The Importance of Women Serving on Boards
BY KRISTINA DAVIS
As a woman serving on the boards of two impactful charities – Team Rubicon Canada and Natasha’s Wood Foundation – I’m often asked what it’s like to be part of these organizations. People are curious about my journey and how I got there.
From working as a public servant with the Department of National Defence to moving into industry with General Dynamics Mission Systems–Canada, Calian, and now Compass Rose Group, I’ve spent a lot of time in the defence and security community. But how do you channel that experience into the right board position?
WHY WOMEN’S VOICES ON BOARDS MATTER
According to Statistics Canada, as of 2023, 90% of non-profit organizations had a board of directors and close to 50% of board members were women. If we look at publicly traded corporations, privately held corporations and government business enterprises as a whole, that number drops to 20% as of 2020.
Women’s presence on boards goes beyond mere optics; we bring essential skills, experiences, and viewpoints that can influence how organizations approach issues, implement strategies and connect with communities. Studies show that diverse boards are more effective in governance, innovation and resilience.
THE POWER OF DIVERSE PERSPECTIVES
At Team Rubicon Canada, a veteran-led humanitarian organization, we serve communities before, during, and after disasters and crises. We are a growing team, boasting 3,700 humanitarians across the country, with women comprising 30% of the force and board.
Women bring unique perspectives to our organization. They ask different questions, view risks differently, and have distinctive fundraising approaches. These variations enrich our board discussions and positively influence our organizational dynamics.
Team Rubicon’s mission offers veterans and civilian volunteers the chance to continue serving, and with it the possibility of a renewed sense of purpose, community, and identity—elements that can be elusive after military service.
As a veteran’s spouse, I want to see our veterans thrive. At Team Rubicon, we see veterans as sources of strength and leadership. I’m personally committed to ensuring they have every opportunity to lead and drive positive change in our communities.
CHAMPIONING MENTAL HEALTH
My work with Natasha’s Wood Foundation is also deeply personal. The foundation is dedicated to supporting mental health initiatives for children and youth of veteran and CAF members.
Mental health is something I care deeply about and is an area where women’s leadership is particularly valuable. Women bring a distinctive approach to mental health advocacy, often encouraging a more open conversation and promoting an empathetic approach to support systems.
Recently recognized by the CAF Ombud with the Liz Hoffman Memorial Commendation, Natasha’s Wood offers me an opportunity to give back to a community I care deeply about. I’ve seen the peaks and valleys of military life first-hand. And if adults struggle with relationships, a sense of community, deployments and postings, imagine how kids might feel.
HOW TO GET THERE
There’s no magic formula to find the right board position. And I purposefully say the right position, because like many things, it must be the right fit for both parties.
For me, both board opportunities came along via my network at the right time in my career. We talked about what I could bring to the table, I met other board members, and I quickly appreciated the potential for collaboration and impact.
A common thread was that I had taken interest in the causes long before I was considered for a board position. I would encourage women to seek out opportunities with the causes they care about, where organizational values align with their own. Great opportunities to serve and lead will come.
THE RIPPLE EFFECT OF WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP
Leadership is about more than making decisions; it’s about creating a legacy that extends beyond our time on a board. By serving on the boards of Team Rubicon Canada and Natasha’s Wood Foundation, I can contribute to a larger mission – one that values empathy, resilience, community and the hard skills I have to offer.
Moreover, the presence of women on boards serves as a critical mentorship pathway. As board members, we have the privilege and responsibility to encourage this progression, promoting diversity within our organizations and across the defence and security community.
When we invest in women’s leadership, we invest in a future where organizations are more attuned to the needs of the communities they serve. As I continue my journey on these boards, I am grateful for the chance to advocate for change, hopefully inspire others, and push for a future where every young girl can see herself not only as a member of her community but as a leader who shapes it.
Kristina Davis is Lead Public Affairs Counsellor at Compass Rose and serves on the board of directors for Team Rubicon Canada and Natasha’s Wood Foundation. The views expressed here are her own and do not necessarily reflect a CDR editorial position.
