Professional Development Seminar Inspires Airmen Published Sept. 12, 2012 By 1st Lt. Kathleen Eisenbrey 15th Medical Group JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR HICKAM, Hawaii -- Seventy-four professionals from here gathered at the Aloha Conference Center here Aug. 28 to celebrate women's equality in a premiere professional development seminar entitled, "How to Reach Your Highest Potential ... and Help Others Reach Theirs." The three-hour seminar touched upon topics promoting empowerment in the workplace, including ten activities to maximize one's potential for success, synergistic success effects employed by successful leaders, tips for implementing a goal setting action plan, and exploring the "female factor," among others. Utilizing her 23 years-and-counting experience as a leader, Jenkins shared advice regarding how to succeed. "Attitude is everything," said Col. Eva Jenkins, 692nd Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Group commander. "Your attitude matters. A positive attitude is always better in every situation. It is integral to understand your priorities, work on personal development every day, and be your best" "As a young lieutenant, I sought feedback from my Airmen and noncommissioned officers," she said. "After I asked them for honest advice on how I was performing, I asked them, 'how can I do better?" When facing inevitable challenges, Jenkins suggested that participants "turn obstacles into opportunities." Jenkins is no stranger to overcoming obstacles. Born in a Communist country during the Cold War, Jenkins' parents chose to seek freedom when she was a toddler days after the Soviet-led Warsaw Pact troops invaded Czechoslovakia. Jenkins' family was very fortunate as they departed their homeland hours before the nation state's borders closed behind the Iron Curtain. Her family sought refuge first with a Catholic priest in Austria, then in Canada for 10 years before immigrating to the United States when she was an adolescent. "I often comment that English is my second language," said Jenkins. "Many people do not realize that I am serious ... English is my second language." Although being a non-native English speaker may be perceived as an impediment, it illustrates the wellspring of her success. Utilizing her native fluency in Slovak, her proficiencies in Czech, French and Russian, and her avid interest in the history of the Slovak people and gift for understanding politics in the post-Soviet regions, Jenkins has embraced opportunities contingent upon her experiences as a career intelligence officer. Jenkins has become a Political Affairs Specialist, a specialist in the European, NATO and Eurasian fields of study, and has earned a Doctorate of Philosophy Degree in International Studies (with Academic Merit Award). She has published two books; "Slovakia's Journey to NATO Membership," and "Military Intel-Sharing Relationships among NATO Allies in Support of the Global War on Terrorism." She is currently writing her third book. Jenkins said that setting goals begins with developing an action plan and stressed the importance of discovering personal vision and purpose early in one's career. She suggested creating achievable goals after diligent research, committing to your goals by signing a contract with yourself, and conducting periodic assessments. "The greatest gift we can bestow on others is to inspire them to reach their highest potential in a field or endeavor of their choosing," said Jenkins. On the topic of inspiration, Jenkins quoted the 15th century Italian Renaissance sculptor and painter, Michelangelo. "The greatest danger for most of us is not that our aim is too high, but that our aim is too low and we reach it." In light of her experiences as a youth, Jenkins is grateful for having the opportunity to serve as a senior officer in the Air Force and "for being part of the world's greatest nation, which continues to serve as a beacon of freedom, democracy and opportunity for others around the world." "The greatest gift we can bestow on others is to inspire them to reach their highest potential in a field or endeavor of their choosing," said Jenkins.