Staff and students from Training Support Center (TSC) Great Lakes were on hand to celebrate Women's History Month, Mar. 21.

Over 80 people attended the event which included guest speakers and a cake cutting ceremony.

"The diverse Navy of today has been built on Sailors from all backgrounds who have challenged the barriers and overcome discrimination," said Capt. Mark Meskiman, commanding officer of TSC Great Lakes. "Women have been a huge part of that. This month's celebration is a chance to reflect on those women who have forged ahead and opened paths making of the Navy today."

The guest speaker for the event was Lt. Katy Bock, student management officer at TSC. She reflected and honored women who fought all forms of discrimination, echoing the theme for this year's Women's History month.

"Looking back at my own career I found that whatever stage of my naval service I was in, or wherever I was stationed, or whatever billet I was filling, I was surrounded by women and a Navy that broke barriers and fought discrimination," said Bock. "I have seen our Navy make sweeping, large scale changes to ensure women had the opportunity to excel, I've seen women climb the ranks into some of the most senior leadership positions our armed forces have, and I see my peers, my shipmates and my Command leadership provide an example everyday of how to fight all forms of discrimination."

During her time at TSC, Bock has seen the Navy open all jobs to women and has seen females from all different backgrounds excel in some of the most challenging courses the Navy has to offer. She has also seen Staff make real world fleet impacts to fight discrimination every single day.

"I count myself fortunate, because I can come to work and I can work hard and do my best because that's what Sailors do," Bock said. "I don't really feel the need to prove myself because I am female, I prove myself because I am a Sailor. I don't need to spend time worrying if I will get as many opportunities as my male counterparts, I don't spend time wondering if I'm accepted as a Sailor or if people will underestimate me."

Electricians Mate Fireman Daniela Cardenias Martinez, entered and won a command Women's History Month essay contest writing about her mother.

Cardenias Martinez immigrated to the United States with her mother and father from Cuba in 2013 at the age of 14. She wrote of her mother's difficulties growing up in a third-world country, very poor, suffering abuse and neglect. She also wrote of her mother's persistence and inspiration in which made her feel protected and safe at all cost.

"In learning the topic, I wanted to celebrate my mother and her story of survival," Cardinias Martinez said. "Women's lives in the past have been hard; it has gotten a lot better due to their tenacity. Writing an essay was my way of showing appreciation to all those that advanced women's issues making our lives easier today. If it wasn't for the women in the Navy, I wouldn't be here today."


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