Women In Defence And Security

What Women In Defence And Security does

Women in Defence and Security (WiDS) is a Canadian not-for-profit, volunteer-run organization operating as an official committee of the Canadian Association of Defence and Security Industries (CADSI). Founded in 2005 and headquartered in Ottawa, WiDS's mandate is to promote and support women's careers in the Canadian defence and security industries, serving a community of over 3,000 women and men across industry, government, the Canadian Armed Forces, cyber and physical security, first responders, and crown corporations.

WiDS delivers its mission through a portfolio of programs organized around three pillars: Creating Connections (networking events, Executive Champion Network), Developing Talent (Speed Mentoring events, the 9-month virtual National Mentoring Program), and Recognizing Excellence (the annual WiDS Scholarship of up to $10,000, the WiDS & CGAI Fellowship in partnership with the Canadian Global Affairs Institute, the Remarkable Leaders Campaign, and the Top 20 in their 20's recognition). Program delivery combines in-person events held in Canadian cities (including Speed Mentoring in Ottawa, Victoria, and other regional centres) with virtual programming via the myWiDS online portal (built on the IDEaS platform) used for member login, event registration, and community engagement. Annual flagships include the Awards Breakfast held in Ottawa.

The organization's revenue model is sponsorship-led with supplementary membership and event-ticket income. WiDS depends entirely on cash and in-kind contributions from a sponsor portfolio of 30+ defence, security, aerospace, and professional services firms (Patron-tier sponsors include General Dynamics and CAE; parent CADSI is identified as the strategic partner). Member-facing pricing is small-ticket: Speed Mentoring tickets are $60+HST ($25 for students), and the National Mentoring Program is $75 per mentee ($25 for students). Operational leadership rests with a single paid Executive Director (Jamie Kwong) supported by a volunteer Executive Committee with representation from Accenture, Deloitte, Government of Canada, Canadian Armed Forces, ESRI Canada, Saab Canada, Privy Council, and the Public Health Agency of Canada.

Name

Women In Defence And Security

Legal name

Women in Defence and Security

Website

https://wids.ca

Company type

Private

Founded year

2005

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Professional Association & Community Services

NAICS

Business, Professional, Labor, Political, and Similar Organizations (8139), Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations (813), Labor Unions and Similar Labor Organizations (81393)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600), Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Defense R&D, Test, Evaluation & Innovation (BPAIAHAC)

Keywords

• Women leadership network
• Defence industry mentorship
• Professional development programs
• Scholarship fellowship awards
• Community networking events

Headquarters

HQ city

Ottawa

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Sponsorships: WiDS is a not-for-profit, volunteer organization that depends entirely on the generosity and financial support of organizations through cash and in-kind sponsorships. Sponsors receive significant exposure at WiDS high caliber events, on the website and social media channels. Multiple sponsorship tiers exist including Patron Sponsor, Gold Sponsor, Silver Sponsor, Bronze Sponsor, and specialty sponsorships (Remarkable Leader Sponsor, Registration Sponsor, Centrepiece Sponsor, Red Carpet Sponsor, VIP Reception Sponsor, Coffee Station Sponsor, Lanyard Sponsor, Badge Sponsor, Supporting Sponsor, Hospitality Sponsor, Media Sponsor, In-Kind Sponsor, Event Sponsor).
2. Membership Fees: WiDS operates a membership-based community model where individuals join through registration on the website. Membership provides access to networking events, mentoring programs, professional development sessions, and the broader community of over 3,000 women and men.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Women In Defence And Security (WiDS) operates a portfolio of professional development and community programs for women in Canada's defence and security sectors. Core offerings include the WiDS Scholarship (up to $10,000 annually), the WiDS & CGAI Fellowship, a 9-month virtual National Mentoring Program, Speed Mentoring events, the Annual Awards Breakfast, and the Remarkable Leaders and Top 20 in their 20's recognition programs, serving over 3,000 members across industry, government, military, cybersecurity, and first responder communities.

Product overview

Women in Defence and Security (WiDS) is a not-for-profit organization and operating committee of CADSI that promotes and supports women's careers in Canadian defence and security industries. Rather than a technology product, WiDS offers a portfolio of professional development programs including the WiDS Scholarship (up to $10,000 annually) and WiDS & CGAI Fellowship for students; the National Mentoring Program (9-month virtual trio mentorship); Speed Mentoring events for networking; and the Annual Awards Breakfast featuring recognition programs (Remarkable Leaders Campaign and Top 20 in their 20's). These programs collectively serve over 3,000 community members across industry, government, military, cybersecurity, and first responders.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• WiDS Scholarship Annual scholarship program awarding up to $10,000 to outstanding women pursuing careers related to Canada's defence and security. Open to Canadian citizens enrolled at accredited Canadian universities or colleges in defence/security-related fields.
• WiDS & CGAI Fellowship Partnership fellowship with the Canadian Global Affairs Institute providing recipients with mentorship, work and research/analysis opportunities, and access to CGAI publications and resources for those pursuing defence and security careers.
• National Mentoring Program 9-month virtual mentorship program pairing emerging professionals with seasoned mentors in a trio model (one mentor, two mentees) for monthly sessions focused on career growth across public and private sectors. The 2026 program runs September 1, 2026 to May 31, 2026.
• Speed Mentoring Events Signature in-person events held across Canadian cities featuring multiple 15-minute mentoring conversations with professionals from defence and security industries (representing both public and private sector organizations), followed by networking receptions. Ticketed at $60 + HST for general admission and $25 + HST for students.
• Annual Awards Breakfast Annual flagship WiDS event celebrating the WiDS Scholarship and Fellowship recipients, featuring keynote addresses and recognition of Remarkable Leaders in the Canadian defence and security community.
• Remarkable Leaders Campaign Annual recognition campaign celebrating women at any career stage who are making positive contributions to the Canadian defence and security industry, nominated by participating organizations and recognized at the Annual Awards Breakfast.
• Top 20 in their 20's Recognition campaign celebrating twenty young women in their 20s for their leadership and participation in the Canadian defence and security community, launched in 2025 to commemorate WiDS's twenty years of operation.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 3,000 women and men members across Canadian defence and security sectors
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered minor, flagship and core.

