KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- As a quiet female leader and self-proclaimed introvert, I often find it hard to step out of my comfort zone and socially connect with others. In a male dominated industry, I tend to stick to myself, depend on myself and only let those closest to me inside my inner circle. Now, part of that is definitely on me, but part of that is also because I can get intimidated by a dominant society.
But as I promote throughout the ranks I have learned that it’s not only about myself, but also about the people around me. It’s about those that I lead. It’s about those who look up to me, especially those young female Airmen. It’s about the female Airman that was crying because her boyfriend and her were having relationship issues. It’s about the young lady that was having issues in class because of some inappropriate remarks that were made during school. It was about the mother that misses her child while away at a long deployment or training.
As hard as it may be to put myself out there, I got to connect with our future female leaders and learn so much about them. I learned women are hard-working and caring. I learned that they are strong, but also gentle. I learned that they are courageous and speak up when needed. I learned they’re resilient and persevere during times of extreme stress. They have so much impact to our society, it’s important to remember the struggles they’ve been through and the struggles they currently go through.
So, in honor of Women’s History Month, I challenge everyone, enlisted, officer, spouse, civilian, to get out there and socially connect with the other people in your community. Ask the woman next to you about their experiences in life. Ask the single mom how life is treating them and if they need help. Ask the single dad how life is raising a young daughter. Ask the grandmother what it’s like being retired and living life. Ask your neighbor how their boss is treating them at their work center.
Building those social connections with our women today helps us learn some of the flaws in our society. It helps us understand the hardships women have gone through in their past and the hardships they’re going through today.
Sometimes all it takes is one simple question to help create a more resilient community, healthier Keesler, stronger Air Force and more powerful military today.