50th Anniversary of Women Police Officers in the RCMP - Our stories

On this page

• Dr. Roberta Sinclair
• Sergeant Lana Prosper
• Inspector Adrienne Vickery
• Ellen d’Entremont
• Constable Imane Gourramen
• Constable Falak Mughal
• Assistant Commissioner (Retired) Shirley Cuillierrier, M.O.M.
• Corporal Sally Rice
• Corporal Marlies Dick
• Ravinder Rai

Dr. Roberta Sinclair

Manager of Strategic and Operational Services, Specialized and Sensitive Investigative Services

Can you share some details about your career?

I'm a Civilian Member and I've been here for 23 years now. My story is a bit of a unique one. I joined the RCMP and early on was tasked to work with partners to develop the national law enforcement response to online child sexual exploitation way back in the early 2000s. That led to the development of the National Strategy to Protect Children from Online Child Sexual Exploitation. I've worked in the branch with amazing people developing and implementing that since. I've been here from the beginning and with that comes an honour of helping the program develop and grow.

In our unit, we provide services for various interpersonal crimes including crimes against children, missing persons, unidentified remains, online child sexual exploitation, and transnational child sex offences. My work includes research, strategic policy, admin and the health and wellness portfolio. My team has a great balance of academic expertise and operational experience.

What keeps you going?

The people. I love the people who are drawn to working in this area. They're dedicated, enthusiastic, and compassionate. The highlight for me is that I'm able to apply what I know from my formal education and my operational experience to the issues we deal with in Canada every day in terms of online child sexual exploitation. Having been part of this world since the day the internet became alive with child sexual abuse material, I've witnessed hurdles and successes which help me to see the future we have in terms of law enforcement working in this area.

What is the significance of Troop 17 to you?

I think it's always important to recognize where we come from to know where we are and where we need to go. While it's a little bit humbling to know we're recognizing the first group of female police officers, it is valuable to recognize that and see the leadership over the last 50 years in terms of where women stand in the organization and the roles and impact they've had. Myself, as a woman in the RCMP, I've always experienced and appreciated support from my colleagues and have had incredible opportunities and I'm mindful that those who came before us might not have had that experience. But those who come after us definitely will.

What words of encouragement do you have for young people interested in a public safety career?

I feel very fortunate to have had a great career with the RCMP thus far. The people I get to work with are so committed. I have experienced things and have taken on challenges that never would have been possible if I had not been involved in this specific field of policing. We have many, many children who need protection, and need our help, and we all make a difference with everything we do, every day.

Sergeant Lana Prosper

Non-commissioned officer in charge, National Centre for Missing Persons and Unidentified Remains, Ottawa

Can you share some details about your career?

I've been a member for 30 years. When I graduated from Depot, my first posting was in Carmanville, Newfoundland and Labrador, a four-person detachment. The good thing about such a small posting was you got to learn a lot fast. There was no general investigative section or major crime section at the detachment to pass things over to. We were the first responders and did the follow through. Next, I went to Rocky Harbour, Newfoundland and Labrador, a five-person detachment and then Bay St. George. There, I was fortunate to be the child protection officer and worked with great partners in social services.

That work led me to Ottawa where I became part of the National Child Exploitation Crime Centre. I worked as an investigator, in the training section and then I eventually I was in charge of the victim identification unit. From there, I was given the opportunity to start the National Centre for Missing Persons and Unidentified Remains.

What drew you to policing?

A little girl who told me some bad things were being done to her and as a teacher in that situation, the only thing I could do was to report it. I thought there has to be something more to do to help that child, so I strayed from the path of teaching and went to policing. I wanted children to be able to tell me bad things and to know I believed them and could do something to help them.

What advice to people in interested in joining the RCMP?

The RCMP will give you more chances to experience the world then you could ever imagine, from your local detachment to an international stage. It's a great place to work. Everyone joins for a specific reason and if they can keep that at the forefront of what they do, they can excel and make our organization all the better.

