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.<\/p>\n
Yet her most lasting impact may be the platform she has built for others. As the founder and host of the Women\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
Looking back on her cadet years, Amanda recalls the cultural reality of being part of the first generations of women at the Colleges. \u201cIn those early years, success often meant assimilation \u2014 fitting into the mold of the gentleman cadet,\u201d she says. \u201cBut over time, that evolved into integration. That gave me optimism.\u201d Her interviews with alumni reveal a common thread of resilience, strengthened by mentors and allies committed to making space for women in the Forces.<\/p>\n
Her drive to tell these stories began decades ago. In 1993, she read a Maclean\u2019s article celebrating RMC graduates as \u201cCaptains of Industry.\u201d Every person featured was a man. \u201cThat got me wondering \u2014 would there ever be a story that celebrated the women of RMC and what they accomplished?\u201d 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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Her podcast has had unexpected impacts closer to home too. Amanda\u2019s youngest daughter recently chose engineering as a career path \u2014 and even considered RMC. \u201cShe asked me, \u2018If I go to RMC, does that mean I can be on your podcast?\u2019\u201d Amanda recalls with a smile. For her, showing her daughters what women can achieve when they support one another is among her proudest accomplishments.<\/p>\n
Asked about the future of the Colleges and the role that alumni can play, Amanda cautions \u201cSometimes we want future generations to have the same experiences we had, without recognizing that times change,\u201d she reflects. \u201cWhat\u2019s best for today\u2019s cadets might not be what was best for us.\u201d<\/p>\n
Asked what advice she would give today\u2019s cadets preparing to step into a complex world, Amanda\u2019s response is simple: \u201cNever 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\u2019s never too late to pivot, to change, or to grow.\u201d<\/p>\n
That blend of curiosity, resilience, optimism, and determination to create space for others are core characteristics that have shaped Amanda\u2019s impressive career and contributions to the alumni community.<\/p>\n
To listen to the RMCAA Trailblazer podcast with Amanda Kalhous, click here.<\/a><\/p>\n