HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. – Members of the workforce here have set out to increase diversity and improve working satisfaction for women through the Hanscom Women’s Forum.
Established in 2021, the forum allows members to collaborate on how to overcome common challenges and strengthen networking opportunities, as well as develop innovative ideas to improve leadership support and community outreach.
According to Jackie Farrell, Hanscom Women’s Forum co-lead, participants have joined from across the 66th Air Base Group, acquisition directorates, and other mission partners here.
“It’s been great to connect with other women across Hanscom and bridge our personal experiences to our professional missions,” she said. “These personal connections can lead to professional confidence, and that’s what we want to help building for our colleagues.”
Membership in the forum is open to both men and women.
“It’s important to have input and support from our male colleagues as well so we can have that added perspective and ensure we keep progressing,” said Jenn Sablak, co-lead for the Hanscom Women’s Forum. “Our initiatives can benefit everyone, and the more perspectives we can share, the better.”
Though the women’s forum here is an independent group, Farrell said they are working closely with the installation Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility Cell, which has a women’s Member Employee Resource Group lead in place to help identify barriers in Air Force policy, procedures, and practices.
“We want to collaborate with the DEIA cell here and build off the work they’ve done to facilitate more professional development opportunities and continue building a network for Hanscom members,” she said.
The forum currently meets biweekly via Teams to discuss ongoing initiatives and events.
For additional information on the Hanscom Women’s Forum or to join, contact Jacqueline.Farrell@us.af.mil.