This year marks 50 years since Troop 17 became the first group of women to take the oath to become RCMP police officers, what is the significance of this milestone to you?

It makes me realize how far we've come in 50 years-in relation to policing as a whole and in relation to how policing has changed because of women. There's been a lot of work done and more work needs to be done, but policing has evolved because women have been a part of it.

If you had the opportunity to speak with the women in Troop 17, is there anything you'd like to ask or say to them?

Thank you for being so brave. I cannot imagine how difficult it would have been to be that group of women walking into Depot for the very first time. It must have been so intimidating, but very proud at the same time. They were fighting the stigma that comes with being first. They were under the microscope inside the RCMP and the microscope of the media. There had to be so much more pressure than any other group would have faced at that time.

Inspector Adrienne Vickery

Officer in charge, Money Laundering and Cryptocurrency, Federal Policing Criminal Operations

How long have you worked with the RCMP?

I joined the RCMP in 2005, and I’m currently in my 19th year of service.

Why did you choose the RCMP over other law enforcement agencies?

I was drawn to the RCMP because of its large national and international mandate, as well as the possibilities it offered in terms of positions and ability to move across the country or to other areas of the world. I hadn’t really ever thought of the RCMP as a career, but I happened to be at a women’s show in Ottawa, and I met a female police officer from the RCMP. She talked about her career and how exciting it was, so that’s when I went home and I started to evaluate a potential career in the RCMP as a police officer.

Do you remember what the police officer at the women’s show said that made you consider a career with the RCMP?

I think she just really sold me on the opportunities that existed within the organization. Our mandate is so large and there really is a position or opportunity for everyone. Whatever interests you, the RCMP offers that.

Can you provide a brief overview of your career?

I did 3 general duty policing postings within the province of Manitoba, and was able to police rural, municipal and Indigenous fly-in communities. From there, I went to Calgary, Toronto and Ottawa where I’ve worked in 4 different programs under federal policing. All those experiences really led me to where I am today, which is the officer in charge of money laundering and cryptocurrency with the Federal Policing Criminal Operations branch.

Is there anywhere else you’d like your career to take you?

Without a doubt, my passion is for financial crime, specifically money laundering with a strong focus on cryptocurrency. I feel like I’m where I’m meant to be, and where I can have the largest impact on the organization to drive change.

This year marks 50 years since Troop 17 became the first group of women to take the oath to become RCMP police officers. What is the significance of this event to you?

I believe that Troop 17 was the RCMP’s first step toward acknowledging the importance of diversity in our ranks, and the need to have a police force that’s more representative of the communities in which we police. We’ve done a pretty good job over the years of increasing that number, but we’re still only 23%. We have a long way to go in ensuring that there is proper representation of women but also minority groups. The RCMP is making a lot of efforts and striving to improve in that area, and Troop 17 inspires that change to continue today.

If you had the opportunity to speak with the women in Troop 17 is there anything you’d like to ask or say to them?

I would like to thank them for having the courage and the resiliency needed to pave the way for women in policing and for showing that women not only possess all the physical attributes needed to do the job, but that we also possess other skills, such as empathy and problem solving, that make us exceptional contributors to our communities and leaders in this organization.

What words of advice or encouragement would you offer to someone interested in pursuing a career at RCMP?

I would encourage any person interested to just go ahead and do it! There is something in this organization that will appeal to everyone. The options are endless! I believe that the RCMP adheres to its slogan “a career like no other.”

Ellen d’Entremont

Manager, Design and Technical Authority Section, Uniform and Equipment Program

Can you tell me about your career?

I have acquired approximately 39 years of experience in the apparel industry with 25 of those years dedicated to the RCMP’s Uniform and Equipment Program. I was teaching patternmaking at Algonquin College in their Continuing Education Department when one of my students encouraged me to apply for a position at the RCMP tailor shop. I began my career with the RCMP and within a year I moved to the Design and Technical Authority section where I have been ever since. My goal throughout my career with the RCMP has always been to provide proper fitting, comfortable and functional uniform and equipment items that are suitable for all RCMP members. I’ve been very blessed with a rewarding and fulfilling career.

