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9th Annual Latina Symposium inspires and recognizes excellence

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Steele C. G. Britton
  • Air Force District of Washington Public Affairs
ARLINGTON, Va. --  Leaders from across numerous branches of the U.S. military joined to inspire women by sharing their leadership experiences during the 9th Annual National Latina Symposium Sept. 6, in Arlington, Va.

The annual workshop and recognition ceremony, sponsored by the Anna Maria Arias Foundation and Latina Style Inc., allowed participants to learn about advancing Latinas in the workplace, entrepreneurship and business, emerging technology trends, political leadership, professional development and balancing daily life with career and personal goals.

This year the symposium, specifically designed to drive Hispanic women forward in life through mentorship, brought together accomplished female leaders from across the nation.

Air Force District of Washington Commander Sharon K. G. Dunbar was invited to motivate Latinas to accomplish their goals during a speech and panel discussions alongside fellow female leaders from the Navy, Coast Guard, and Marines. During the panel discussions, Dunbar shared the opportunities the U.S. military has to offer.

"While I was the commander for Air Force basic training, I had the opportunity to see the diversity of the young men and women joining the Air Force. They all decided to join for different reasons yet they were all driven by their individual goals," said Dunbar. "More than 50 percent of those basic trainees joined because they wanted to get an education, 20 percent to serve their country, and the rest because they wanted to get the skills you can only get in the military."

"I think the best thing you can get from the military is the opportunity to find out who you are," said Dunbar. "In a short period of time you will learn so much about yourself because you will be pushed in different directions, in places you wouldn't have envisioned yourself going or never wanted to go, but once you do that, you realize that you can do anything. There are very few organizations that can compete with the U.S. military in terms of really cultivating talent among young women."

Among accomplished Latinas at the symposium were two individuals from AFDW who were presented with the 2012 Latina Style Meritorious Service Award.

Ermelinda M. Rodriguez-Heffner, AFDW Manpower, Personnel and Services director, and Capt. Erica Fernandez, Headquarters USAF Deputy Chief of Staff Manpower, Personnel and Services Force Development directorate, received the award for their unwavering dedication and 'can do' attitudes as stand-out performers in their duty locations and the Latina community.

"There are so many folks who could benefit by coming into the military and learning to do great things like what Ms. Rodriguez-Heffner and Erica Fernandez have done," said Dunbar. "These two individuals have provided a better life for those minorities who, by virtue of socio economic circumstances, have not been able to get a leg up or are not aware of the availability of education and scholarships afforded through the U.S. military."

Latinas in the U.S. are an economically and socially powerful sector of the population according to Latina Style Inc. With over seven million Hispanic women in the workforce, Latinas represent the fastest growing segment of the small business community.

Dunbar shared her personal experiences and advice about reaching success and thanked Latina Style Inc. for the opportunity to participate in the symposium.

"I am humbled to serve alongside Latinas, as they have inspired me over the years," said Dunbar. "I'm equally proud of all those serving in uniform as well. When they go back to their home communities and show the pride of military service, they encourage future generations and share what it means to serve and what you can do in life."