The Pepper Pod’s ELLE-vation Awards recognize women in the Canadian veteran, military and RCMP community who uplift the women around them.
This spring, many beautiful and heartfelt nominations flooded our inboxes for the inaugural Award. In August, the diverse ELLE-vation Awards Committee met to review the nominations and select our five recipients.
Congratulations to all nominees and to our five award recipients!
ELLE-vation recipients 2025
We’re so pleased to introduce the 2025 recipients of ELLE-vation Awards:
Heather Constantine
Putting people first while honouring the mission always
Heather brings strength and compassion to work every day. She supports everyone around her, while paying special attention to the extra challenges her female colleagues face.
She has worked hard to remove barriers—championing breastfeeding rooms, ensuring free menstrual products are available in washrooms and pushing to eliminate gendered language. Beyond systemic change, Heather has written countless letters of support, nominated peers for awards and modelled the positive behaviours that help others advance in the workplace. She is the steady presence colleagues turn to in hard times and the first to celebrate their wins.
Her contributions have not gone unnoticed: Heather was honoured with the King Charles Coronation Medal for her volunteer work and named one of the Top 20 Women in Defence in 2024.
“Heather made me a better officer,” says her nominator. “Her dedication and determination to influence and change from within makes her exactly the type of leader the CAF needs.”
Melanie Lake
Modelling bold, multidimensional leadership for women who serve
Melanie combines exceptional tactical acumen with a calm presence under pressure and an innate ability to lead with both strength and empathy. She sets the standard in every role, earning the respect of soldiers and peers through integrity, competence and deep commitment to excellence.
She mentors and empowers countless women in and out of uniform, creating space for others to grow and lead. Melanie has advanced institutional priorities and challenged outdated assumptions about women in uniform.
Her leadership extended to coordinating the safe passage of Afghan women fleeing the Taliban—working across time zones and systems to save lives. Balancing this demanding career while raising her daughter as a single mother, she demonstrates resilience that resonates with other women juggling dual responsibilities.
“Melanie has changed lives. She has saved lives. In doing so, she has shown us all what it truly means to lead—with heart, with purpose, and with unwavering humanity,” says her nominator.
Lizette LeBlanc
Blazing the trail for women in combat arms
Lizette’s career is defined by exceptional leadership, unwavering integrity and tireless efforts to elevate others—especially women in uniform. As the first female Regular Force Infantry soldier to achieve each successive rank up to Master Warrant Officer (and soon Chief Warrant Officer), she has shattered barriers and challenged outdated perceptions of women in combat arms. In her role, Lizette consistently advocates for inclusive leadership, institutional integrity and operational excellence.
Her brand of leadership has always been about creating space for others to rise. She uses her voice and presence to champion the next generation of female leaders—opening doors and holding them open for those who follow.
Whether mentoring junior leaders, shaping policy at the institutional level or coaching on sports fields, Lizette exemplifies service and selflessness.
“Lizette leads with humility, integrity, and relentless drive, proving every day that no challenge is insurmountable when approached with courage, positivity and authenticity,” says her nominator.
Eva Martinez
Empowering women and driving inclusion in aerospace and beyond
Eva has devoted her career to creating opportunities for women in aerospace and beyond. As a leader with Women in Aerospace Canada she connected women from top floor to shop floor and expanded the network across the Atlantic provinces, strengthening women’s visibility in the sector.
In 1997, Eva became Canada’s first female United Nations Military Observer, serving in Guatemala with an international contingent overseeing a ceasefire. As the only woman on the mission, she fought to prove her place and now shares her story to inspire others to break barriers and refuse to remain on the sidelines.
Deeply committed to diversity, equity and inclusion, Eva has advised foreign militaries on integrating women into their ranks. Her impact has been recognized with many honours, including the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medal.
“Eva’s greatest impact comes from her unwavering and intuitive support of women of all ages—within the aerospace sector and beyond,” says her nominator.
Bianca Vachon
Leading with unconditional acceptance and inner strength
Bianca is a leader who lifts others without needing the spotlight. She doesn’t speak over people—she listens, supports and empowers. Through her presence, support and willingness to step up, she is a true advocate and champion for women.
Recognition has never been her goal, but her impact is undeniable. Bianca is a reminder of the strength and softness that coexist within us all. She creates a sense of belonging where women can be vulnerable and empowered at the same time. Her ability to make people feel welcome and valued—just as they are—is a rare gift, one she shares generously with all who cross her path.
“Bianca has had a deep impact on my life,” says her nominator. “Her calm, grounded energy and genuine listening made me feel I could be myself without fear. She reminded me that vulnerability is not weakness but strength. Because of her, I’ve become more confident in who I am.”
Go For It!
SPONSORED BY
If there’s one thing our incredible finalists have in common, it’s the attitude of going for it. Whether leading with empathy, creating a safe haven, or sparking discussions about inclusion and women in the trades, our 2025 ELLE-vation Award recipients are blazing trails for our community.
We’re honoured that these three remarkable women are members of The Pepper Pod tribe—and that you are too!
Thank you to everyone who nominated extraordinary leaders, mentors, allies, coaches—everyday heroes who ELLE-vate others, every day. We’re looking forward to celebrating the incredible women in our community again next year.
Be sure to sign up for our SitRep newsletter to be the first to find out who our next winners will be!
