CBBC News

Every year on March 8th, International Women’s Day celebrates the achievements of women around the world and the drive for progress toward gender equality. This year’s theme, “Accelerate Action,” calls for bold steps to remove barriers and create opportunities for women in all fields.

At CBBC Career College, we are committed to equipping students with the skills and confidence to thrive in meaningful careers. One of the many inspiring educators leading this charge is Gail Naugle, an instructor for the Medical Laboratory Assistant program.

Medical Laboratory professionals play a crucial role in healthcare, providing critical data that helps diagnose and treat patients. As an experienced educator and advocate for the profession, Gail is passionate about empowering women to pursue careers in laboratory sciences. She shares her journey, challenges, and advice for the next generation of healthcare professionals.

What inspired you to pursue a career in science and technology? 

Gail: I was at the hospital having bloodwork done and the phlebotomist told me about the program that was being started up again at NSCC for Medical Laboratory Technology after it had been absent in Nova Scotia for over a decade. It appealed to me as I was always a science geek growing up.

Can you share your career journey and how you got to where you are today? 

Gail: My background was design and not terribly stable for income at that time. When the opportunity to study MLT arose, I decided to shift gears. I had a family member that was chronically ill and in the hospital often, so the idea of working in healthcare and helping others was motivating.

What advice would you give to women who are considering a career in science and technology?

Gail: Regardless of your background, if it is something you want to pursue, do it! There are great resources and people to mentor you.

What challenges have you faced as a woman in STEM, and how did you overcome them?

Gail: I think the biggest challenge was my own belief that it would be a male-dominated work environment and harder to establish myself but that actually did not appear to be the case. The majority of lab professionals I have encountered are women.

How has your experience been as a female leader/educator in this industry? 

Gail: I really enjoy being part of a program that enables women to get into a great career that allows them to excel. In many cases, they are trying to establish stability in their lives by doing something meaningful to the community. The variety of students make it a colourful experience, but they are all achieving the same thing.

What achievements are you most proud of in your career so far? 

Gail: I am an introvert so public speaking in front of so many people everyday is definitely an achievement. Sharing my knowledge is fun and rewarding when the lightbulb “goes on” for a student. 

What progress have you seen in gender representation in your field? 

Gail: It is amazing how many colleagues, who started out in the lab as an entry level medical lab professional, have risen in the ranks to managers and even directors. I think that women make a huge impact on the laboratory profession and have a lot of great knowledge and insight that is heard and appreciated.

How do you stay motivated and continue learning in such a rapidly evolving field? 

Gail: When my students ask really complex questions! Sometimes I need to study and investigate to learn more myself. There are great resources/supports for continuous learning such as the CSMLS, our professional association for laboratory professionals in Canada. MLTs are regulated and are required to engage in continuous education (to stay apprised of all the latest technology and continuous improvements in quality of lab work), as a requirement in maintaining a license to practice. Interestingly enough, it was just announced that NS would be the first province to regulate MLAs. This is huge for the profession and will definitely have an impact on the overall “shape” of the laboratory. 

What impact do you hope to have on the next generation of women in science and tech? 

Gail: I hope that anyone that wants to get into healthcare, help people and is intrigued by what happens behind the scenes in the laboratory, goes after pursuing a career in it, regardless of their own background. 

Who are the women in STEM that inspire you? 

Gail: They all inspire me. I have colleagues that have experienced their own health crisis’ and have still shown up to work with a positive attitude to continue to help others. Working in this field can be very challenging and stressful but it is rewarding.

The Path Forward: Turning Inspiration into Accelerated Action

Women like Gail Naugle are leading the way in healthcare education, inspiring the next generation of medical laboratory professionals. But creating meaningful change requires more than inspiration—it demands action.

Here’s how we can accelerate action for women as leaders in STEM and beyond:

• Mentor and uplift the next generation—share knowledge, create opportunities, and foster confidence in young women. 
• Actively advocate for equal opportunities in education, leadership, and career growth.
• Champion diversity and inclusion in workplaces, ensuring women have a seat at the table. 
• Break stereotypes and challenge biases that limit women’s potential in any industry.
• Invest in lifelong learning—support education, training, and skills development for future female leaders.

At CBBC Career College, we believe that accelerating action starts with education and opportunity. By equipping students with practical training, industry knowledge, and mentorship, we are preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals to lead with confidence. Explore our Medical Laboratory Assistant program to gain the skills needed to make an impact in healthcare, learn from experienced educators like Gail Naugle, and take the next step toward a meaningful career.