Fort Huachuca, Ariz. – The Women’s Professional Leadership Forum provided an opportunity for junior leaders to hear from senior female mentors in a classroom at 305th Military Intelligence (MI) Battalion Headquarters on January 19.

“Every quarter we bring together three senior female leaders to share their expertise, experience and guidance,” said Sgt. 1st Class Tamara Burkett, Signals Intelligence Instructor and Forum Organizer, 304 MI Bn.

“We hold these forums because women make up as little as 10-20% of the population of the unit, sometimes less. And if you don’t have someone to talk to, it can be difficult. Relate to or seek a mentor,” she stressed.

The audience, which includes leaders of all genders, ranks and skill levels, posed questions to panelists, including Heidi Malalkik, the garrison commander’s lieutenant. Major Kimberly Donecker, Senior Training Operations Officer, 304th MI Bn.; and Sgt. 111th MI Brigade, RAPID Lead and Sexual Assault Response Coordinator, 1st Class Saqwaia Pennington.

Discussions throughout the forum were public, allowing soldiers and civilians to give their questions personal context, detail and nuance.

“What suggestions do you have for young women leaders to become more confident in their position, more respected, and ‘seen’ by the leaders of their male subordinates?” MI Basic Officer Leadership Course (BOLC) asked Lieutenant Bansika Kadka of the Illinois National Guard, who is participating in the

Panelists provided a wealth of information from their seasoned leadership experience.

Malarchik recommended addressing leadership credibility and reputation.

“Be you!” she emphasized. “You don’t have to emulate George S. Patton. Don’t let anyone deter you or make you change yourself.”

Malalkik’s contributions to the Army have been significant and rich throughout her career, but she said she also shared challenges.

She recommended looking for leadership development opportunities. Because they open doors and instill confidence.

“They initially said I was ineligible because of my height,” she said.

At 4 feet 7 inches tall, she said she was an inch short of the height requirement when she enlisted, causing considerable controversy among the army’s leadership.

Malalkik said he had no doubts about his abilities. She entered basic training in high spirits and completed with honors. She eventually joined the Reserve Officer Training Corps during her junior year of college and was an enlisted soldier converted to an officer.

Pennington advised Kadoka and the audience to act confidently.

Early in her career, Pennington was self-aware that her accent was from New Jersey, and said she thought no one would take her seriously.

“I had a strong attitude,” she explained. “I was fussy and noisy.”

“I did a lot of PT!” Pennington exclaimed, saying he tried to be like “one of the guys.”

“It didn’t work for me,” she said. “Not even a little.

“One thing about confidence is you can fake it all day long,” she explained. “No one in the room knows except you.”

The problem is when you get home, said Pennington.

“All these insecurities and coping skills you used to get through those moments,” or faking it until you realize it, can cause undue stress.

“Learn your skills and techniques, know the military profession inside and out, and do what it takes to lead with confidence,” she stressed. ”

Pennington shared valuable points about developing command presence.

“So much better than other women who just stay in that room and don’t take risks!” she cried. “You volunteered to be in this room. You didn’t have to. You took a step forward!”

Khadka and her MI BOLC teammates commented that the forum was a great part of their leadership development plan.

“Mentorship is essential to improve women’s leadership and enhance how they increase their presence in the military,” she said.

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Fort Huachuca houses the Army Intelligence Center of Excellence, the Army Network Enterprise Technology Command (NETCOM)/9th Army Signal Command, and more than 48 supported tenants representing a diverse multi-service population. Our unique environment includes 946 square miles of restricted airspace and 2,500 square miles of protected electronic range, which are critical elements of our national defense mission.

Located in Cochise County in southeastern Arizona, about 15 miles north of the Mexican border, Fort Huachuca is an Army facility with a rich frontier history. Established in 1877, the fort was designated a National Historic Site in 1976.

We are the home of the Army.Click here for details https://home.army.mil/huachuca/.