R 011528Z MAR 13

ALCOAST 076/13
COMDTNOTE 5350
SUBJ: NATIONAL WOMENS HISTORY MONTH
1. March is National Womens History Month.  This annual observance
spotlights achievements and contributions of women today and
throughout our Nations history.  The theme of this years observance
is Women Inspiring Innovation Through Imagination: Celebrating Women
in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
2. The Coast Guard relies on a diverse workforce with STEM skills to
acquire, operate, maintain, and support our cutters, boats, aircraft,
and Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence,
Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) systems.  According to
Forbes.com, our own Coast Guard Academy is ranked among the Best
Colleges for Women in STEM. Roughly one third of Academy cadets are
women and seventy percent of all cadets are STEM majors.
3. In recent years, Coast Guard women, both military and civilian,
have been formally recognized for their achievements in STEM career
fields. RADM Sandra Stosz, LCDR Rachel Lewis, LCDR Jessica
Rozzi-Ochs, LT Nichole Burgess, LTJG Sabrina Taylor, Ms. Niketa
Brown, Ms. Leslie Martin-Freeman, Ms. Rashea Jackson, and Ms. Kitty
Lee were all recipients of Women of Color STEM awards.  CDR Lucinda
Cunningham was awarded the CDR John P. Daily Award for leadership and
mentorship in Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and
Information Technology, and was also honored as a Modern Day
Technology Leader at the Black Engineer of the Year STEM Conference.
4. I encourage commands to observe this National Womens History Month
with programs and activities that honor the history, superior
accomplishments, and contributions American women have made and
continue to make to our Service and our Nation.
5. ADM Bob Papp, Commandant, sends.
6. Internet release authorized.