How have you seen things change throughout your career?

There have been countless advancements and innovations in the industry since I began my career. I’ve had the opportunity to learn, adapt and gain extensive knowledge and experience in the clothing manufacturing and textile industry, and hands-on experience in garment construction and advanced pattern making. My team was instrumental in implementing patternmaking software here at the RCMP. Prior to this, our patterns were still being drawn by hand, which was a much more tedious and lengthy process. The use of patternmaking software has helped us be more efficient and consistent, and develop uniform items that fit a more diverse population of members. I think it’s important we continue to adapt and stay current with industry innovations.

What are some highlights from your career?

I’ve been fortunate to work with a very talented team. We’ve worked collaboratively on a number of innovative and inclusive projects in addition to continuing to improve existing kit and clothing items. One of the main highlights of my career has been developing patterns for various women’s uniform and equipment items in order to ensure the uniform was more anatomically inclusive and comfortable to wear. A recent example of this was when I designed a women’s soft body armour system with a shaped seam that provides more comfort and a proper fit for ballistic protection. The system includes a diverse size range and both flat and shaped options, allowing for all members, no matter their shape or size, to have improved comfort and range of motion while wearing their soft body armour.

Are there any other projects that stand out?

I’ve had the chance to meet and work with so many wonderful, talented people in the RCMP. A few of the recent projects that stand out to me are working with the innovation and modernization team to develop RCMP-issued uniform versions of several faith-based headdresses, including the hijab, the Dastaar and the Patka. Some other projects we’ve recently worked on have been the Uniform Ribbon Skirt in collaboration with the Women’s Indigenous Network, the introduction of the Indigenous name tag, new riding breeches for the Musical Ride, a fire-resistant uniform for Air Services pilots, and the updated Guidon which was presented at Depot this past September. It’s been very fulfilling to see all these projects move forward and to have these items available to members.

Constable Imane Gourramen

Pro-active Recruiter

How long have you worked with the RCMP?

I’ve been working for the RCMP for nearly 6 years. I graduated from Depot in 2018, being the first hijab-wearing Muslim member of the RCMP. My first posting was in Brooks, Alberta, where I worked general duty for 3 years. It marked a significant chapter in my life. It’s a city with a vibrant Muslim and African community. As a first responder, this unique environment provided me with a strong connection to the community. Being a North-African female member, and French and Arabic speaker, I was able to break barriers while empathizing with the cultural backgrounds and realities of the individuals involved. I worked a lot with domestic violence files and loved doing interviews. Being who I am made a significant difference in how the population perceived and interacted with me as a police officer. Being in Brooks taught me the power of cultural awareness and its impact on fostering trust and communication between the RCMP and the communities we serve.

Can you talk about some of your other roles?

In 2021, I joined the Integrated National Security Enforcement Team in C Division. I was the lead investigator in various files such as terrorism related offences, threats to internationally protected persons, and foreign actor interference. As an Integrated National Security Enforcement Team investigator, we respond to national security related criminal threats in Canada in partnership with intelligence and other law enforcement agencies. I was also deployed to the Freedom convoy, was seconded to the Integrated Border Enforcement Team for a month, to help with the asylum seekers at Roxham Road. On many occasions, I helped with the VIP Security Section when the Prime Minister visited Quebec. I have been a mentor for the Diverse and Inclusive Pre-Cadet Experience program since its inception in September 2023. We have successfully run two troops, with all 32 cadets graduating each time. 70% of these graduates have since gone on to apply as regular members in the RCMP. Since October 2023, I am seconded to the Pro-active Recruiting unit.

What has been the proudest moment of your career?

