- What does it mean to you to be a “trailblazer”?
Being a trailblazer can be thought of quite literally. You either take the path less travelled not being able to see what is around the corner or the path that is well used by many others before you with the ability to see forward in a more predictable way. The path less travelled is often filled with sharp objects and things that can sting. You must be able to withstand those distractions and work through the pain to get to a place that may lead you to a view that far surpasses the path most travelled.
- As a well-respected female, not only in the housing industry, but also in the military, can you provide examples of how you have been able to utilize your position and influence to effect positive change in these spaces?
It was never my intent to break glass ceilings for the sake of accomplishing many ‘firsts’. I just saw things I wanted to participate in and did. Not that it was easy; often it was persistence and performance that made it awful hard for my supervisors to say no. When doors opened a crack, I kicked them in without realizing that each time the door was opened just a tad more for the women behind me. By doing so, I was creating change.
In my teens and twenties, I never thought about barriers. I was raised by a single mother and I was taught to believe there was nothing I could not do. Having been adventurous and athletic, I thought I would give the Army a try. I can give you 100 examples of how men did not like to see a woman who could run in the fast group, who could outperform men physically as my mind was powerful, who would not teach me to fly on the flight line, who threw me up against a wall saying I did not belong, and so on. At first it was baffling. Then I came to expect it. A woman going into combat arms positions (less that .1 percent of 1 percent at the time) was an integration challenge. I learned by living, by doing. I realized that this was not my problem, but theirs. Their bias. Their hate. It was not my job to teach them inclusion. just did my job and did it well, and, eventually, those same guys who discredited me were the same ones that did not want to see me go.
Through these experiences, I decided to give back. To teach the men and women behind me in the military at a time when women can go into just about anything they want but still have to deal with integration. The military has changed a lot, for the better, but gender bias still exists in society and therefore carries over to the military. I made sure my voice was heard. My work was valued. I made sure that I had a seat at the table to influence positive change whenever necessary. I did not ask, I went. After 11 years active duty, I faced what most women do – a choice. To be alive for my two baby boys or continue to put myself in harm’s way. I chose my babies. I am alive and do not regret this decision as some of my friends were not as lucky to live out their lives. My heart is with them forever.
