JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. –
Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst hosted the Women’s Empowerment forum on April 3rd, as a part of wrapping up Women’s History Month, observed in March. The Women’s Empowerment forum is an inclusive and collaborative space for military and civilian women and supporters to connect and engage with each other.
As the event organizer of the forum, U.S. Air Force 2nd Lt. Alexis Rosario, 305th Maintenance Squadron fabrication flight commander, worked carefully and relentlessly with her team to organize the forum.
“The significance of the Women’s Empowerment forum is to create a platform for women to share their personal and professional struggles with each other, as a way for them to feel that they are being heard, respected, and empowered,” said Rosario. “This is a great way to embrace empowerment and camaraderie of women representing the Total Force.”
Rosario organized the event with hopes to benefit Joint Base MDL by helping women socialize and network with others as well as strengthening enduring relationships across JB MDL.
Members of various helping agencies and organizations across JB MDL attended such as: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I), Sexual Assault Prevention and Response, the Family Advocacy Program, and the Air Force Assistance Fund. They were able to educate and inform attendees of the vast number of readily available resources.
“At the forum, we provide giveaways, keynote speeches, and breakout rooms where women attendees can exchange dialogue amongst each other,” said Rosario. “My team and I worked so hard to keep our attendees active and engaged, while providing them with food and refreshments to make their stay more relaxing.”
Joint base leadership, along with several guest speakers, were in attendance. A leadership panel also discussed various perspectives and experiences from women across the board.
“It is fantastic that this event gives women the opportunity to come together in sharing their stories, inspirations, struggles, and words of wisdom,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Bridget Gill, 87th Medical Group commander. “I am really excited about this opportunity and looking forward to network, and form relationships and bonds with all our participants throughout this forum.”
With the successful implementation of the Women’s Empowerment forum, Joint Base MDL will continue to raise awareness of prevalent issues and push for diversity, equity, and inclusion contributing towards a better Total Force.