When Amanda Kalhous graduated from the Royal Military College of Canada in 1994 with a degree in electrical engineering, she carried forward lessons in resilience, adaptability, and time management from her years as a cadet. She went on to serve nine years in the Royal Canadian Air Force as a Communications and Electronics Engineering Officer, later earning her Master of Engineering from Dalhousie University. Today, as a senior leader at General Motors Canada with more than 30 patents to her name, Amanda is recognized as an innovator in research strategy and technology management.
Yet her most lasting impact may be the platform she has built for others. As the founder and host of the Women’s Mentoring Network Canada podcast, Amanda has created a space for stories too often left out of the official narrative. Through candid conversations, she connects women and non-binary alumni across generations, sparking mentorship and change in both the military and civilian worlds.
Looking back on her cadet years, Amanda recalls the cultural reality of being part of the first generations of women at the Colleges. “In those early years, success often meant assimilation — fitting into the mold of the gentleman cadet,” she says. “But over time, that evolved into integration. That gave me optimism.” Her interviews with alumni reveal a common thread of resilience, strengthened by mentors and allies committed to making space for women in the Forces.
Her drive to tell these stories began decades ago. In 1993, she read a Maclean’s article celebrating RMC graduates as “Captains of Industry.” Every person featured was a man. “That got me wondering — would there ever be a story that celebrated the women of RMC and what they accomplished?” That question was the seed from which her podcast germinated, nearly two decades later. In true engineering fashion, she saw a problem that needed a solution and built it herself.
The podcast has since become more than a passion project. Listeners have reached out to share how an episode inspired them to change careers, pursue new opportunities, or reconnect with the alumni community.
Her podcast has had unexpected impacts closer to home too. Amanda’s youngest daughter recently chose engineering as a career path — and even considered RMC. “She asked me, ‘If I go to RMC, does that mean I can be on your podcast?’” Amanda recalls with a smile. For her, showing her daughters what women can achieve when they support one another is among her proudest accomplishments.
Asked about the future of the Colleges and the role that alumni can play, Amanda cautions “Sometimes we want future generations to have the same experiences we had, without recognizing that times change,” she reflects. “What’s best for today’s cadets might not be what was best for us.”
Asked what advice she would give today’s cadets preparing to step into a complex world, Amanda’s response is simple: “Never stop learning. Take time to explore new ideas, meet new people, and embrace new experiences. It enriches your life, but it also enriches your leadership and the impact you can have. It’s never too late to pivot, to change, or to grow.”
That blend of curiosity, resilience, optimism, and determination to create space for others are core characteristics that have shaped Amanda’s impressive career and contributions to the alumni community.
To listen to the RMCAA Trailblazer podcast with Amanda Kalhous, click here.
Amanda’s Women’s Mentoring Network Canada podcast is available on all major podcast listening platforms. To visit the website, click here