On 7 March 2025, the Waterloo Officers Mess at CFB Borden buzzed with energy as military personnel, spouses and community members gathered to celebrate International Women’s Day featuring morning yoga, mentorship opportunities, a vendor’s market and words from keynote speaker Colonel (Ret’d) Nishika Jardine, whose stirring words left a lasting impression.
Base Commander Colonel Melissa Ramessar introduced Jardine to the audience, praising her resilience and commitment to leadership that has spanned over 37 years.
“Her career is a testament to the power of shared stories and mutual support; it is an honour to have her here today to inspire us with her experience,” Col Ramessar said.
Jardine, with decades of experience both in active service and in mentoring emerging leaders, delivered a speech that was as personal as it was inspirational. She recalled many formative moments throughout her career as an RCEME Colonel along with many other roles.
“I realized that we tell our stories to learn from each other,” Jardine said.
Her words resonated deeply with the audience, emphasizing the importance of shared experiences in forging strong bonds and building future leaders.
Throughout her speech, Jardine highlighted how women in the military have not only faced challenges head-on but have also transformed those obstacles into opportunities for growth. Reflecting on her own journey, Jardine started as a young staff officer and later assumed leadership roles and stressed that true leadership is nurtured through community and mutual support.
“It’s a lot easier to be a leader when you have the support of your peers,” she said.
Jardine also recounted an early memory from 2002 when a fellow officer organized a gathering specifically for women in the CAF. The experience was “eye-opening”, showcasing the power of storytelling and the strength gained from collective wisdom.
“Listening to those incredible stories taught me that our individual journeys, when shared, become the very foundation of our strength as a community,” Jardine said.
Her speech touched on international solidarity, acknowledging that the challenges women face in the CAF are not confined by borders. Jardine urged the audience to extend their support beyond the Base, fostering networks that empower female service members both locally and globally.
Jardine’s message was clear: honoring the contributions of women in the military means embracing vulnerability, celebrating shared experiences, and nurturing the next generation of leaders. Her parting words encouraged everyone present to continue the dialogue and to support one another in both personal and professional spheres.
As the crowd applauded, it was evident that Jardine’s passionate delivery and heartfelt anecdotes had struck a chord. The event not only celebrated the achievements of women in the CAF but also reinforced a commitment to mentorship, resilience, and the power of storytelling.
The heartfelt discussion concluded with a performance from the Borden Military Wive’s Choir who filled the Officers Mess with songs of joy and sorrow for all to hear.
International Women’s Day at CFB Borden served as a reminder that every story matters, and every voice contributes to the ongoing legacy of leadership in the CAF community.
