HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. – The Hanscom AFB Women’s Forum recently received the 2023 Air Force Diversity and Inclusion Innovation Team Award at the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center level.
The award focuses on three areas: operational impact, innovation, and inclusive leadership.
“It’s truly a testament to all of the hard work our members put in above and beyond their day job," said Jackie Farrell, Hanscom Women’s Forum co-lead. "Our members hosted 33 virtual and in-person events, establish outreach to countless students, provide 55 hours of professional development, and network with over 150 women at Hanscom Air Force Base.”
The Hanscom AFB Women’s Forum was established in 2021.
“Together we have cultivated a community focused on the recruitment, development, and empowerment of women on the installation,” said Farrell.
Col. Taona Enriquez, installation commander and a member of the Women’s Forum, highlighted the team’s win.
“The passion, execution and determination embodied by every member of this team is exceptional,” she said. “Thank you all for what you do for our Team Hanscom CEOs [civilians, enlisted, and officers] and families.”
Among the accomplishments cited in the nomination, the Women’s Forum provided outreach to on- and off-base personnel.
“We created a grassroots outreach program, extending our reach beyond existing employees to impact more than 1,000 school-age and college students,” said Jenn Sablak, Hanscom Women’s Forum co-lead.
The team hosted 20 Bedford High School students in June for hands-on discussions on STEM and professional opportunities within the Department of the Air Force.
“This event forged valuable partnerships between the base and local community,” said Liz Kent, subcommittee lead for Diversity.
The team also facilitated 30 hours of networking opportunities, uniting members across the base to collaborate and build partnerships with local chambers of commerce, AFCEA, and Women in Defense organizations.
The Hanscom AFB Women’s Forum will now compete at the Air Force Materiel Command level.