Graduating from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Academy. It was significant for me because I shattered stereotypes and overcame hurdles by becoming the first hijabi female member of the RCMP. It symbolizes a larger victory, a victory of diversity and inclusion. I hope to inspire others to pursue their ambitions fearlessly, regardless of the adversities they may encounter.

What is the most gratifying or special part of your job?

Each day, being a police officer means facing diverse situations where I have the opportunity to make a difference. It is gratifying to know that every action taken has the potential to contribute to making the world a safer and better place. It’s that feeling of accomplishment that gives me the motivation even in the face of challenges and risks. Being a police officer is the opportunity to be a beacon of hope and support in times of crisis. It is not only a responsibility but a privilege.

This year marks 50 years since Troop 17 became the first group of women to take the oath to become RCMP police officers, what is the significance of this event to you?

It is very significant for me. They are women who bravely paved the way for future generations. Their remarkable courage and ambition inspires me. Their pioneering spirit in a male-dominated field symbolizes resilience and determination. It’s a reminder of the progress made and the opportunities available to women in policing today. Their legacy empowers me to embrace challenges and excel in a field that once was not available to women.

What words of advice or encouragement would you offer to a young woman interested in pursuing a career at RCMP?

As women in a field traditionally dominated by men, perseverance becomes our shield against skepticism. We have the power to break stereotypes and shape a future of equality. The RCMP, your community, and the world awaits the changes only you can create.

Constable Falak Mughal

Proactive Recruiter

How long have you worked with the RCMP?

I've been a police officer with the RCMP since 2019, so a little over 4 1/2 years now.

Can you provide a brief overview of your career?

My career started in St. Albert, Alberta, in general duty, and while doing general duty, I became a trained child forensic interviewer. I'm a Muslim community diversity officer and community liaison in the St. Albert region, which means I’m the go-to diversity officer for matters that relate to the Muslim community. For example, special patrols during nightly prayers during Ramadan, traffic control during Eid. For my community liaison role, I attend events that discuss different ways of involving members in community initiatives in the St. Albert region, and I share my own ideas. I’m a police liaison member on the St. Albert Community Diversity Advisory Committee where we meet with our partners and work to bridge the gap between police and community. I'm a mentor for the Diverse and Inclusive Pre-Cadet Experience program, which is a program focused on removing systemic barriers for racialized and underrepresented persons who aspire to join the RCMP, and I recently attended the first troop that took place in September 2023. I'm also a diversity representative for the K Division Diverse Community Engagement Committee. Most recently, I accepted a transfer to K Division’s proactive recruiting team.

What drew you to a policing career?

I always wanted to be a detective as a child, and I've volunteered and done community service since I was 12 years old. I was also obsessed with strong female leads and police films and shows. When I learned there weren’t many South Asian Muslim women in policing, I wanted to help change that.

What has been the proudest moment of your career?

I think there would be two proud moments. For the first, in 2022, my alma mater the University of Toronto invited me to speak about my policing career. I was very involved in the university’s community, so when they found out I became a police officer, they invited me to come share my experiences. The topic they covered was about Muslim women and the impactful changes they’ve made in their community. I got to talk about my experiences being a female Muslim RCMP officer, and how my career helps me to empower and inspire other women.

The second proudest moment in my career was being offered a new role at 4-years’ service. I was offered to be a Proactive Recruiter at K Division. It’s pretty nice to be so junior and to get something like that. It was a very proud moment that I was offered that 4 years in.

This year marks 50 years since Troop 17 became the first group of women to take the oath to become RCMP police officers, what is the significance of this event to you?

For me, it signifies the stealth and grit that women have, and represents that women can do anything men can do. I feel like those women planted the seed and it's our jobs as women in law enforcement to carry on their legacy and keep changing and paving the way.

Do you have any words of advice or encouragement for anyone wanting to join the RCMP?

I would say to them, that if you want things to change then be that change. Take charge of your situation and make your own history. Take up space, and put yourself on the map. Aspire to inspire before you expire!

