Diversity Lecture Program Hosted in Electronics Shop

On Thursday, May 14, Mr. Valletta’s Electronics Technology shop hosted members from the Connecticut Air National Guard who gave a presentation on Female Diversity in Electronics.  The purpose of the program was to discuss the many opportunities available in the electronics field, especially for women.

Chief Master Sergeant Al Parent brought along four  female members of the 103rd Airlift Wing, which is based at Bradley Field in Hartford.  TSgt Angelique Leeman, TSgt Wendy Naples, 2nd Lt Cheryl Pilletere, and Major Kristen Snow were a strong cast of role models who discussed developing skills, setting goals, and choosing a career.  The group included an electronics technician, a mechanical engineer and two pilots.

“We have always drawn many girls to our Electronics program,” indicated Mr. Valletta.  “It was good for them to see these excellent female role models.  Our girls may enter the trade as non-traditional students in electronics, but they make it very traditional by the     Mechanical Engineer Wendy Naples  in the ET shop    time they leave.”

“The idea actually came from our Superintendent, Mrs. Hughes,” explained Mr. Valletta. “Since we can’t do field trips in these economic times, she suggested we have them come to us if possible.  This allowed us to turn a negative into a positive, because it was much more effective and intimate than us going up there in a huge hangar with a hundred or so people.  The kids got to hear about options, college, and things like tuition payments.  The girls learned that they don’t have to be dependent on males to be successful.”

Chief Al Parent agreed. “I love the electronics field.  We try to show these kids that they have quite a jump on everyone else because of their Technical School training.  Some of these kids can probably do it better than people we have there now.”

Mr. Valletta added that Nick Albino, who graduated seven years ago from the Electronics shop, currently works at the Air Guard.  “He’s full-time up there.  He already has one advanced degree and he’s working on another.”

When the women were finished with their talks the kids were invited to meet and talk with them personally.  “I couldn’t believe that the students would rush right up to them to talk with them like they were superstars, but that’s what happened,” said a very pleased Mr. Valletta”

   

TSgt Angelique Leeman addresses the Electronics Technology shop while CMSgt Al Parent and DH Mr. Al Valetta look on.