Make the Change

HICKAM AIR FORCE BASE, Hawaii -- Senior Master Sgt. Vanessa Smallsbryant gives a talk on making changes during Women's Equality Day here Aug. 26. Women’s Equality Day commemorates the 1920 passage of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution which granted women the right to vote. The focus of the presentation, “Overcoming Obstacles – a female’s perspective,” shared a collective vision on how to address obstacles women’s lives, and to effectively “make the change.” (Courtesy photo)

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“Make the Change”

Published Sept. 8, 2009
By Debra Straight
15th Airlift Wing deputy inspector general, Hickam Federal Women's Program Historian

HICKAM AIR FORCE BASE, Hawaii -- The Hickam Federal Women's Program sponsored a Women's Equality Day Brown Bag Luncheon Aug. 26 at the Nelles Chapel Annex. Women's Equality Day commemorates the 1920 passage of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution which granted women the right to vote. The focus of the presentation, "Overcoming Obstacles - a female's perspective," shared a collective vision on how to address obstacles women's lives, and to effectively "make the change."

Senior Master Sgt. Vanessa Smallsbryant, 15th Airlift Wing Professional Military Education Center director of education, was the emcee for the event, and she also relayed some personal experiences where her biggest obstacle was herself. Yet, with faith, she persevered, overcame and prospered, and now serves as an educator.

Major Kristin Carlson, 15th Medical Operations Squadron medical services flight commander, knows that obstacles can come from a variety of sources. She shared that, as a member of the armed services, her obstacles - or, as she called them, "learning opportunities" - were lack of experience, balancing service and family commitments, and leadership versus command issues. She suggested we all consider our individual obstacles as chances to make "deliberate decisions."

"There is no secret to overcoming obstacles," said Hawaii National Guard Command Chief Master Sgt. Denise Jelinski-Hall. "Everyone handles obstacles differently. But overcoming obstacles does require support," and she encouraged all to "not be afraid to ask for it. There are ways around obstacles; over, under, around or through them. There are tools and resources to assist you. Allow yourself to be great. Don't let failure be an option!"

15th AW Command Chief Master Sgt. Craig Recker agreed that "those obstacles faced by our guest speakers mirror many of the challenges we all face."

In his closing remarks, Col. Sam Barrett, 15th AW vice commander, said, "The event was a fitting tribute to the talented and dedicated women serving in Air Force Active Duty, Reserve, Guard, civilian and family member roles. The gathering recognized strong women fighting to overcome challenges and achieve success ... how blessed we are to live in a nation that freely embraces and encourages leadership opportunity and success for all. Because of this, so many talented women thrive as leaders, mentors, and patriots under the freedoms enjoyed in our Unites States of America!"

The FWP's primary purpose is to improve the status of women in the federal government. All interested individuals are invited to attend meetings and get involved. For more information, call FWP President Dinah Sanchez at 449-0357.