NSWC PCD Commemorates Women’s Equality Day 2016

PANAMA CITY, FL, UNITED STATES

09.02.2016

Story by Katherine Mapp 

Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division

The Federal Women’s Program at Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City gave employees the opportunity to celebrate the 19th Amendment during a ceremony held Aug. 31, 2016.
The Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division (NSWC PCD) Federal Women’s Program Manager (FWPM) Candace Cobb, with assistance from the private, non-profit organization Federally Employed Women (FEW) Panama City Chapter #461, held the event specifically to celebrate the 1920 certification of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution which granted women the right to vote. The observance also focused attention on women's continued efforts toward gaining full equality.
On August 26, 1920, the 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution was ratified. In 1971, at the request of Representative Bella Abzug, the U.S. Congress designated August 26th as Women’s Equality Day. Cobb said the event was hosted to give awareness to women’s equality and highlight events in history that provided a diverse perspective in order to raise cultural awareness within our workforce.
Guest speakers, Dr. Marie Knafelc, and Dr. Carrie Baker, gave inspirational and uplifting speeches in relation to the commemoration’s theme "Era of Change: Women's Influence in Leadership.”
The guest speakers discussed the challenges they faced in becoming leaders in their own right and how they used their roles and responsibilities to encourage, uplift and inspire everyone around them and create positive change.
Knafelc, a retired U.S. Navy diving medical officer, shared her experiences and the gender prejudices she faced throughout her career. Knafelc said there were times in her career that she was doubted because of her gender, rather than her ability to succeed.
An example Kanfelc gave was she had the goal of obtaining her Submarine Warfare Insigia, known as dolphins, as a career path for potential promotion. Onboard the USS Casmir Pulaski, she had 30 days to learn the boat’s systems and needed to pass the commanding officer’s (CO) qualification board. The boat’s crew supported her efforts including documenting that she served onboard and assisting her in learning the boat’s systems.
The submarine’s commanding officer wrote a special fitness report and letter of recommendation. The submarine squadron declined awarding her the Submarine Warfare Insignia, but she persisted. She was awarded her dolphins based on her orders, special fitness report and a submarine CO letter of recommendation that she submitted to the Military Personnel (MILPERS) organization.
“As far as the MILPERS clerk was concerned, I fulfilled my requirements, “said Knafelc. “He told me there wasn’t anything in the regulations that said I had to be a male.”
Among other accomplishments, Knafelc was the first female submarine medical officer in 1982, the first female saturation diving medical officer in 1987 and was inducted into the Women Divers Hall of Fame in 2000.
Additionally, Baker, who earned a doctorate in Educational Leadership and Administration, explained how her experiences and journey toward leadership have had barriers of both race and gender.
Early in her education, Baker said the learning process was stopped and disrupted because of racial tension that occurred daily at school. Because of these frequent occurrences, her voice as a leader was developed early on in life.
“While a good part of my journey was uncomfortable, these experiences helped me develop skills that we as women need each and every day,” said Baker. “These skills make us stay the course, no matter how hard or difficult.”
Baker said these seemingly little traits moved and obligated her to dedicate herself to trying to make a difference in every day. An example of this motivation included her earning five college degrees, including earning her doctorate, despite being told constantly that she could not do it.
“The first class I took during my doctoral program, the professor said ‘I’m glad to see you, but black women very seldom finish doctorate degrees. They just don’t seem to have the stick to it that is needed,’” said Baker. “But, I begged to differ.”
Baker‘s successful career led her to becoming a director at Gulf Coast State College (GCSC), among being active in her community through multiple affiliations. After retirement this year, Baker was awarded the 2016 “Women of Distinction – Pearl Lifetime Achievement Award” by the Girl Scouts of America.
Despite the barriers they faced, both Knafelc and Baker overcame their obstacles with determination and perseverance. They concluded the ceremony by describing what it means to them to be an effective leader.
“Always be prepared for an opportunity. It is better to be prepared and not have an opportunity, than to have the opportunity and not be prepared,” said Baker. “As you go through life, always look, listen and work hard.”
Knafelc said it is important to remain true to yourself.
“I never thought of myself becoming a leader or being in a leadership position, I just happen to be myself. When people see that you are true to yourself, they’re willing to follow your lead,” said Knafelc. “When you have instincts, listen to those. Know who you are in your heart and be true to that.”
Cobb said this year’s program would not have been a success without those involved, including the distinguished community guests and the FEW Panama City Chapter #461.
“I would like to thank Dr. Knafelc and Dr. Baker for sharing their experiences and words of wisdom, Dr. Glenda Walters and Rebecca Saunders of the Bay County Historical Society for diligently researching and enthusiastically discussing the historical account of the first women voters in Bay County and Janet Kessler, executive director of the Bay Education Foundation, for her support,” said Cobb. “I would also like to recognize the FEW Panama City Chapter #461 for all their hard work and contributions to make the 2016 ‘Women’s Equality Day’ a success.”

• Date Taken: 09.02.2016
• Date Posted: 09.13.2016 09:44
• Story ID: 209094
• Location: PANAMA CITY, FL, US