Women’s Conference is fully charged; power through diversity

U.S. Air Force Airmen from Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, attend the first Women’s Conference, March 24, 2015. The conference included a breakfast, multiple guest speakers, information booths and a gift give-away. The Women’s Conference focused on empowering Airmen from around the base and the local community. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Robert L. McIlrath/Released)

Women’s Conference is fully charged; power through diversity

Michaelle Kitchen, Midwestern State University associate professor of counseling, kinesiology and special education, speaks at the first Women’s Conference at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, March 24, 2015. The Women’s Conference had multiple speakers who talked about empowering women, building healthy relationships and the different programs available for Airmen to seek guidance. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kyle Gese/Released)

Women’s Conference is fully charged; power through diversity

Michaelle Kitchen, Midwestern State University associate professor of counseling, kinesiology and special education, delivers a speech at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, March 24, 2015. Kitchen’s speech was part of the first Women’s Conference at Sheppard and educated Airmen about the cultural differences people may encounter and how to appreciate them. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kyle Gese/Released)

Women’s Conference is fully charged; power through diversity

U.S. Air Force Airmen from Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, laugh during the first Women’s Conference, March 24, 2015. Speakers at the conference shared a variety of stories and speeches. The speeches aimed to bring awareness to domestic violence, health and well-being, diversity, healthy relationships and support programs. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kyle Gese/Released)

Women’s Conference is fully charged; power through diversity

Michaelle Kitchen, Midwestern State University associate professor of counseling, kinesiology and special education, conveys her story to Airmen from Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, March 24, 2015. Kitchen was a guest speaker for the first Women’s Conference hosted by Sheppard. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kyle Gese/Released)

Women’s Conference is fully charged; power through diversity

Published March 25, 2015
By Senior Airman Kyle Gese
82nd Training Wing Public Affairs

SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- The Air Education and Training Command sponsored the first Women's Conference at Sheppard Air Force Base to advocate professional Airmen culture, family support programs and appreciation for others.

The Women's Conference started with a breakfast and throughout the day included guest speakers, information booths and a gift give-away. Airmen had the opportunity to engage in discussions geared toward the health and well-being of others to strengthen diversity.

"It not only enhanced our diversity here, but we have to be able to understand each other whether male, female, race or religion," said Connie Ali, Director of Equal Opportunity. "This is good for Sheppard because it gives that climate of dignity and respect."

Some of the lessons taught at the conference helped Airmen identify potential red flags which could be considered as destructive or degrading to the professional Airmen culture. It also identified ways to maintain healthy relationships and strengthen partnerships with opposite genders to avoid situations such as domestic assault.

"We are afraid to have those crucial conversations," said Ali. "We are afraid to talk about that big elephant in the room, and I think having people talking about these subjects are empowering our younger Airmen here to treat others with dignity and respect."

According to the Air Force Chief of Staff, Gen. Mark A. Welsh III, the greatest strength of the Air Force is the Airmen and their diversity. Without their diversity, the Air Force would lack the vastly different skillsets and perspectives that make it "world's greatest Air Force" today.

The Women's Conference is a step toward celebrating the differences each Airman has and that everyone has an equal opportunity to bring their knowledge and backgrounds to the table.

"I was empowered. It felt nice as a male to learn more about the women in the Air Force, how they may feel and the things that they go through," said U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Marquis Leatherbury, 361st Training Squadron student, who attended the event. "I think that this conference gave me a different outlook because there are a lot of different avenues to get help for yourself and for your family."