Women Inspiring the Next Generation's Successes meeting

Staff Sgt. Kamiya Kirkland, 82nd Training Wing Military Training Leader, serves as master of ceremonies at the first Women Inspiring the Next Generation’s Successes (WINGS) program meeting at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, August 12, 2020. WINGS held their meeting at the Sheppard AFB Noncommissioned Academy with a focus on “hurdles women may face while in a predominantly male workforce.”(U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Pedro Tenorio)

Women Inspiring the Next Generation's Successes meeting

Airmen from across Sheppard sit in the Women Inspiring the Next Generation’s Successes (WINGS) meeting at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, August 12, 2020. The Sheppard program started with just three to four key members. After the first meeting, though, more than 35 people reached out and were interested in the organization. The meeting was also broadcasted virtually for those who could not attend in person. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Pedro Tenorio)

Women Inspiring the Next Generation's Successes meeting

Master Sgt. Sarah Cawrse, 82nd Training Wing protocol, speaks at the Women Inspiring the Next Generation’s Successes (WINGS) meeting at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, August 12, 2020. WINGS encourages everyone to open themselves up to new perspectives, which encourages growth in a safe environment. This organization is open to everyone, however, it targets young officer and enlisted females including Airmen in Training. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Pedro Tenorio)

Women Inspiring the Next Generation's Successes meeting

Airmen from across Sheppard sit in a Women Inspiring the Next Generation’s Successes (WINGS) meeting at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, August 12, 2020. WINGS intends to create a safe space for female Airmen to discuss various topics and connect through mentorship and empowerment in all areas of life including relationships, careers progression, fitness goals, and other topics. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Pedro Tenorio)

Women Inspiring the Next Generation's Successes meeting

Chief Master Sgt. Diena Mosely, 82nd Training Wing command chief, speaks at the Women Inspiring the Next Generation’s Successes (WINGS) meeting at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, August 12, 2020. Mosely and Brig. Gen. Kenyon Bell, 82nd TRW commander, helped kick off the WINGS group’s meeting and talked about how they were glad this new group opened up on Sheppard. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Pedro Tenorio)

Women Inspiring the Next Generation's Successes meeting

Brig. Gen. Kenyon Bell, 82nd Training Wing commander, speaks at the first Women Inspiring the Next Generation’s Successes (WINGS) meeting at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, August 12, 2020. Bell and Chief Master Sgt. Diena Mosely, 82nd TRW command chief, came out to show their support at WINGS' kickoff event at the Sheppard AFB NCO Academy. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Pedro Tenorio)

WINGS aims to support women in the workforce

Published Aug. 24, 2020
By 2nd Lieutenant Megan Morrissey
82nd Training Wing Public Affairs

SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas – Operating in a male-dominated Air Force presents unique challenges for women who wear the uniform.

Women Inspiring the Next Generation's Successes, a recently formed organization at Sheppard Air Force Base, aims to help women in the Air Force overcome these challenges by creating a safe space to discuss various topics and connect through mentorship, helping them foster healthy attitudes, behaviors and followership skill sets – strengthening the overall force.

Master Sgt. Candice Bingham, the Sheppard WINGS president, said she is uplifted after seeing the amount of support for the new chapter.

“This open discussion on various topics from Airmen – little A to big A – will hopefully show each other we all can succeed or conquer our fears,” she said. “Just hearing someone else’s trials and tribulations can motivate one member or more.”

WINGS had their first kickoff event Aug. 10, 2020 at the Sheppard AFB NCO Academy with a focus on “hurdles women may face while in a predominantly male workforce.”

Bingham said the Sheppard program started with just three to four key members. After the first meeting, though, more than 35 people reached out and were interested in the organization.

WINGS encourages everyone to open themselves up to new perspectives, which encourages growth in a safe environment. This organization is open to everyone. However, it targets young officer and enlisted women including Airmen in Training.

Bingham welcomes men to attend the meetings, as hearing the stories of their female colleagues and how they overcome different obstacles can help them learn more about the environment in which they work.

WINGS is all about building networking. If you are stationed at Sheppard Air Force Base and are interested in joining, please contact Master Sgt. Sarah Cawrse, Staff Sgt. Kamiya Kirkland, Tech. Sgt. Shandralekha and Master Sgt. Kellie Peterson.