Eglin women’s panel showcases leadership, wisdom

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. — A group of base women leaders gathered here March 9 as part of this year’s Women’s History Month activities.

This year’s theme is “Providing Healing, Promoting Hope.”

On the panel were: Col. Aquilla Highsmith-Tyler, 96th Surgical Operations Squadron commander; Lt. Col. Liana Vogel, 96th Medical Support Squadron commander; Chief Master Sgt. Karissa Gunter, 96th Mission Support Group senior enlisted Leader; Terri Fedonczak, Girl Power for Good Foundation executive director; and Wanjiku Jackson, 96th Test Wing Diversity and Inclusion specialist.

The women fielded questions about various women’s issues.

The first question went to Jackson. She was asked what motivated her to become a leader in her organization.

“It starts with being willing to empower myself,” she said.

“I have been exposed to many powerful women in my life, starting with my grandmother, who encouraged empowerment in me. I have had good and bad leaders, and I learned something from all of them.  Leadership skills aren’t just acquired in the workplace. They are acquired throughout our lives.”

Vogel gave a strategy to promote inclusion in the workplace.

“Inclusion comes from perspective and is a mindset,” she said.

“To have inclusion in any situation, we have to look at things from each other’s perspective, not just our own.”

Highsmith-Tyler offered her thoughts on how to rebuild a culture of inclusion instead o isolation in the workplace, after the COVID-19 pandemic.

“There is healing in physical presence,” she said.

“We have to start engaging our people again. That can only come through a willingness to rebuild relationships. At my squadron, I make sure to stop by the different departments, to know what my people need and draw energy from them.”

When asked how she encouraged open and honest employee dialogue, Dzonczak said she listens and leads by example.

“I have always been a trenches leader,” she said.

“I wouldn’t ask my employees to do a job that I wouldn’t do myself.   I try to work harder than anyone else. If the floors are dirty, I sweep them. I don’t give what may be considered a lesser job to others, just because I’m a leader. When my employees see my work ethic, it encourages open dialogue from them.”

In one of the closing questions, Gunter named one of the most satisfying leadership roles she has had.

“I got the opportunity to attend the Marine Corps Senior NCO Academy,” she said.

“My instructor put me in charge of an all-male group.  None of them got along. He saw potential in me I didn’t see in myself, to lead the group. I had to capitalize on each group members’ strengths, in order for us to thrive and flourish. That experience made me a better leader.”

By Kevin Gaddie, Team Eglin Public Affairs