Breakthrough to Excellence

Col. Denise Cooper, 341st Mission Support Group commander, speaks at the first ever women’s leadership symposium at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont., March 8, 2016, at the Grizzly Bend. The women’s leadership symposium was titled “Breakthrough to Excellence,” and was open to all ranks, military and civilian. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Jaeda Tookes)

Breakthrough to Excellence

Attendees and speakers from the military and the surrounding Great Falls community pose for a group photo at the first ever women’s leadership symposium at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont., March 8, 2016, at the Grizzly Bend. The goal of the conference was to build leadership skills, find mentors and network with other members in the community and across the military. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Jaeda Tookes)

Breakthrough to Excellence

Lt. Col. Mark Nemish, 490th Missile Squadron director of operations, and his wife, Lt. Col. Kristen Nemish, 10th Missile Squadron commander, speak on the obstacles of being a military member and married to another military member at the first ever women’s symposium at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont., March 8, 2016. The speakers at the conference were composed of military and civilian leaders from across the Great Falls community. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Jaeda Tookes)

'Breakthrough to Excellence'

Published March 10, 2016
By Senior Airman Jaeda Tookes
341st Missile Wing Public Affairs Office

MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. -- Two Airmen hosted "Breakthrough to Excellence," the first ever women's leadership symposium held at Malmstrom, March 8-9 at the Grizzly Bend.

The goal for Senior Airman Elizabeth Carter, 341st Logistics Readiness Squadron vehicle management analysis, and Senior Airman Taylor Franklin-Geib, 341st Communications Squadron base knowledge manager, was for participants to build leadership skills, find mentors and network with other members in the community and across the military.

The two-day conference featured topics relating to leadership and mentors in a military setting, as well as in a civilian one.

"To find a mentor you must be coachable and passionate about what you are doing," said Shelia Rice, NeighborWorks executive director and speaker at the conference. "You must be willing to change and take advice."

The idea came when Carter and Franklin-Geib attended the 20th Air Force's women's symposium at F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyoming, in September.

Carter said Lt. Gen. Jack Weinstein, then 20th Air Force commander and speaker, encouraged the ladies to do something similar.

Military leaders, as well as leaders from the Great Falls community, spoke about how they overcame their adversaries.

Lt. Col. Mark Nemish, 490th Missile Squadron director of operations, and his wife, Lt. Col. Kristen Nemish, 10th Missile Squadron commander, spoke on the obstacles of being a military member and married to another military member.

"It is a challenge, but you have to know your limitations," said Kristen. "Every month we take a day of leave and spend it together. We involve our daughter in the (permanent change of station) process by showing her the different schools in the area she could possibly attend."

"In the end (the goal) was to connect everyone," said Franklin-Geib. "We were hoping this event would help solve some [mentorship, leadership and networking] problems and really educate people."

Carter and Franklin-Geib said the event was such a huge success and there is a strong possibility of it taking place annually.