By Gloria Romano-Barrera
Maj. Gen. Linda R.
Urrutia-Varhall, USAF (Ret).
Maj. Gen. Angie Salinas, USMC
(Ret) - CEO, Girl Scouts of
Southwest Texas.
Since 2004, Latinas from across the country have gathered to address
some of the most pressing issues affecting their lives. From leadership
development to successfully transitioning from active military service to
civilian and corporate careers discussions and the one-of-kind military service
awards presentation, the National LATINA Symposium recognizes Latinas in
the military service for their leadership and courage. The program kicked off on
Thursday, September 23rd with welcome remarks by Robert E. Bard, President &
CEO, LATINA Style, Inc. Following remarks included title sponsor remarks by Tracy
Dufault, Sr. Vice President, Food Merchandising Operations, Walmart. Sponsor
remarks were provided by Col. Mark A. Elliott, US Army (Ret), Head of Military &
Veteran Affairs, JPMorgan Chase. Co-Chair introduction and remarks were delivered
by Maj. Gen. Angie Salinas, USMC (Ret) - CEO, Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas; Maj.
Gen. Linda R. Urrutia-Varhall, USAF (Ret); Brig. Gen. Irene Zoppi, USAR; Maj. Gen.
Juan Ayala, USMC (Ret); and Col. Andres Nazario, USAF.
The first panel of the day, titled Powerful Leadership Lessons: Leading by
Example, was moderated by Senior Master Sgt. Sonora Vasquez, U.S. Air Force.
Panelists included Maj. Gen. Angie Salinas, U.S. Marine Corps (Ret) - CEO, Girl
Scouts of Southwest Texas Panelist: Maj. Gen. Linda R. Urrutia-Varhall, U.S. Air Force
(Ret). This session gave an inside view on the lessons learned, experiences gained
throughout the years, and ways some successful Latinas in the military have
overcome challenges.
Brig. Gen. Irene Zoppi, USAR
(Ret).
Tracy Dufault, Sr. Vice
President, Food Merchandising
Operations, Walmart.
The second session, Nurturing Latina Success (Award Recipients Panel), was
moderated by Master Sgt. Christian Johnson, U.S. Air Force. Panelists included
Command Sgt. Maj. Llirenelli L. Mari-Ciriaco, U.S. Army; Lt. Col. Cindy Serrano
Roberts, U.S. Air Force; Captain Jo-Ann F. Burdian, U.S. Coast Guard, and Petty
Officer 1st Class Lorena Morales, U.S. Navy.
Col. Mark A. Elliott, U.S.
Army (Ret), Head of Military
& Veteran Affairs, JPMorgan
Chase.
Maj. Gen. Juan Ayala, USMC
(Ret).
28 www.latinastyle.com LATINAStyle V ol. 27, No. 6 , 2021