by Shannon Collins
Defense Department News
9/22/2015 - WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series. These stories focus on individual Airmen, highlighting their Air Force story.)
Advice and mentorship
The general said she wouldn't be in the position she's in today if it hadn't been for mentors such as her parents, third grade teacher, air officer commander or husband.
To junior service members and civilians working their way toward leadership positions, she offered this advice: "You never know who you'll meet, where you'll get to go or what you'll get to do or see. It really helped expand my horizons. Also, if you're an officer or senior enlisted, always look people in the eye and ask them how they're doing. Have empathy and don't become a nonperson."
Finally, she said, "You belong in every room; learn to be comfortable in any room you walk in. You belong because of your hard work and everything you do. You belong there just as much as anybody else. And you can be whatever you want to be. The only one holding you back is you."