Women's History Month: Meet CMSgt. Natasha Weaver
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas – March is Women’s History Month, a time to commemorate and celebrate the vital role of women in American history. We invited women within the #IAMIMSC team to tell us a little about themselves and their views on the importance of Women’s History Month.
Meet Chief Master Sgt. Natasha Weaver, she’s a major command functional manager for the 3F5 Administration career field in the Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center’s Expeditionary Support and Innovation Directorate in San Antonio.
Weaver, who has 28 years in uniform, contributes to the Air Force’s lethality and readiness by “establishing strategic direction, developing policies and addressing manpower, personnel and training issues affecting over 4,200 3F5X1s assigned around the world.”
Here’s more from Weaver:
Why do you feel we need a Women’s History Month?
Women’s History month is essential to highlight the achievements of women and show how far we’ve come. It is an opportunity to learn and understand history and to avoid history repeating itself. History such as; women not allowed to work or to vote, significant pay disparity for the same jobs, etc. Women’s History Month recognizes a diverse group of women by educating, instilling hope, motivating and inspiring others to reach their goals and know that it’s attainable.
Tell us about a female coworker or friend you admire?
Retired Chief Master Sgt. Dana Hughes. She was the first to mentor me when I was a young, new technical sergeant and still does to this very day. She is strong, honest, genuine and humble. She was a leader, one who led from the front, highly competent at her job, tough but fair, did not tolerate disrespect and demanded respect. She took care of her people, stood up for them, rewarded them when they earned it and disciplined them when they deserved it. She helped those who helped themselves in effort to set them up for success.
Who do you see as a good historic female role model and why?
I see Harriet Tubman as a good historic role model because she was strong, dedicated and determined to help people gain their freedom regardless of the consequences.
What would you say to a little girl in elementary school about what she can achieve as an adult?
You can achieve almost anything you want as an adult, starting now! Read more, maintain good grades (As & Bs—mostly As), work hard, do your best even when you don’t feel like it, never settle for average, don’t give up, be positive and believe in yourself. I believe in you and I know if you put the work in you will achieve what it is you want to!
If you could have a conversation with your 6-year-old self, what would you tell her?
Dream big! Reach for the stars! Go after what you want, be who you want to be! No, it won’t be easy, and you will be told no. There will be road blocks along the way and people that may try to stop you. You will make mistakes and you will likely fail, but KEEP TRYING -- GIVING UP IS NOT AN OPTION! You must consistently work hard, be humble and stay dedicated and determined. Keep doing your best, give your all and what’s meant to be will be. Know what God has for you no one and I mean no one can take it away!