Assistant Commissioner (Retired) Shirley Cuillierrier, M.O.M.

Can you talk about your experience working for the RCMP?

Our Elders always remind us that we have a gift as human beings and that is to share our stories. I am happy to gift the RCMP with my story.

My first posting was Souris, P.E.I. and I went on to work on the Prime Minister's Detail, Immigration, Recruiting and organizational strategic planning. I honed my investigative skills in gender-based violence and human trafficking. My passion has always been to provide better policing with Indigenous communities. I concluded my career in two important roles, as Senior Advisor on Reconciliation and leading the RCMP's work with the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG).

What drew you to a policing career?

I was very fortunate to be born into a strong and proud family of Mohawk woman. My Tota (grandmother) honoured my mother with my Mohawk name Kwa:ne:ra:ta:ion:ne, meaning leaf placer. Born in late fall, the placing of leaves is about protection and a sense of order. Fall leaves protect the ground over the winter and give little creatures a place to take refuge during the cold.

Choosing a policing career seemed to make the most sense when you think of my Mohawk name. A protector and giving life a sense of order. Like many others, as a young person I was influenced by another female police officer at a school talk.

This year marks 50 years since Troop 17 became the first group of women to take the oath to become RCMP police officers, what is the significance of this event to you?

When I think of Troop 17, I think of Warrior women. Their legacy made it possible for me to consider a career in the RCMP. I am so grateful for their professionalism despite the many setbacks they experienced. I love reading stories about their lives and careers. I can only imagine what life was like for them at Depot, everything from designing a uniform for women, the floor plan for dormitories to careful consideration of staffing the Troop. But...they did it and thanks to them the organization evolved and policing was enriched with their presence. A big hug and Thank You goes out to every woman in that first Troop.

What was the most gratifying or special part of your job?

When I reflect on my 36 years of service like any other profession there have been highs and lows. But overall, the satisfaction of serving Canadians and supporting colleagues made coming to work every morning satisfying.

The time, effort and commitment I devoted in the RCMP to raising awareness of the violence levelled against Indigenous women is what is most important to me and continues to be in retirement. I choose to use my experience and voice to make a difference.

What words of encouragement would you offer to a young woman interested in pursuing a career at RCMP?

You never really leave the RCMP even in retirement. My greatest friends to this day are former members and I feel very privileged to have them in life. Always the recruiter, I encourage young women and especially Indigenous women to join the RCMP. Women lead, think and police differently. There’s a place for you in the RCMP and remember the Elders’ teachings, use your gifts.

Corporal Sally Rice

Supervisor/Investigator, Pictou County District RCMP

What drew you to a policing career?

I have a vivid memory of being 6 or 7 years old and being at the library with my mom and seeing a book with a female police officer on the cover. I was captivated by this photo. I remember deciding that is what I wanted to do, obviously not knowing anything about the job at that time. Everything I did in school was gravitating towards it, whether is was volunteering with the police, doing other volunteer work, or doing work terms with the police when I was in university and community college.

Why did you choose the RCMP?

The RCMP is iconic in a way with our uniform and our Red Serge. But policing in general is what interested me. I was drawn to working with the community, working with the public, and working with kids. Overall, the opportunity to work anywhere in Canada or outside Canada was enticing. This organization that has so many career paths and opportunities and that was a big draw. Every time I wear my Red Serge I am very proud of my uniform and what it represents.

What are some roles you've had over in your career?

I'm currently in my 23rd year with the RCMP. I started out working in general duty policing followed by recruiting. Then I was an instructor at Depot, teaching police sciences and fitness. I was also a general duty investigator and family violence coordinator in the Northwest Territories. From 2018 to 2019, I completed an overseas mission with European Union Coordinating Office for Palestine Police Support. I came back to the Northwest Territories and then transferred to Nova Scotia shortly after back to general duty policing. I'm currently a supervisor/investigator with the Pictou County District RCMP.

What's the significance of Troop 17 to you?

