Photo By Chief Petty Officer Stacy Atkins Ricks | 170323-N-IK388-015 NORFOLK, Va. (March 23, 2017) - Carol Curtis, founder and president...... read more read more
Norfolk, VA – U.S. Fleet Forces Command (USFF) and Naval Support Activity (NSA) Hampton Roads Combined Heritage Committee hosted a women’s heritage celebration aboard NSA Hampton Roads March 23 in observance of Women's History Month.
This year’s theme "Honoring Trailblazing Women in Labor and Business" focused on the contributions of women who have successfully broken down barriers in the workforce, military and civil service. The committee selected the theme to coincide with the Department of Defense’s theme, “Honoring Trailblazing Women Who Have Paved the Way for Future Generations.”
“It’s important that we take the time to observe the women’s heritage celebration because it is only right to honor the service of those who have gone before us to forge these paths,” said Yeoman 2nd Class Aisha Morgan, vice president of the Combined Heritage Committee and one of the key coordinators of the event. “The obstacles that these women faced are real and their stories now serve as a reminder that anyone can aspire to do anything regardless of the obstacles in place.”
Sailors, Marines and civilian guests attended the event at the NSA base chapel. The celebration detailed the historical contributions of women such as Alexis Herman, the first African American person to lead the U.S. Department of Labor, Nina Vaca, CEO and Chairman of Pinnacle Group and Madam C.J Walker, one of the first American women to become a self-made millionaire.
Keynote speaker Carol Curtis, founder and president of Noah Enterprises, Inc., a general contractor company in the Mid-Atlantic region, treated the crowd to a heartfelt account of her story. She described her experience of breaking into a male dominated business field and her choices to pursue leadership and entrepreneur roles.
“Thirteen years ago I started off in a 10’ by 13’ office with a desk, a computer, and a bookcase, looking at the phone and waiting for it to ring,” said Curtis of her $25 million enterprise. “My best advice to you is to make good choices and take responsibility for yourself. Remember that you control your destiny. Life is an adventure, celebrate your wins along with a bit of humility, be willing to make decisions and don’t be afraid to be a leader.”
Yeoman 2nd Class Brandon Bogan, member of the Combined Heritage Committee and the day’s master-of-ceremony, expressed his joy for the success of the informative and inspiring event.
“I love getting involved in all of the heritage events that we have at the command and it’s great that we had such a huge turn out today,” said Bogan. “It feels good to see that people were really passionate about supporting, coming out and hearing Ms. Curtis’ story.”
Bogan added that he hopes everyone that attended leaves feeling inspired to leave their own mark in the workforce.
“There are people who may say ‘that’s not something a girl could do, a girl can’t run her own construction business’ but when you have people like Ms. Curtis comes out and become an example it makes it real and people can see that you can become the president of your own business if you wish. You can accomplish anything,” said Bogan. “My hope is that every person here today walks away inspired to lead and pursue their goals, even the ones they may have written off as too difficult.”
For more information about USFF, visit http://www.public.navy.mil/usff/Pages/default.aspx.
| Date Taken: | 03.23.2017 |
| Date Posted: | 04.04.2017 15:25 |
| Story ID: | 227960 |
| Location: | NORFOLK, VA, US |
| Web Views: | 33 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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