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News | April 19, 2022

DLA Energy honors Women’s History Month

By DLA Energy Public Affairs

Recognizing the many contributions made by women, Defense Logistics Agency Energy acquisition workforce virtually hosted the 2nd annual Acquisition Workforce Women’s History Month Program March 28.

This year’s theme was “women providing healing, promoting hope.”

“There are so many notable names, in so many sectors, that come to mind when thinking about the achievements as well as the struggles of women in our nation,” said DLA Energy Commander Air Force Brig. Gen. Jimmy Canlas in his opening remarks. “But lesser-known people who have been giants in the community and workforce deserve recognition and remembrance.” 

Over 160 DLA employees participated in the ZoomGov Webinar event. 

The keynote speaker was Fox DC News Anchor Tisha Lewis. Lewis described how women are often silent workers and make the mistake of thinking that others know what they are doing. Lewis advised the audience to “speak up.” 

Canlas said that a cross-section of some of DLA Energy’s female minds and brightest talents were assembled as part of the program to share their stories and tell us all how they manage work, home, and self-health.

Gabby Earhardt, the Supplier Operations director, and DLA Energy’s most senior woman, encouraged the acquisition workforce “to continue the fight for general inequality because it doesn’t magically disappear.” She challenged the group to “take deliberate action and demand change if we expect things to be different.”

“All of us, men and women, must join in if we are to attain equal opportunities,” Earhardt said. 

The acquisition workforce event organizer Ditu Kasuyi described the event as “unstoppable.”

“As an Energy team, we are truly unstoppable when we put all our unique talents and skills together,” Kasuyi said in an email to the event’s participants. “I am excited that we were able to come together to reflect on the courage of women from past generations, celebrate our current women leaders and challenge each other to keep working towards a workforce that provides equal opportunity for every member of the team.”  

DLA Energy routinely recognizes monthly observances through employee spotlights, webinars, virtual meetings, and newsletters.  Read about the two DLA Energy employees who were honored this year during Women’s History Month for their accomplishments: Aybike Arslan and Jill Chouinard.