Freezing Woman 7 - The Accidental Trailblazer: The Uncharted Journey of Renee Hansen

We are honoured to introduce our next keynote speaker for Freezing Woman 7: Chief Warrant Officer Renee Hansen, Command Chief Warrant Officer, Royal Canadian Air Force.

Photo: Renee Hansen, with an Arctic Fox, at Canadian Forces Station Alert

Some of the greatest adventures don't happen on a mountain, but on the path to discovering ourselves. Such is the story of CWO Hansen. Her remarkable 30-year journey began not with a grand plan, but with a single, uncertain step into the Army Reserves that grew into a true calling of service and leadership.

As the first woman to hold her prestigious rank, CWO Hansen has navigated uncharted territory with a philosophy grounded in resilience. “I can be incredibly stubborn, and I don’t back down,” she says. “I also know that it is okay to fail – just always get back up, take the time to learn from the failure, and move forward.”

Her leadership is built on a deep belief in connection and creating space for others to be their authentic selves. “I understand this concept,” she explains, “because I had to learn how to comfortably occupy my own space.” It’s this profound self-awareness and empathy that now guides her in her role.

At Freezing Woman 7, CWO Hansen will share her reflections on a different kind of adventure—the journey of leading with your whole heart. Join us to hear from a trailblazer who proves that the most powerful explorations are the ones that lead us back to ourselves.