Akin speaks at 3rd Annual Women's Empowerment Conference

Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Michael Behlin | Brig. Gen. Robin B. Akin, the commanding general of the 3rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), poses with Kentucky District 10 Sen. Dennis Parrett, and Dr. Gail Demery, the president of GMP Services - Consulting and Training Firm, during the 3rd Annual Women's Empowerment Conference, Jan. 15 at the Colvin Community Center in Radcliff, Ky. Akin and Parrett were guest speakers at the conference which provided a forum for women professionals to share their personal blueprints for success.  

FORT KNOX, NC, UNITED STATES

01.15.2011

Story by Sgt. Michael Behlin 

3rd Expeditionary Sustainment Command

FORT KNOX, Ky. - Brig. Gen. Robin B. Akin, the commanding general of the 3d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), was the guest speaker at the 3rd Annual Women's Empowerment Conference on Sat., Jan 15, at the Colvin Community Center in Radcliff, Ky.

Organized by the Dr. Gail Demery, the president of GMP Services - Consulting and Training Firm, the conference provided a forum for professional women to share their personal lessons for success.

During her speech, Akin discussed her military career, and how she balances being a wife, mother and high ranking military officer.

"Women in our military today are very successful," said Akin, a native of Knoxville, Tenn. "We're successful not because a man paved the way for us, but because we've plowed our way through."

"We are who we are because we love our soldiers, and most of all, we love our military."

Attending the conference with Brig. Gen. Akin were Lt. Col. Mary C. Vowell, Capt. Sarah N. Holley, Chief Warrant Officer Alice Ahlfield and Sgt. Monica Olson, all female leaders within the 3d ESC. Akin said she brought these members of her team along to share their accomplishments in the military, as well as their proudest and most empowering moments.

Holley, the 3d ESC's new Headquarters and Headquarters Company Commander, recalled a story about her experiences in Iraq as a maintenance advisor to the Iraqi Federal Police. Despite Islamic beliefs about the role of women, Holley said this was one of the most rewarding assignments during her military career.

"Having Iraqi officers, non-commissioned officers and soldiers listen to my recommendations, they were able to successfully deploy a maintenance support team for the very first time," said Capt. Holley.

Demery said that overall, she felt the conference went very well. She said she sought to "bring together a diverse group of women and equip them with skills and relationships needed to take charge of their life, while discovering their purpose."

Overall, Demery said she accomplished all she sought to and is already looking forward to planning the 2012 conference.

• Date Taken: 01.15.2011
• Date Posted: 01.24.2011 13:36
• Story ID: 64121
• Location: FORT KNOX, NC, US