Leading with Purpose: Women in Health, Leadership, and Service

On Thursday morning, in recognition of International Women’s Day, our dynamic President and CEO, Stacey Daub, had the honour of speaking at CFB Trenton to military personnel, healthcare professionals, and leaders. As both the leader of Quinte Health and the Honorary Colonel of 24 Canadian Forces Health Services, Stacey shared her experiences as a leader and a passionate believer in the power of service. She reflected on the progress women have made, the challenges that remain, and the responsibility we all share in shaping a future where women lead boldly, break barriers, and drive meaningful, people-centered change. 

We are pleased to share some of Stacey’s reflections on women in leadership with our team and the broader community we serve.  Happy International Women’s Day!   

Standing on the Shoulders of Those Who Came Before Us 

I often think about the women who came before us—the ones who fought for rights many of us now take for granted.  

Indigenous women in Canada, for example, were denied the right to vote without renouncing their status until 1960—more than 50 years after many other women had secured that right. This is not distant history; it is a stark reminder that progress is never given, it is earned through persistence and courage. And it is our responsibility to keep pushing forward.  

Indigenous women have long been leaders, healers, and changemakers. Their wisdom continues to inspire me, and I believe we must honour their leadership by amplifying their voices and ensuring equity for all women. 

Women in the Military: Breaking Barriers, Leading with Strength 

The history of women in the military is a story of perseverance and transformation. Women have served in critical roles throughout history, often in the shadows—until they demanded their rightful place. Today, they serve at every level, from pilots to commanders, proving that leadership is not about gender, but about talent, skill, and determination. 

Women now make up 16.5% of the Canadian Armed Forces. That number is growing, and I know it will continue to climb because I see the passion, grit, and excellence of the women who serve. The military, like healthcare, is a field that demands resilience, teamwork, and a deep commitment to service. In both, women have had to prove themselves time and again, yet they continue to show up, lead, and push the boundaries of what’s possible. 

Women in Healthcare: From Caregivers to Decision-Makers 

In healthcare, the evolution of women’s roles is equally profound. For generations, women were seen primarily as caregivers. We still are—but we are also decision-makers, innovators, and leaders. Women make up more than 80% of the healthcare workforce in Canada, yet only 25-30% hold senior leadership positions. That’s not just a gap—it’s a call to action. 

I have seen firsthand the power of women leading in healthcare. We bring different perspectives, champion collaboration, and focus on solutions that are people-centred. The more diverse our leadership, the better our systems will be. We must continue to create opportunities for women to step into leadership roles—not just because it’s fair, but because it makes healthcare stronger, more responsive, and more effective. 

Women as Builders of the Future 

Women don’t just take a seat at the table—we build the table. Throughout my career, I have seen women lead in ways that challenge the status quo and drive meaningful change. In healthcare, that means: 

• Transforming Care Models: Women are leading the charge in shifting toward patient-centered care that prioritizes well-being, not just procedures. 

• Driving Health Equity: Women are at the forefront of ensuring healthcare is accessible and culturally safe, particularly for marginalized communities. 

• Pushing for Smarter Investments: It’s time to measure healthcare success not by output, but by outcomes—by how well we keep people healthy and thriving. 

Women’s leadership is often characterized by collaboration, innovation, and a focus on the greater good. These qualities are exactly what we need in healthcare and beyond. 

The Remarkable Women of Quinte Health 

At Quinte Health, I am surrounded by extraordinary women who bring their expertise, dedication, and compassion to everything they do. From the frontline caregivers and clinical leaders to the teams behind the scenes ensuring our hospitals run smoothly, women shape the heart and future of our organization. Their leadership, resilience, and commitment to our patients and communities inspire me every day. They are not just contributing to healthcare—they are transforming it, making it more responsive, inclusive, and innovative. Their impact is immeasurable, and I am deeply grateful for the role they play in enriching our organization and the lives of those we serve. 

The Road Ahead: Progress and Possibility 

While I celebrate how far we have come, I also know that the work is not done. Gender equity is not a one-time achievement—it is an ongoing pursuit. Women still earn less than men on average. Bias still exists. Opportunities are still unevenly distributed. But I believe in our collective power to change that. 

We cannot settle for ‘good enough.’ We must continue to challenge inequities, push for better representation, and create pathways for the next generation of women leaders. 

Strength, Resilience, and the Power of Community 

I have been fortunate to learn from extraordinary women who have shaped my journey. What they taught me is this: resilience is not about never being afraid—it’s about moving forward anyway. And the best part? We don’t do it alone. We lift each other up. 

That’s why mentorship and support networks matter. We need to create spaces where women can learn, grow, and lead with confidence. We need to challenge the idea that leadership has a single mold and instead embrace the many ways women can lead. 

A Call to Action: Shaping the Future Together 

So, as we mark International Women’s Day, I ask: What will you do to uplift the next generation of women leaders? 

Whether it’s mentorship, advocacy, or simply making space at the table for diverse voices, we all have a role to play. We don’t need to fit into a broken system—we need to redesign it. And we can only do that together. 

The future belongs to those who dare to imagine something better. I know that the women in this community—and beyond—are more than ready to lead us there. 

Be unapologetically accomplished. Own your achievements. Lift others up. And never stop moving forward.