The General Hillier Valour and Service Veterans and Military Families Scholarship is supported by a committed group of individuals who bring rich experience from the military, education, and communication sectors. Together, they guide the development of the scholarship, oversee the selection process, and help ensure it remains grounded in purpose, integrity, and service. Their leadership and dedication reflect a deep respect for Canada’s military community and a shared belief in the power of education to build brighter futures.
General (Ret’d) Rick Hillier, OC, CMM, ONL, MSC, CD
Chair of the Committee
Born in Newfoundland and Labrador, General Rick Hillier joined the Canadian Forces in 1973 through the Regular Officer Training Plan program and graduated from Memorial University of Newfoundland, where he is presently Chancellor. After completing his officer training, he joined his first regiment, the 8th Hussars in Petawawa, Ontario. Subsequently, he served with, and later commanded, the Royal Canadian Dragoons in Germany and Canada.
Throughout his career, General Hillier has had the privilege of commanding troops from the platoon to multi-national formation level within Canada, Europe, Asia and the United States. In 1998 Hillier was appointed as the first Canadian Deputy Commanding General of III Corps, US Army in Fort Hood, Texas and in 2000 took command of NATO’s Stabilization Force’s (SFOR) Multinational Division (Southwest) in Bosnia.
In May 2003 Hillier was appointed as Commander of the Army and subsequently, in October 2003, he was selected as the Commander of the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan. Hillier was promoted to General and assumed duties as the Chief of the Defence Staff on 4 February 2005 and retired from the Canadian Forces 2 July 2008. He now focuses on leadership and charitable endeavours in a variety of venues.
Rick and his wife Joyce have two sons, Chris and Steven, two daughters in law, Caroline (Chris) and Amanda (Steven) and two grandsons, Jack and Matthew (Chris and Caroline). Rick and Joyce reside in Ottawa and often in Newfoundland.
Erika Barootes, External Relations Director, MaKami College
Erika Barootes represents MaKami College on this committee, leveraging her extensive experience in governance and stakeholder relations across various levels of government and boards in both for-profit and not-for-profit sectors. As Director of External Relations, Erika oversees MaKami’s donor strategy and outreach, ensuring alignment with the college’s mission while fostering transparency and accountability. Her leadership ensures stakeholders remain informed about the foundation’s progress and initiatives.
With a career spanning public and private sectors, Erika has contributed to building governance models, managing community outreach programmes, and strengthening brand strategies. Her background equips her to support the committee in developing a robust governance framework that can be applied across the foundation. Erika’s approach includes engaging diverse stakeholders, streamlining processes, and ensuring compliance with best practices.
Passionate about honouring military service members and their families, Erika is committed to creating opportunities for veterans while recognising their sacrifices. Her dedication helps advance the foundation’s goals effectively.
Brigadier-General (Ret’d) Willam (Bill) Fletcher, OMM, SMV, CD
Born into a military family, Bill Fletcher joined the Canadian Forces in 1989 with 762 (Reserve) Electronic Warfare Squadron. He enrolled into the Infantry with the Regular Force in May 1990. He attended College Militaire Royal de St Jean and graduated from the Royal Military College with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. He also holds a Masters in Defence Studies. Bill served as a proud member of the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI) and has commanded at all levels from Platoon to 3rd Canadian Division. His staff appointments include Instructor at the Canadian Infantry School, Operations Officer of Land Force Western Area, Executive Assistant to the Army Commander and Special Advisor to the Chief of Defence Staff. He also served as the Deputy Commanding General – Operations with XVIII Airborne Corps of the US Army at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. He deployed to Bosnia with the Lord Strathcona’s Horse (Royal Canadians)
Harwinder Kang, Council Member, Canada Company
Harwinder Kang is the Co-Founder, President, and CEO of Prime Real Estate Group, a commercial real estate development and management firm headquartered in Calgary, with projects across Alberta and Texas, USA, and an office in Houston, TX. Prime’s diverse portfolio includes commercial, retail, office, and hotel properties.
In addition to real estate, Harwinder is the Chairman of Sentinel Financial Services Ltd a full-service financial services business, which includes a Mutual Funds Dealer and an Insurance Managing General Agency. This organization has a strong network of financial advisors across Canada and is headquartered in Saskatoon.
With over 20 years of experience in real estate, Harwinder has earned numerous awards and recognitions, including:
• Business in Calgary Magazine’s “Leaders of Tomorrow” Award (2017)
• Finance Monthly Magazine’s Global Award: “Private Capital Markets Advisory Firm of the Year” (2018)
Harwinder holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering and has been actively involved in his community. He previously served as a Director and President of both the Taradale Community Association and the Taralake Community Development Society.
Beyond business and community involvement, Harwinder enjoys an active lifestyle and the outdoors. He is a licensed private pilot, a YPO Gold member, and serves as a Council Member of the Alberta Chapter of Canada Company.
Lieutenant Colonel (Ret’d) Eleanor Taylor, OMM, MSM, CD
Eleanor Taylor is a native of Nova Scotia who completed a 27-year career as an infantry officer and now leads community engagement and advocacy in True Patriot Love, Canada’s Foundation supporting Veterans, Serving Members, and their Families.
While in uniform, she had many rewarding experiences at home and abroad. She had the privilege of leading operations in Kosovo, Bosnia, and Afghanistan. Some people consider her career remarkable because she had success in the male-dominated world of the infantry; she considers her career remarkable because it provided her with great excitement and challenge and allowed her to work with some of the best people in the nation.
Eleanor was a founding member of Aman Lara, a not-for-profit organization that evacuates people at risk from Nations in crises. It was established in response to the crises in Afghanistan during the summer of 2021. Since its inception, Aman Lara has evacuated over 6000 people from Afghanistan. Eleanor lives in Halifax, Nova Scotia, with her family. She is passionate about projects supporting culture change, veterans’ wellness, and women in leadership.
Master Corporal (Ret’d) Giselle Drew Walsh, CD
Giselle Drew Walsh, Mrs. Universe Canada ’24/’25, is a dynamic leader and motivational speaker, and uniquely Canada’s first veteran to win a national pageant. Her military service forged her leadership and mental fortitude, now driving her advocacy for mental health, women’s empowerment, and veteran support.
Giselle’s impactful speaking engagements connect with diverse audiences, sharing her resilience and offering practical insights on leadership and growth. Her authentic storytelling inspires others to embrace challenges and lead purposefully.
Committed to service, she sits on the Board for Valour in the Presence of the Enemy and on Canadian Institute for Military and Veteran Health Research (CIMVHR), bolstering veteran support.
Giselle now hosts “Veteran Voices,” a television show which shares inspiring stories of resilience, and leadership, archiving veteran experiences and building on her “Breaking Dress Regs” podcast.
Giselle’s mission: empower individuals and organizations to transcend limitations, view challenges as opportunities, and lead with compassion. As a veteran, advocate, and speaker, she inspires others to find their empowerment.
