Total Woman's Expo focuses on professional, personal development

  • Published
  • By Michelle Gigante
  • 88th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --  The 11th annual Total Woman's Expo, by the Wright-Patterson Federal Woman's Program (FWP) and the Miami Valley Chapter of Federally Employed Women (FEW), held recently at the Hope Hotel provided an opportunity for women of Wright-Patterson Air Force Base to develop their professional workforce skills and gain insight to building healthy lifestyles in areas regarding wellness, higher education and financial planning. 

About 1,000 women attended workshops during the expo, with topics ranging from human trafficking to dealing with challenging personalities, to self-defense, and women's health. 

An instructor for the self-defense workshop spoke about the training and how it helps women gain a renewed perspective for themselves and their fellow wingmen.  

"I think boosting confidence is the biggest thing because if we can boost someone's confidence, they respect themselves more and respect each other more...If we can all respect each other, then we can eliminate a lot of issues," said Erin McGinley, cost analyst for Air Force Life Cycle Management Center.

"The training helps you become more aware of your surroundings and helps you know what to do in case you get in trouble, so you can defend yourself," said Claudia Mullins, a participant in the self-defense class and an administrative assistant for Air Force Research Laboratory.  "We get a lot of good information and the instructors are all great."

"We continue to choose workshop topics that are the most advantageous to the women of Wright-Patterson," said Derry McCurdy, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base's FWP diversity manager. 

She said FWP and FEW meet monthly and speak about what topics to bring back each year. 

Human trafficking and social security, along with women's health remain the most highly requested topics.

Ronda Maxwell, an administrative assistant with AFRL was impressed from what she learned about the overall health programs. 

"I was aware Civilian Health Promotion Services comes around for cardio risk profile screenings; I did not realize they have a certified mobile van for mammograms, so I am going to check that out," said Maxwell. 

She added how it is a great idea because, "women don't have to take off work or make an appointment; there it is at your door."

While the expo was free to attend, participants gave back to the community by donating personal care and baby items. 

The items collected were given to the Wright-Patterson AFB Family Services Pantry, Airman's Attic and local shelters. 

Vendors and exhibitors also were present.