Laura Navarro
A “Full Circle Moment”: Administrative and Executive Coordinator Laura Navarro’s journey takes her from “Military Brat” to working with Mainland BC MFRC
When asked if she had a connection to the Military, Laura Navarro, Mainland BC MFRC’s Administrative and Executive Coordinator, responded by saying, “Where don’t I have a connection?” Her mom currently serves with the CAF, with a career that is now 35+ years strong…her father served in the British Forces…other relatives (e.g., a grandparent and an aunt) have served in Military units both in Canada and the UK…and her partner has a Military background as well. So, it’s safe to say that Laura has a solid understanding of, and a deep respect for, the Military, those who serve in it, and the families who support those who serve.
Growing up “all over”
Laura says she never had a childhood home…at least not in the traditional sense. During her youth, she lived in Edmonton, New York, Edmonton (again), and Vancouver. From grade 4 to grade 7, Laura attended 4 different schools in 2 different countries.
It was her mother’s Military career that dictated where they lived, and not only did Laura have to adjust to moving frequently during a pivotal time in her life, but she also had to cope with her mother’s hectic and non-traditional work hours. During Laura’s childhood, her mother completed multiple deployments, which meant that Laura had to face long periods of separation. Yet, she was never upset by her mother’s choice of career.
“Even though my mom had this ginormous career, she made it a point to be there for everything she possibly could,” states Laura.
Laura is proud of her mother’s career. As an Indigenous woman, her mother faced her own battles enrolling in the CAF; from her, Laura has learned a lot about resilience, work ethic, and following your passion.
“I’m her biggest fan.”
Laura also recognizes the positive impacts of growing up in a Military family, citing independence and self-sufficiency in particular.
“A Sprinkle of Everything”
Laura started her current position with Mainland BC MFRC in 2024; however, she was no stranger to the organization. In 2023, she accepted a short-term contract with the non-profit, and she loved the work so much, that when she applied for her current position and was awarded the job, she knew she’d found her purpose.
While much of her job pertains to behind-the-scenes administrative tasks, Laura finds heart in knowing that what she does still supports Military families. She also gets to work with every member of the Mainland BC MFRC team, so her days are never dull.
“I stay grounded in the day-to-day tasks, and I also get to indulge my creative side, helping where I’m most needed,” says Laura. “It’s a great balance of having desk time and having collaborative team time and also helping CAF members and families who contact us.”
“I grew up in MFRCs”
Laura is at home, in a sense, at the Mainland BC MFRC, since she was fortunate enough to avail of many supports the MFRC offers Military families throughout her youth.
From after-school programs to special events, MFRCs played an important part in Laura’s childhood. They helped connect Military families, which is so important and allows children growing up in Military families to be with children going through similar things as themselves.
When she lived in upstate New York, there was an MFRC that connected approximately a dozen Canadian Military families. It formed a mini community and offered “little bits of home,” something that Laura is forever grateful to have experienced.
“The MFRCs, as a kid, felt like this little hub of other kids who understood…they just got it.”
The impact MFRCs played in Laura’s life was so big that it has shaped her into the person she is today. In her current role, she’s motivated to help today’s Military children find their own “little bits of home” and connection through Mainland BC MFRC.
When she hears Military families thank the Mainland BC MFRC for the various resources and services that they’ve been able to benefit from, Laura admits she flashes back to her own childhood and wonders if those various MFRCs were thanked for everything they did for Child Laura.
“It feels like a full circle moment of growing up in the MFRCs and now being able to help the next generation of Military children.”
“We’re here for you”
As Laura knows firsthand the benefits of connecting with an MFRC, she is keen to spread the message to Military/Veteran families throughout Mainland BC.
She’s also quick to point out that there’s no pre-determination criteria or hierarchy of service. If you’ve served, you served, she states, and we’re here for you and your family regardless of whether you have 20 years of service with the CAF or 2 weeks.
“We respect your service,” she says. “You’ll always be respected here no matter how you served.”
She also wants the Military community to know that there’s no set definition on what a family entails. As she says, “you decide who your family is.”
“Even if you want to stop by and say hi, if you want to see a friendly face who is not part of your chain of command, or if you want to not be in your office for a cup of coffee…we’re here.”
Setting herself up for success
Laura practices what she preaches to others and makes self-care a priority. Because she grew up watching the impact of long hours on Military families, she has what some might consider to be an advanced awareness of the importance of self-care for someone who is still quite young.
In fact, she sprinkles self-care practices into various parts of her day, starting with morning visits to the gym. She also makes sure to take breaks from sitting at work, and she walks her dogs once the workday has ended.
That takes care of her physical health. She also makes time to check in with her coworkers throughout the day, and she helped set up a colouring station in the office that anyone can use when they need to decompress.
Laura also draws on a motto she embraced as a child and that is: “We weren’t given a choice [for this lifestyle], but we knew how to make the most of it.”
As Laura knows full well, there are so many things in life that are out of our control—knowing what we do have influence over is an important skill…and she credits her Military family upbringing for developing that resilience.
To connect with Laura, you can email executivecoordinator@bcmfrc.com or phone 604-225-2520 ext 2531.