These women basically paved the road for future members and women in the RCMP. They're trail blazers. I have been fortunate to cross paths with a few of these ladies through my career, and I was humbled by their strength, positivity, resilience and determination - all admirable traits.I would want to say thank you, for their dedication and hard work, which laid the ground work for all the women that came after them in a challenging policing career.

Do you have any advice for young people who are interested in a career with the RCMP?

There are so many opportunities. People start general duty, but if you have a skill, or special set of abilities or interests, you can branch out. I've had administrative jobs and I've had operational jobs and not always in order. I'm near the end of career and I'm still in an operational setting. And you miss it. When you get tired of doing the paperwork, you can take a patrol and proactively interact with people and check on the community. Not many jobs allow you to do that. And you never stop learning in this job. There are always new challenges.

Corporal Marlies Dick

Acting Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge, Provincial Counter Human Trafficking Unit

What drew you to a policing career?

In the 1970s, when they opened up the RCMP to women, my sister who was 10 years older talked about joining, and I thought that was the coolest thing ever. She didn't end up doing it, but it stuck with me. Then life went on, I moved to Vancouver and overnight I was married and had 4 kids to take care of. At the time, I was training for a marathon. My husband and I would often run in the park and see dogs off leash, and I'd complain about it. I'd say to him that I could be handing out fines! He'd laugh and tell me I'd make a great cop. He was the one who encouraged me to join, and together we looked into information sessions for the Vancouver Police Department as well as the RCMP. When I applied, I was 38, turning 39, and I thought to myself that I didn't want to go through my life thinking, "I could've, I should've, I wanted to." I was just going to try and if I was too old, so be it! Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

How long have you worked with the RCMP and can you provide an overview of your career?

I have almost 20 years of service; I joined in 2005. I started my career at the North Vancouver Detachment while juggling the responsibilities of raising four sons, aged 11 to 21 years. Initially, I handled general policing duty. From there, I moved to the Integrated First Nations Unit, a unique collaboration between the RCMP and the municipal police force in West Vancouver. This role, which I held for a couple of years, involved some of the most rewarding work of my career. Following that, I transitioned to the Sex Crimes and Child abuse unit in North Vancouver, where I served for 6 years. My next move was a promotion to Corporal in the Youth Intervention Unit. Much of my career has been dedicated to assisting at-risk youth in various capacities. Currently, I am the acting sergeant in charge of the Provincial Counter Human Trafficking Unit.

Why did you end up choosing the RCMP?

I went to the RCMP recruiting session and I remember the recruiter started by saying that probably only 2 of us in the room were going to make it to the end of the application process. I elbowed my eldest son, who had come with me, and said, "That's going to be me, I'm going to be one of them." The RCMP has such a recognized image all over the world, steeped with history, so I think that, combined with my experience at the information session, as well as my exposure to the organisation from a younger age, really sold me.

What has been the proudest moment of your career?

I have several really great moments, but in particular when I worked in the Integrated First Nations Unit. I dealt with 3 youths that were at-risk, 2 girls and 1 boy, and had unique bonds with each. I remain in contact with them now. They'll send me a message sometimes and tell me that I made a difference in their lives. I believed in them and because of my support and my unwavering commitment to them as kids they are where they are today. The impact and the relationship I have with those 3 is the highlight of my career.

This year marks 50 years since Troop 17 became the first group of women to take the oath to become RCMP police officers, what is the significance of this event to you?

Those women broke ground for us. I remember coming to work at E Division and, in the front entrance, there were 3 portraits on the wall: Queen Elizabeth, Commissioner Brenda Lucki, and Deputy Commissioner Jennifer Strachan who was our Commanding Officer at the time. They were all female leaders, and I thought that was the coolest thing, and of course that's all because of the fearless women of Troop 17.

Fun fact

In addition to being a police officer in real life, Acting Sergeant Marlies Dick actually starred as a police officer in a movie with Hallie Berry called Things We Lost in the Fire! Our members are multi-talented!

