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Base celebrates Women’s Equality Day with luncheon

  • Published
  • By Kimberly Woodruff
  • Staff Writer
TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  The Federally Employed Women hosted a Women's Equality Day last week with a luncheon at the Hill Conference Center.

In 1971, the U.S. Congress declared that Aug. 26 would be Women's Equality Day. This year marks the 95th anniversary of the day that women won the right to vote and to hold political office with the 1920 ratification of the 19th Amendment.

Nancy K. Andrews, director of Contracting for the Air Force Sustainment Center, was the guest speaker for the event.

"I never see an obstacle I can't overcome with a little determination and guidance from above," she said.

Ms. Andrews said she never grew up with visions of being a senior executive. She saw women on television as lawyers, thought law school would be awesome and decided to go to college for her business degree, the first step toward law school.

She started her Air Force career as a GS-7 in contracting and focused her energies on learning her job. She also took advantage of every opportunity that came her way.
Ms. Andrews continued her education and after receiving her master's degree, she was given good advice to attend Air Command and Staff College.

"It was a great opportunity to sit with the warfighter and get the chance to figure it all out," she said. "It gave me a good perspective on the big picture -- it was amazing to hear the warfighter stories."

While moving up in the GS ranks, Ms. Andrews worked for different individuals who gave her more of the big picture. "As you grow, start thinking big picture," she advised those in attendance.

Ms. Andrews offered some advice for those looking to advance in their careers.

"First, take on the not-so-sexy jobs," she said. "Women do not want to fail, but sometimes you learn the most from your failures. Failing helps you learn and grow."

The second piece of advice is to always stay up to speed on what's going on in the organization and the Air Force. "Get outside of your little bubble," she said.
Seeking a mentor is the third step.

"You are your own best advocate," she said. "Have someone you feel comfortable with, outside of your chain, to talk to about your goals. If you don't have goals and a plan, how are you going to get there?"

Lastly, take advantage of every chance to learn, Ms. Andrews said.

"The day you stop learning, you stop becoming effective at your job," she said. "You can learn from other people, but also learn by doing."

Ms. Andrews ended with a favorite quote from Yogi Berra that has become her philosophy: "When there's a fork in the road, take it."

Anyone interested in becoming a member of the FEW should contact President Beverly Jones at beverly.jones@us.af.mil.