The Andrus center is committed to gender equity in leadership positions. Governor Cecil Andrus named the first woman to Idaho’s State Court of Appeals in 1990. Two years later he named the first woman to the Idaho Supreme Court. Andrus said, “if we had more women in our elected bodies, judicial systems, and boardrooms, I honestly believe we’d be a more hospitable society and have fewer foreign wars.” I attended the fifth annual Women and Leadership Conference at Boise State this week. A record 800 women and men joined a prestigious line up of speakers. The goal of the conference is to learn from the presenters as they discuss their motivation and empowering lessons that have led them to success in their chosen fields. I want to talk about one of those exceptional women – Captain Gail Harris.
Gail was raised in the ghettos of Newark, New Jersey. She talked about the great role models, mentors, and support system provided by her parents. At the age of 5 she watched a movie called a Wing and a Prayer starring Don Ameche. Mesmerized by a scene of the actor briefing Navy pilots before the Battle of Midway she decided she was going to join the service. Gail did not know, and her parents did not tell her, that at that time there was a federal law forbidding women from going into combat. The law wasn’t changed until 1994 – but it did not impact the dream. In 1973 she became the first woman in Naval history to serve as an intelligence officer in an operational Navy Aviation Squadron. Captain Harris was the first African American woman chosen for many important leadership roles in the Navy. Her efforts resulted in multiple decorations including Defense Superior Service, Meritorious Service Medal and the Navy Commendation medal. This women has seen many challenges in her career and she has faced them with a commitment to her team and a very engaging sense of humor. I had a chance to talk with her for a few minutes-what an impression she makes, confidence and humility with a great twinkle in her eye. I plan to read her book “A Woman’s War.”
I heard many comments from the speakers and participants about the importance of their parents in their lives. So many kids do not have that influence. Luckily we have great organizations like the Boys and Girls Club to help fill that gap. I got to have lunch this week with the Advisory Board of the Boys and Girls Club. The organization provides a safe place for kids while providing role models for character and leadership skills. “90% of members who attend Clubs regularly say they can stand up for what is right, even if their friends disagree.”
Our future is bright when we focus on our children. Enjoy the week end, Mike