Ravinder Rai

Public Service Employee, FIFA 2026 Security Coordination & Operational Response (SCORE)
Criminal Operations Core, E Division

What led you to join the RCMP?

I started with the RCMP in 1997 in the Sidney/North Saanich Detachment. Before I joined, I worked for the Town of Sidney Municipality. I remember observing operational members interacting with their community, and that inspired me, as I wanted to give back and help people. I had no prior policing experience, and it was very overwhelming to learn policing and to contribute to frontline policing. The Sidney/North Saanich RCMP was a small and extremely supportive detachment, and they were instrumental in my decision to stay with the RCMP. I worked in various roles—front counter, records, CPIC and Court Liaison Officer as a municipal employee—and this is where I formed my foundation of RCMP policing.

Looking back, can you describe a time of growth or learning that impacted you?

In 2004, I joined the RMS Renewal Team to implement and train the Police Records Information Management Environment (PRIME) system in British Columbia. The team was diverse with different policing backgrounds, allowing me to further grow and develop as an employee. Once PRIME was fully implemented, I transitioned under the Information Management and Technology Branch (IMIT) as a public service employee. I started off as a supervisor and subsequently moved into a management position. My experience with IMIT is a time where if I could do it differently, I would. Leadership should not feel lonely in an organization as large as ours, yet I did. I felt limited and invisible. Thankfully, I have learned that times of testing create strength and growth if you allow them to, and now I have a perspective that I can use to help prevent others from feeling trapped in that sense of loneliness.

Can you give an example of how your role and your personal career goals have aligned?

I have always wanted to make an impact on the organization and leave it a better place for others to follow. My goal has always been to give back the same way I was welcomed into the RCMP family when I started my career in Sidney. I finally got this opportunity when I joined the RCMP FIFA 2026 Security Coordination and Operational Response (SCORE) Team for the FIFA World Cup that will take place in North America in 2026. Just like the countries coming to play here, the SCORE26 team is passionate and diverse, with the desired goal of reaching success in our respective roles. We encourage one another daily in this exciting venture that will impact many—whether they realize it or not—and that gives me a sense of satisfaction both professionally and personally.

Do you have any words of encouragement for anyone wanting to join the RCMP?

After I joined FIFA SCORE26, I recognized that there is a place for everyone within the RCMP. It may take some time, and you may have to explore different parts of the organization, but there is somewhere that everyone belongs, so don't give up. Being a female immigrant to Canada, a visible minority, and a public service employee, there were days I felt I had all the cards stacked against me. But FIFA SCORE26 has given me a different perspective and a sense of belonging. There is a place for everyone somewhere in this organization—you just need to find it.

What would you say is the proudest moment in your career?

There have been several proud moments, so it's hard to pick one. The first would be when I started with the RCMP. I was surrounded by so much experience back then that I looked up to everyone and felt so honoured to be working with so many talented employees. I felt proud to be one of them. Implementing PRIME was also a very significant event in my work experience. It was a huge undertaking that came with a lot of challenges, including working with different police agencies and being a huge learning curve, but when it was completed, it was a very rewarding feeling. Lastly—joining the FIFA SCORE26 team. Much of my background was focused on the PRIME system, and I felt people only knew me as the PRIME face and name. With SCORE26, I feel that my team and leadership believe, value, and trust my ability. That honestly makes me proud not just of myself but of the team and the organization.

This year marks 50 years since Troop 17 became the first group of women to take the oath to become RCMP police officers. What is the significance of this event to you?

When I think of the 50th anniversary of Troop 17, I think about how much respect I have for women who are part of this organization and what they have done to pave the way for us. If it weren't for all the women ahead of us, with each one having her own story and challenges along the way, we wouldn't be here being this impactful within the organization. When the organization can be open to change, we can put people over the process. We need to hear about people's experiences and share their stories. It's through their stories that we pave the way for change for all categories of employees regardless of gender and ethnicity.