• RaceRocks3DminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 17 June 2026Event partner for WiDS 2026 Speed Mentoring event in Victoria, B.C. RaceRocks3D is a company engaged in defence and technology solutions.
• ABCDMIminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 17 June 2026Event partner for WiDS 2026 Speed Mentoring event in Victoria, B.C.
• Alacrity CanadaminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 17 June 2026Event sponsor for WiDS 2026 Speed Mentoring event in Victoria, B.C.
• SeaspanminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 17 June 2026Event partner and sponsor for WiDS 2026 Speed Mentoring event in Victoria, B.C. Seaspan is a major shipbuilding and engineering company in British Columbia.
• VIATECminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 17 June 2026Event partner for WiDS 2026 Speed Mentoring event in Victoria, B.C. VIATEC (Vancouver Island Technology Association) supports technology companies in the Victoria region.
• Canadian Association of Defence and Security Industries (CADSI)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerCADSI is the national voice representing Canada's defence, security and cyber companies. WiDS is an operating committee of CADSI, whose mandate is to promote and support women's careers in Canadian defence and security industries. CADSI serves as parent organization and strategic partner for WiDS, providing organizational infrastructure, member access, and policy advocacy.
• Women in Aerospace Canada (WIA-Canada)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWIA-Canada is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to expanding women's opportunities for leadership and professional development as well as increasing their visibility in the aerospace community by creating a professional network in Canada and across the globe. Both organizations share missions focused on advancing women in aerospace and defence sectors.
• Atlantic Canada Aerospace and Defence Association (ACADA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerACADA is a collaborative SME-focused organization representing the interests of the aerospace, defence, and security industries in Atlantic Canada. ACADA is comprised of approximately 170+ industry members and organizations across Atlantic Canada. Partnership facilitates regional programming and member outreach.
• Canadian Global Affairs Institute (CGAI)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCGAI is Canada's most credible source of expertise on global affairs. WiDS partners with CGAI to offer the annual WiDS & CGAI Fellowship, providing recipients with mentorship, work and research/analysis opportunities, as well as access to CGAI publications and resources. CGAI researchers, fellows and advisors support defence and security discussions.
• Canada Army RunminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCanada Army Run brings Canadians and the Canadian Armed Forces together in the spirit of camaraderie and community, extending military esprit de corps to Canadians. Partnership provides opportunities for connection between military and industry professionals.
• KPMGminorGTM or Marketing PartnerKPMG is a professional services firm with more than 40 locations across Canada, home to a diverse workforce that helps organizations mitigate risks and grasp opportunities. KPMG provides thought leadership and support for WiDS events and programming.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Women in Cybersecurity (WiCyS): Global non-profit advancing women in cybersecurity careers. Highly comparable model (membership, mentoring programs, scholarships, awards, conferences) addressing a sub-vertical within the broader defence/security space WiDS serves.
• Canadian Global Affairs Institute (CGAI): Think tank and WiDS fellowship partner providing research, mentorship, and policy engagement on defence and security issues. Operates a parallel professional-development and recognition model in the same Canadian defence/security ecosystem.
• Women in Aerospace Canada (WIA-Canada): Canadian non-profit dedicated to expanding women's leadership in aerospace. Already a strategic partner of WiDS, it operates a directly comparable model (membership, events, awards) targeting women in an adjacent vertical.
• Women in Defense (WID): US-based professional association advancing women in national security and defence industries. Closest international analog — same mission, same membership/events/awards model — and a natural benchmark for WiDS's program design and sponsorship tiers.

Regional players

• Atlantic Canada Aerospace and Defence Association (ACADA): Regional SME-focused association serving Atlantic Canada's aerospace and defence industry. Already a WiDS partner, ACADA represents a similar industry-network model scoped to a sub-national geography.

Broad incumbents

• Canadian Association of Defence and Security Industries (CADSI): National industry association representing Canada's defence, security, and cyber companies. WiDS operates as an official committee of CADSI, sharing overlapping membership and sponsor ecosystems but addressing a broader constituency of all defence industry companies rather than focused on women.
• National Defence Industrial Association (NDIA): Major US industry association for the defence industrial base. Comparable as a large-scale, broader constituency industry association in defence; serves as a benchmark for what a more institutionalized version of WiDS's ecosystem could scale into.

Emerging players

• Women in Technology International (WITI): Professional association advancing women in technology through networking, mentoring, and recognition programs. Operates the same model structure as WiDS but at a broader tech-industry level rather than defence/security specific.

Market position

Strengths1 record

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/WiDS_Canada
• Facebookfacebook.com/141680712511363
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/women-in-defence-and-security

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles13 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Women In Defence And Security