Women speak about Military Careers During Women's History Month
Upper school students heard from a panel of women in the military as part of the school’s recognition of Women’s History Month on March 29, 2024. This year’s theme is “Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.”
Susan Moore, upper school Math and middle and upper school Design Thinking & Computing teacher kicked off the event and spoke about her time in the United States Coast Guard Academy and the Coast Guard.
The panel included Cmdr. Veronica Anderson, U.S. Navy; Cmdr. Brittany Laird, U.S. Navy; YN1 Mackenzie Williams, U.S. Navy; and Cmdr. Amanda Harris, U.S. Coast Guard. Each spoke about their journey in the Armed Forces and at the end, answered questions from the students.
The panel spoke about being in a male-dominated career and spoke of their mentors and journeys, including career successes.
“I’ve been super fortunate throughout my career that I’ve never felt that I was the only female,” said Cmdr. Anderson. I was the first female to be on staff at Seawolf, which is the Top Gun for helicopter pilots.”
When asked what their leadership style was, she replied: “It’s important to be the calm in the storm and not be the storm.”
“I try to be an empathetic leader,” Cmdr. Harris continued. “I think it’s important to try to understand people. It’s also important to understand that you will not always get it right the first time.”
Another student asked what advice they would give students.
“I love doing electronics,” said Cmdr. Laird. “When I was in high school, I would have never thought I would be doing this. I was doing cheerleading and other things; the opposite end of the spectrum. Having an open mind to try new things is fantastic…By the time I was 20 years old, I had already visited six countries.”
Cmdr. Harris also encouraged students to “do the hard stuff and take on the challenges and risks,” she said. They offer a lot of opportunities.”
Meanwhile, middle school…
Students were seeing if they had what it takes to make the cut with NC1 Boardman in the middle school gym. Their part of the program had the Navy counselor and recruiter putting them to the test. Students and some of their teachers were trying their hand at the physical fitness tests that individuals interested in joining the Armed Forces have to pass to serve our nation.
Coach Heather Holt assisted in administering the test to students.
