Photo By Sgt. Mark Owen | Missouri State Command Chief Master Sgt. Laura Clark leads the first meeting of the...... read more read more
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Senior female leaders of the Missouri Air National Guard recently came together to break ground on a new mentorship program focused on recruiting and retaining seasoned female Airmen serving in the Show-Me State.
The program is part of a larger leadership initiative spearheaded by Maj. Gen. Steve Danner, the adjutant general.
“The Missouri National Guard is privileged to have a number of strong women who are leaders throughout our organization,” Danner said. “We must continue to listen to our senior leaders like Chief Master Sgt. Laura Clark and Col. Kimbra Sterr to provide opportunities and create an atmosphere to develop junior Soldiers and Airmen as future leaders.”
The senior leaders who convened in Jefferson City have proven records of success in the Missouri Air National Guard that makes them suited to establishing a way forward, said Clark, the state’s top enlisted Airman.
“The representatives were selected and nominated by their wing leadership to have a seat at the table to provide input to what this program will ultimately become and forming of the founder’s advisory council,” Clark said.
Long-term goals and objectives of the program include mentorship for all Air Guard members to help build and develop their experiences for increased leadership roles and build adaptive, resilient leaders.
“Statistically, women tend to get to a certain point in their career, whether it be family, civilian career or life events, they choose not to re-enlist or stay until retirement,” said Clark. “A large priority from the Air perspective is to increase our retention numbers overall.”
Senior Master Sgt. Susan McGarry, from the 139th Airlift Wing, said the council will enhance the overall strength of the Missouri National Guard.
“The vision is for the program to be open to all current and retired military and civilian employees who support the growth and development of female military leadership,” McGarry said. “Success will require targeted development by all supervisors, male and female. We look forward to the partnerships that will be developed through this program.”
Senior Master Sgt. Susan McGarry, from the 139th Airlift Wing, said she understands the need for the council and the impact it can have on ensuring a diverse workforce.
“Our current leadership has recognized that we need to mentor and grow our female Airmen so they can assume leadership positions,” said Sterr, of the 131st Bomb Wing. “We want to make sure we are a diverse organization where all Airmen are equally recognized and supported.”
The Missouri Air National Guard Women’s Mentorship is slated to meet for their second meeting Nov. 20-21 at Whiteman Air Force Base.
| Date Taken: | 11.05.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 11.05.2014 16:54 |
| Story ID: | 147092 |
| Location: | JEFFERSON CITY, MO, US |
| Hometown: | JEFFERSON CITY, MO, US |
| Web Views: | 106 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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