Women in defence and tech: Building leadership and opportunity in Atlantic Canada
Women in Defence and Security
From the Springboard Content Lab
A growing network of women-led initiatives across Atlantic Canada is reshaping traditionally male-dominated sectors such as defence and security to artificial intelligence. Organizations such as Women in Defence and Security (WiDS) in New Brunswick and Women in Machine Learning and Data Science are building leadership, talent pipelines, and inclusive innovation.
By creating space for mentorship, leadership, and collaboration, these women-centred organizations are supporting individual careers and building a stronger, more inclusive innovation ecosystem across Canada.
Key takeaways
- Women in Defence and Security was founded in 2005 to advance women in defence and security and is part of Canadian Association of Defence and Security Industries (CADSI)
- Women in Machine Learning and Data Science supports women in AI and data science, including a growing presence in Nova Scotia
- Both movements share a mission to advance women in careers, leadership, and inclusion
- Together, they are strengthening Atlantic Canada’s innovation ecosystem and talent pipeline
A shared moment of growth
As industries evolve, the lines between defence, security, and advanced technologies like AI are becoming increasingly blurred. This convergence is creating new opportunities to ensure women are fully represented.
Networks like WiDS and Women in Machine Learning and Data Science share a common mission to open doors, accelerate careers, and strengthen representation in high-impact sectors.
Women in machine learning and data science
Leadership and community impact
WiDS continues to expand its national footprint through a collaborative leadership model, including its Executive Director and a network of volunteers driving programming across the country.
At the same time, the Halifax chapter of Women in Machine Learning and Data Science communities demonstrate the power of grassroots leadership. Through meetups, workshops, and peer networks, they are building confidence, skills, and visibility for women in technical fields.
Together, these approaches—national coordination and local activation—are creating a multi-layered support system for women across Atlantic Canada.
A common purpose across sectors
Despite operating in different spaces, WiDS and Women in Machine Learning and Data Science are aligned in their core objectives:
- Advancing careers: Supporting women from early-stage education through to executive leadership
- Mentorship and networking: Building strong, cross-sector connections
- Leadership development: Preparing women to lead in complex, high-stakes environments
- Equity and inclusion: Addressing systemic barriers and broadening participation
This alignment is increasingly important as AI, cybersecurity, and defence technologies intersect—requiring talent that is both technically skilled and diverse in perspective.
FAQs
How are defence and AI connected in Atlantic Canada?
Defence and security sectors are increasingly reliant on AI, data analytics, and cybersecurity—creating overlap with machine learning communities.
What is Women in Defence and Security (WiDS)?
WiDS is a national initiative that supports and advances women in Canada’s defence and security industries.
What does Women in Machine Learning and Data Science do?
It provides community, mentorship, and professional development for women and gender minorities in AI and data science.
Why does this matter for New Brunswick?
These connected networks help build a diverse, skilled workforce aligned with the province’s growing innovation and security sectors.
About Springboard Atlantic
Springboard Atlantic is a network of post-secondary institutions across Atlantic Canada dedicated to advancing research commercialization, industry collaboration, and innovation-driven economic growth. Our network supports sectors such including defence and artificial intelligence and is helping to build a stronger, more inclusive innovation ecosystem.