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 Loren Lorenz, a restoration project manager with the Air Force Civil Engineer Center’s Environmental Directorate at Patrick Space Force Base, Florida.
Lorenz, who has been with the Air Force for 17 years, contributes to the Air Force’s lethality and readiness “by ensuring that the (Department of the Air Force) is responsible for transforming environmental liabilities (contaminated sites) into operational assets (reuse), while protecting human health and the environment through a robust Land Use Controls program. By continuing to program and budget accurately for environmental liabilities (while managing the aforementioned challenges both daily and long-term), we ensure that site cleanup is managed appropriately with the growth and mission mindset of the Air Force and Space Force.”
Here’s more from Lorenz:
Why do we need a Women’s History Month?
Women have been discriminated against (sometimes ignored outright) in the workplace (in regards to contributions, pay and promotion) and within society as a whole based on gender alone. I believe Women’s History Month is a good start to recognizing the accomplishments, contributions and barriers that women have had to face to excel in their personal and career paths/goals.
Tell us about a female coworker or friend you admire?
I have been blessed to have several women mentors in my life that have contributed to my overall success as a woman in the workplace. I have been fortunate to have a female coworker who has taught me how to pursue excellence in both the ERA program and the Air Force overall (through research, interpretation, technical skill and communication) since I was hired into the Air Force in 2004 and a more recent female coworker who is efficient, down to earth, great to work with and is also the Space Launch Delta 45 airfield manager and a personal mentor who has helped me with time management and personal communication skills.
Who do you see as a good historic female role model and why?
I have always admired Amelia Earhart. Her spirit, courage and tenacity in a male-dominated profession (aviation) are inspiring to me.
What would you say to a little girl in elementary school about what she can achieve as an adult?
Continue to follow your dreams, but know that there are still professions that are male-dominated and require much more than courage and spirit. Finding appropriate mentors, understanding the culture of the workplace (and how they plan to change with respect to women in the workplace, how they foster growth and protect against discrimination, etc.) are very important. I would encourage her to consider the Air Force as a career, as the Air Force supports and promotes women (including women of color and all ethnicities) in the workforce. Our airfield manager is proof of that!
If you could have a conversation with your 6-year-old self, what would you tell her?
Work on your confidence by finding appropriate mentors, dream big and know you are always loved and supported by God when no one else seems to be in your corner.