Women’s History Month lunch and learn mentors leaders

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Jim Araos
  • 30th Space Wing Public Affairs

The Women’s History Month committee hosted a lunch and learn at the Airman and Family Readiness Center, March 23, to mentor future leaders of the Air Force.

The event provided mentorship to everyone on how to navigate through Air Force career fields, life as a public official and the civilian workforce.

Mentors in attendance were Joyce Howerton, first female mayor of Lompoc, Col. Jennifer Grant, 30th Operations Group commander, Chief Master Sgt. Stephanie Flinn, 30th Civil Engineer Squadron chief enlisted manager, and Emily Dreiling, Sexual Assault Response Coordinator chief.

 

“I think it’s important that we celebrate Women’s History Month to pay attention to all the things that women have contributed to the Air Force,” said Master Sgt. Lashandra Denson, 30th Civil Engineer Squadron engineering flight superintendent.

 

As one of the first advocates of the feminist movement, Howerton provided her take on the decades of change within the military. 

 

“It’s amazing to see how far the military has come,” said Howerton. “When I first started coming out to the base in the 1970s, you never saw women in the military. To see all of you in uniforms, it’s exciting and it shows how society is changing and moving forward.”

 

Each mentor gave leadership advice on how to take care of people in the workplace and pave the way for future leaders.

 

“Whatever piece of the world you are in, open the door and make sure the people working with you are being heard,” said Howerton. “My favorite slogan is ‘leadership is action, not position.’ We’re all leaders in some respect, and we need to focus on what our actions are.”