DVIDS – News – Air Force and Army Leaders Attend Mexico Women’s Leadership Conference

Lt. Gen. Laura Richardson, most recently Commanding General of US Army North, and Major General Susan Henderson, Commanding General of 377th Theater Sustainment Command, were invited to speak at the conference. The event was hosted by the Mexican Secretariat of National Defense (SEDENA) and aimed to provide a forum for women leaders in aerospace to share their experiences and inspire future generations of women to pursue leadership opportunities.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to speak today and cannot say enough about the progress our countries have made together to promote women in the aerospace industry,” said Richardson. “It is our collective responsibility, men and women, to mentor and inspire young women to succeed and pursue their dreams. “

The conference was held in conjunction with Feria Aeroespacial México (FAMEX), or the Mexican Aerospace Fair, in Santa Lucía. The event brought together nine guest speakers, including women leaders from Mexico and the United States. The First Air Force (Air Forces Northern), the air component command of US Northern Command, served as the NORTHCOM operations and planning lead for the US support and participation in FAMEX.

Major Christy Wise, Commander of the Air Force Academy, spoke at the conference and shared her story of being the first female Air Force leg amputee to return to flight. Wise, an HC-130J pilot, returned to flight duty almost a year after a boating accident resulted in an above-knee amputation and nearly 15 months of rehabilitation.

For Wise, it was the first time she shared her story of resilience and empowerment to an international audience of women.

“My favorite part of this conference was meeting Mexican women officers and being able to speak to a Mexican audience,” said Wise. “It was great to see the parallels between our experiences as a female officer. They have similar backgrounds to their careers and it was great talking to them and hearing their stories. ”

The event organizers emphasized the importance of events like these as a way to get a critical message out to others.

“We have a group of empowered women from different countries who are ready to share their experiences and spread the message that professional development in all genders is possible,” said Catherine Lantigua, Gender Advisor, Office for the Coordination of the Defense, United States Embassy Mexico City. “This is especially true for women entering career fields like aviation, to hear this very important message about women leaders directly from women leaders. ”