Leading from the Front

STUTTGART, BW, GERMANY

02.22.2019

Story by Senior Airman Nick Emerick 

Defense Media Activity - Proper         

Fleet Master Chief Cris Addington, U.S. European Command senior enlisted leader hosted a Leadership, Equality and Diversity Symposium, Feb. 22, at the Patch Barracks Community Center to engage members of the community on the topic of diversity.

More than 50 U.S. service members and civilians from throughout the region attended the symposium to discuss the importance of diversity and equality in relation to leadership in any capacity.

"The purpose of this event was to bring our Stuttgart community together and focus on open dialog about Leadership, Diversity, and Equality,” said Addington. “We need to be able to recognize our differences and leverage them to build high performing teams which include everyone and can engage and defeat any adversary."

Guest speakers in attendance shared their opinions on several topics, including working in a joint atmosphere, communication through the generations, balance between home and work life and mentorship in a joint environment. There were also panel discussions where a diverse group of panel members fielded questions from the audience.

“Being at a joint command, especially at such a young stage in my career, is pivotal for me,” said U.S. Navy Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Italya Brianna Rivas. “I have a lot to learn and have learned a lot about working with other branches and different people.”

Speakers began each topic by discussing the overarching theme. Attendees then shared their perspectives on the nature of equality, diversity and the importance of mentorship during the subsequent panel discussions.

Panels were composed of a broad range of people from different walks of life, allowing for multiple perspectives to be heard on each subject throughout the day. Panelists and speakers contributed their own views on each of the subjects.

"I was extremely proud of the people who participated in this LEAD Seminar which included Active Duty, Reserve, National Guard, Family members, Retired personnel and our DOD Civilian's. Building high performing teams is about ensuring inclusion of all members of the team." Addington said.

The symposium ended with closing remarks from Lt. Gen. Stephen Twitty, U.S. European Command deputy commander. The members of the LEAD planning committee hope to see the symposium become an annual event.

• Date Taken: 02.22.2019
• Date Posted: 03.08.2019 06:09
• Story ID: 313477
• Location: STUTTGART, BW, DE