On March 15, from 1530-1730, the Women Inspiring Next Generations Organization hosted a Women of Wisdom (WOW) Symposium where guest speakers such as 5th Bomb Wing Command Chief Master Sgt. Tori Jones, 742nd Missile Squadron Commander Lt. Col. Amanda Filiowich, Maj. Holly Black of the 5th Medical Group, Capt. Christina Langel of the 5 MDG, Senior Master Sgt. Jessica Thompson of the 5th Force Support Squadron, and Program Coordinator Mrs. Bailey Bess of the 791st Missile Security Forces Squadron were present to discuss key talking points for Women’s History Month.
They discussed their “why” behind joining the Air Force and what kept them going, experiencing and overcoming adversity, how to “get out of your own way” and not hold yourself back, their vision of success, and “raising our voices” to be heard about infertility issues within the military and how we can promote women’s health and wellness. Various female Airmen from different career fields and backgrounds were present during the event, asking personal and professional-related questions on how to succeed both at work and at home. The panel discussed how mentorship and laying the foundation for a support system are vital keys toward success and overcoming challenges. The panel discussed how to find your own individuality after serving for some time and how to find yourself outside of just your rank, being a mother, and/or wife.
The purpose of the Symposium was to gather Airmen together, showcasing the phenomenal women who serve and have served, how their time in the military was compared to now, and the positive changes that are being made for our future Airmen. It was an opportunity to network, grow, and find female mentors from different career fields, reflecting on the importance of mentorship and how having a female mentor helps to pave the way for other female Airmen. The Symposium was heartfelt, vulnerable, open, and welcoming to everyone that attended. No question was out of bounds, and all that attended were reminded that they are not alone in their career or their life.
Perspective: words of encouragement, reality, and being true to yourself were the reoccurring themes throughout the panel. Each woman speaker was of a higher rank, speaking to our younger Airmen about their experiences and how they are always willing to be there to help them. There were a lot of laughs shared, a few tears, and at the end, we all shook hands and embraced, finding a little more comfort and community amongst each other.
