or emerging women in leadership?
I would tell younger and emerging women that they should always believe in themselves and never feel defeated. You always have to get up and go again even if something gets in your way.
What does the Invictus Journey of Recovery or the Invictus partnership mean to you?
The Invictus Journey of Recovery is a place of healing and it’s a place of recovery, not only for the participants but also for myself. It’s one where I find that I’m in a process of always learning, and my soul and my heart will grow larger from this experience.
Robyn McVicker, Chief Operating Officer/Deputy CEO, The Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025
What inspires you as a woman in leadership in your sector/role?
I am inspired by building exceptional teams and instilling confidence, particularly in women in industry, that they can do so much more than they could ever imagine.
What’s a piece of advice you would give to younger or emerging women in leadership?
As a woman, it’s okay to feel the fear and do it anyway. It’s a good thing if your job pushes you outside of your comfort zone, and there’s real value in facing your fears and pushing through them in order to grow. You can always do more than you believe you can, so you don’t need to wait to feel completely comfortable – just go for it.
What does the Invictus Journey of Recovery or the Invictus partnership mean to you?
Invictus calls to my deep foundational need to honour Canada’s military in a way that’s meaningful and provides hope. And so the journey of recovery is about recognizing not only the people and their contributions, but also the system that supports them.
Amy Meunier, Assistant Deputy Minister, Commemoration and Public Affairs – Veterans Affairs Canada
What inspires you as a woman in leadership in your sector/role?
I am inspired daily by Veterans who are women and their incredible stories of strength, resiliency and service. As these stories are shared with me, or I witness their incredible accomplishments in settings such as the Invictus Games, I am honored to be a part of their journey too and learn from it. I try to bring their stories and their qualities to my leadership style in my organization.
What’s a piece of advice you would give to younger or emerging women in leadership?
I believe that we “rise together”. My advice to leaders who are women is to not only take up space and have a strong voice, but to create opportunities and a culture that allows the women around them to do the same.
What does the Invictus Journey of Recovery or the Invictus partnership mean to you?
I have been privileged to witness how the Invictus Journey has supported many Canadian Veterans and their families in their recovery. In particular, how this forum has given space for Veterans who are women to begin to process and heal from trauma and to regain their voices. I was brought to tears by one such story from a 2023 Team Canada member this past year. I was in awe of her courage in sharing her story publicly for the first time. She continues to do so with more and more audiences. It is these moments that truly define the Invictus Journey for me.
Hon. Lana Popham, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport, Government of BC
What inspires you as a woman in leadership in your sector/role?
As a woman in leadership, I’m inspired by the great work being done by women every day. The majority of my Ministry team, both on the political side and public service side, are women. I see these women making tough decisions and coming up with innovative solutions to complex issues. I see them breaking barriers and creating supportive spaces for the next generation of women leaders. They make me proud of this work and they inspire me.
I’m also surrounded by strong woman within the portfolios I hold. Cassie Campbell comes to mind when I think of a strong woman leader in sport. Her impressive Olympic Gold medals for Team Canada’s hockey team and her dedication to advancing women in sport has broken down barriers to establish the new Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) and is inspiring future athletes.
What’s a piece of advice you would give to younger or emerging women in leadership?
Be true to yourself and take up space. Believe in your ideas and leadership capabilities and follow through with your actions. Self-awareness and reflection on areas you’d like to improve and strengthen will make you a stronger leader. The best leaders understand the value of relationships and lead with a people first mindset.
What does the Invictus Journey of Recovery or the Invictus partnership mean to you?
Life can throw us unimaginable challenges that change the course of our lives. The Invictus partnership demonstrates recovery in action and is profoundly impactful for competitors, and the people watching the games. The Invictus games represent courage and a platform to show the world what a mental health journey of recovery can look like through sport with support, determination, resilience and perseverance.
Belinda Trembath, VP & COO, Whistler Blackcomb
What inspires you as a woman in leadership in your sector/role?
I’ve had the opportunity to take on roles that haven’t previously been filled by a woman and to hopefully inspire others to pursue their dreams and aspirations no matter what sector they are in. I’m passionate about the tourism and recreation sectors and the wonderful opportunities on offer within them for women.
Watching younger women compete, coach and lead at the highest levels is inspiring for me, equally living in Whistler brings another level of participation by women in sports that I could only dream of participating in with other women in large numbers, pushing the boundaries on their bikes, skis and boards.
What’s a piece of advice you would give to younger or emerging women in leadership?
Take opportunities, create opportunities, seek out mentors, learn to network and don’t limit your dreams to what others have achieved or want you to be.
What does the Invictus Journey of Recovery or the Invictus partnership mean to you?
The spirit of Invictus is infectious and we are very much looking forward to welcoming competitors and their families and supporters to Whistler in February 2025. There is something uniquely special about shared experiences through sport whether you are competing, cheering from the sidelines or delivering the events. I’ve already met some wonderful and inspiring members of the Invictus family and look forward to meeting many more as we work to deliver Invictus Games 2025 together.
