It is absolutely possible to have it all. And again, mainly because we live in Canada, in such a great country that has seen these roles evolve, we’re really able to do and accomplish anything.
Lieutenant Colonel (Ret’d) Maryse Carmichael broke barriers in the Royal Canadian Air Force, becoming a source of inspiration across Canada. Raised in Quebec City, QC, she earned her glider and private pilot licences in her teens and joined the Canadian Armed Forces at 19.
After completing the intense demands of pilot training, she became a flight instructor in Moose Jaw, SK.
She moved on to fly CC-144 Challengers in Nova Scotia and later in Ottawa, transporting VIPs — Prime Ministers, Governors General, and cabinet members.
In 2000, Carmichael made history as the first woman to fly with the Snowbirds — and the first female jet demonstration pilot in the world. Her two seasons performing across North America was a dream come true.
It was beyond exciting … I remember seeing the Snowbirds when I was seven years old and a few other times after that and I really wanted to be part of the team … It became a great adventure.
She later returned to Saskatchewan as the Snowbirds’ first female Commanding Officer, guiding the squadron through major organizational change while raising two daughters.
It’s a privilege to be Canadian, to have had the career that I’ve had, to have children, and to have this gift of having to manage it all, to balance it.
After 22 years of service, she moved into aerospace and public leadership. Carmichael’s story illustrates that with determination, hard work, and vision, anything is possible.
The military taught me not to fear challenges … One door opens the next. You just go and tackle it.