How it Started

When I was 15 years old, a cadet under my command in the Civil Air Patrol asked me a question.  He sought my personal definition of leadership. After a brief thought, I looked at his uniform and mine, and said "You see all these ribbons I have? You should have more by the time you are where I am, if not sooner.  Leaders make things easier for their subordinates while still challenging them to constantly grow." As I continued explaining my definition of leadership, I constructed my definition of leadership: "Leadership is creating leaders better than yourself," and I continue to use today.

Since that day, leadership has been a conscious passion of mine. My definition of leadership has dictated how I approach mentorship, teaching and all areas of interaction I have with those I have the honor of leading.  In addition, these interactions led me to develop a passion for intercultural communication as well since many of them included diverse environments and peoples.  As a result, I seek opportunities that allow me to facilitate both of these passions in a challenging team atmosphere.

Civil Air Patrol

In 1999, I joined the Civil Air Patrol, a congressionally chartered non-profit that is the official auxiliary of the United States Air Force.  Initially, I was a cadet member where I completed all the achievements of the cadet program.  After completing the cadet program, I continued to be an active member with the organization as a senior officer.  Recently, I served as the Assistant Deputy Commander of Cadets for the Albuquerque Heights Spirit Composite Squadron before I started graduate school.

Accomplishments in the Civil Air Patrol are:

• National Squadron of Distinction (First Squadron in New Mexico to earn the award)
• Awarded a Commander's Commendation
• Earned the Ira C. Eaker Award (#1787)
• Graduated from Hawk Mountain Ranger School - Advance Course
• Served on the Wing Cadet Advisory Council
• Coached the Wing championship Honor Guard team 

Civil Air Patrol paved the pathway for me to learn leadership theory, exchange best practices with some of the greatest leaders and gain insight into what teamwork really means.  There is no doubt it helped to mold me as a leader, and how it created many leadership opportunities.

With my extensive background in leadership studies and application, I had a dear castmate, Marina (whom has sadly passed away), in Up with People ask me to teach a leadership workshop; She felt I could offer a great value to others by doing so.  I was very appreciative of her request but I was hesitate that others would not be interested to hear what I had to say.  Needless to say, she asked me everyday to consider it.

Marina's simple request launched me into creating a leadership presentation I called "The First Step."  The workshop brought together all of the theory I learned on leadership, and the experiences I had with from community involvement, school government, and other leadership programs I was a part of.

The workshop was so well received that it became a part of the regular curriculum for UWP students, and something that I continued to present to every cast.

Mariana helped me to understand that both leadership and public speaking are strong passions of mine.  I dedicate the presentation to her every time I facilitate it for a group - Thank you Mariana for recognizing my qualities, and encouraging me to share them.