Women in leadership – Page 4 – Donna McAleer

Honored Role Series (part 11): Lt. Col. Jen G. Buckner- In the Long Run

Published on January 29, 2010

This is the 11th installment in the weekly Honored Role Series.

One of the few constants in the Army is the importance of physical fitness: strength, power, and stamina. William Nash, a military historian, wrote “success and general efficiency of every military establishment is, in a very large degree, dependent upon the physical fitness, endurance, and condition of the individual units of which it is composed.”

Lt. Col. Jen Grzbek Buckner realized this early in her career. “Being able to run long and fast earns credibility and respect. It opens doors.” She explained. While technology has changed the larger picture of war, physical prowess remains a vital element of each solider’s effectiveness. Improvements in combat gear, weaponry, and communication systems support a soldier’s ability to fight nearly around the clock. Sustained periods on patrol or in a firefight require soldiers to be alert, energetic and enduring.

Honored Role Series (Part 8): Col. Terry Walters, MD – Navigating Uncharted Waters

Published on January 8, 2010

This is the eight installment in the weekly Honored Role Series.

Before turning 10, Terry Tepper took the helm of the family’s 40-foot wooden yacht and steered into Barbados harbor, “My father handed me the tiller and said, ‘take her in’. He folded his arms, sat down on the bow and smiled. I backed the sails and steered her in. It was the greatest gift a child could receive — responsibility, confidence, and the first taste of empowerment.”

Four decades later, successfully at the helm of the U.S. Army’s largest medical facility, Womack Army Medical Center at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Colonel Terry Tepper Walters, M.D., reflects upon several horizons she navigated.

Honored Role Series (Part 7): 1st. Lt. Aubrey McCary – Shades of Gray

Published on December 18, 2009

This is the seventh installment in the weekly Honored Role Series.

Her packing list includes body armor, a Kevlar helmet, a M-16 rifle, 3 pairs of desert tan boots, and 4 sets of camouflage uniforms; wrapping up the list are a set of pink, plaid flannel pajamas, a “Pride & Prejudice” DVD, Hello Kitty office supplies, and a stock of Aveda Salon hair and beauty products. 1st Liet. Aubrey McCary is not packing for a holiday vacation; this list is what she needs and wants as she deploys to Iraq Sunday, December 20, 2009.

Honored Role Series (Part 5): Hae-Sue Park – Getting Out of the Comfort Zone

Published on December 4, 2009

This is the fifth installment in the weekly Honored Role Series.

When Liet. Col. Hae-Sue Park retired from the Army two years ago, the most common questions she received from friends, “I can’t believe you retired. Do you have any regrets? What are you going to do?”

Although she loved the challenges of her 20-year Army career, she wanted to pursue a new adventure and a new life. Park said,

“I’m a believer in creating my own destiny and re-inventing oneself.” Executing on of the most valuable lessons she learned as an Army signal officer, Park continued, “Know the cut off for good ideas, and identify your end state. I felt a “twang” leaving our Army in the middle of a war but as the Chief of Staff of the Army reminded us often, this is the NEW normal, so get on with it.” Given this new normal, Park said there really is no optimal time to retire.

Honored Role: A weekly series about role models

Published on October 23, 2009

Between 1980 and 2008, 3,245 women graduated from West Point and have served selflessly in the Nation’s armed forces. Most of them, whether or not they still wear the uniform, are ordinary women with extraordinary stories of perseverance and integrity. They are soldiers and wives, mothers and daughters. They are doctors, lawyers, teachers, clergy and entrepreneurs. They are athletes and artists, cancer survivors and coaches. And they are all volunteers.

Leadership and mentoring in the news

Published on October 7, 2009

Akin to many women, I wear a myriad of “hats and coats”, including mom, wife, daughter, friend, writer, volunteer, and outdoor enthusiast. I am inspired often by the actions, involvement, excitement and stories of women I meet. Daily, I am reminded of the impact women make in other people’s lives. They bridge past, present and future into meaningful and shared experiences.

In the last few weeks various newsworthy and journalism personalities shined their media spotlight on girls and women, illuminating our gender as emerging and growing “bridge builders” and accelerants for change.

Substance and Style

Published on January 22, 2009

January 20, 2009 dawned as a day filled with anticipation, excitement, hope and celebration as Barack Obama was sworn into office as our 44th president. It was a great day for America. And for most of it, with the exception of a workout, I sat planted firmly in front of a television with laptop and blackberry flipping between channels and websites in search of substance.

Tag: Women in leadership