Liberty Wing Airmen attend Aviation for Women Conference

  • Published
  • By Capt. Marnee A.C. Losurdo
  • 512th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  Eleven Liberty Wing Airmen attended the 22nd Annual International Aviation for Women Conference Feb. 24-26 in Reno, Nev.

Nearly 3,000 people from the United States and six continents attended the event sponsored by Women in Aviation, a nonprofit organization that provides networking, education, mentoring and scholarship opportunities for women and men interested in aviation and aerospace careers.

The conference theme was "Inspire, Enthuse, Innovate." These words rang true for Master Sgt. Carol Sullivan, 709th Airlift Squadron flight engineer, who was one of 450 reservists, guardsman and active-duty Air Force, Navy and Coastguard servicemembers at the event.

"It was so inspiring and motivational," she said of her experience. "We were surrounded by an amazing group of women with amazing life experiences."

There were Women Air Force Service Pilots in attendance, which was a highlight for Tech. Sgt. Kerrigan, 512th Civil Engineer Squadron management assistant.

"I hope I can make even a slight difference in someone's life with my story, as these women have made in mine," she said. "I was humbled to be in their presence and was awe struck at their zest for life and love of country. These ladies don't skip a beat."

The conference didn't just focus on women, said Chief Master Sgt. Gary Green, 512th Maintenance Group chief enlisted manager.

Airmen in attendance also had the chance to learn about aviation careers by visiting the Exhibit Hall, which displayed 121 companies and organizations that represented various aspects of the aviation community, including military, commercial, corporate and recreational flying.

When the Airmen were not visiting the exhibits they had the opportunity to hear from guest speakers.

"We were also fortunate to hear some remarkable speakers from both the military and civilian sector," added Sergeant Sullivan.

Some of the speakers included Lt. Col. Maryse Carmichael, Snowbirds Commander, Canadian Defense Forces and (Maj.) Brian Shul, a retired SR-71 Blackbird pilot who served in the Vietnam and was severely injured in a crash during the war. He was told he would never fly again but overcame his injuries to retire from the Air Force in 1990.

Christina Sestan, a professionally certified business coach and corporate facilitator, was Sergeant Sullivan's favorite speaker, she said. Ms. Sestan's presentation focused on helping individuals explore their individual navigational systems, according to the WIA website. Ms. Sestan talked about an inside-out way of thinking, helping people to discover a sense of satisfaction that relies on their self and not so much on other's opinions.

"She was very motivating and made us think about how we project to the world and how we let the world impact our thoughts," said Sergeant Sullivan.

For Chief Green, he enjoyed The "Liftoff Leadership" session, he said.

"Among other things, this session stressed balance, and taking time to identify your top five core values, use them to filter your day-to-day work activities to avoid becoming a disgruntled, rutted employee," said the chief.

The 11 wing Airmen who attended the conference walked away with different experiences. For Sergeant Sullivan, it reinvigorated her love of service, she said.

"It reminded me of my passion for being a C-5 flight engineer and my obligation to mentor other women aspiring to enter traditionally male career fields," she said.

Sergeant Sullivan is one of three women flight engineers in her squadron.

"It was a great experience, and I encourage anyone interested in aviation to attend next year's conference," she said.

The 23rd Annual International Women in Aviation Conference will be at the Hilton Anatole in Dallas, Texas, March 8-10, 2012. For more information, visit www.wai.org.