Download - Professional Women Controllers

15 downloads 246 Views 3MB Size Report
10Ignite the Spark! Philadelphia 2013. 35th Anniversary National Training Conference. 13You Say More Than You Think. Body Language Expert Janine Driver.
A Publication of the Professional Women Controllers, Inc. spring 2013 vol. 7 no. 2

women air traffic controllers hotsheet

35th Anniversary National Training Conference april 8-11, 2013 | sheraton society hill | philadelphia

Crisis Co-Pilot

Financial relief for FAA employees

Rough Skies Ahead?

Let SkyOne navigate you through the “financial turbulence” With the impending furlough looming, it’s nice to know that there is financial relief just when you need it. As a proud supporter of the FAA, SkyOne is here to help.

Emergency cash just when you need it •

Signature loan up to $5,000 provides instant access to cash



48-month term keep the repayment manageable



0% APR for first 6 months1 helps save on interest



No payments for first 90 days helps free up the cash needed

Relief on your SkyOne accounts •

Reversals on select fees for first six months



Extensions on loan payments2



Free credit counseling through BALANCE

For More Information on how the Crisis Co-Pilot can help you

Call us at 800.421.7111 or email us at [email protected].

Eligibility is based on proof of employment with a company in the air transportation industry at the time of the crisis. The crisis (defined as a mass lay-off, a temporary or permanent shut down of business, a union-mandated strike or a work furlough) must be well documented in the media and/or confirmed by the company in question. Non-members would have 90 days to join SkyOne before their membership and/or Crisis Co-Pilot program eligibility would expire, should their employment with an air transportation company be terminated as a result of an eligible crisis. 1 APR=Annual Percentage Rate. 0% APR for the first 6 months will revert to current Signature Loan rate after 6 months. 2 90-day payment extensions on existing current loans excludes real estate secured loans. Visit www.SkyOne.org to view our current loan rates. SkyOne reserves the right to modify or discontinue this program at any time. Other restrictions apply; please contact SkyOne for details at 800.421.7111.

800.421.7111

Your savings federally insured to at least $250,000 and backed by the full faith and credit of the United States Government.

women air traffic controllers hot-sheet: a publication of the professional women controllers, inc. vol. 7 no. 2 spring 2013

02

SkyOne Federal Credit Union

04

View From The Tower

Leadership: It’s a Never Ending Journey

05 

PWC Corporate Members

Professional Women Controllers, Inc. P.O. Box 23924 L’Enfant Plaza Washington, DC 20024 [email protected] | www.pwcinc.org

VISION

Professional Women Controllers aim to achieve a balanced workforce that reflects the demographics of society and creates a safe environment where all air traffic professionals have passion for their career, can excel and feel a sense of community at work.

MISSION

06 

Central Region Leadership Day: People are Our Strength

07 

New PWC Corporate Member ClancyJG International

08

INSIGHT



A Conversation with Carol Raiford

10 13

You Say More Than You Think Body Language Expert Janine Driver

15

T he Blueprint of Champions: Attaining Peak Performance, Part II

18

 oaching Yourself Towards C a Successful Life

19

S outh Florida Aviators Aircraft Fly-In Education Expo: Operation SAFEE Flight Congratulations to Norma Ely, Eastern Region PWC Member

20

REGIONAL NEWS



OFFICERS

President, Robin Rush Vice President, Terri Waterman Secretary, Aimee Wright Director of Resources (Treasurer), Tina Santiago Membership Director, Diana Eldridge

REGIONAL DIRECTORS

Ignite the Spark! Philadelphia 2013 35th Anniversary National Training Conference



Professional Women Controllers is a resource that provides support, training, encouragement and camaraderie for all air traffic professionals. PWC advocates balancing work and family life, recruiting and retaining excellent employees, developing people, enjoying work and maintaining a positive sense of community.

Central Southern New England

Alaska Director, Janet Mulder Central Director, Christina Calvert Eastern Director,Veronica Vaughan Great Lakes Director, Connie Atlagovich New England Director, Sarah LaPorte Ostrander Northwest Mountain Director, Pam Sheeler Southern Director,Vanessa Shinners Southwest Director, Nancy Thompson Western-Pacific Director,Vacant

APPOINTED OFFICERS, PROGRAM MANAGERS

Web Page Administrator, Cheryl Brewer WATCH Editor, Patty Swenor Public Affairs Officer,Vacant Historian, Sue Townsend Parliamentarian, Constitution & By-laws, Maria Hofbauer National Conference Chair, Rose Merchant Education & Career Development Program Manager, Sandy Holcomb Elections Committee, Judy Noble Membership & Recruitment Program Manager, Diana Eldridge Sales Coordinator, Pat Tiner Corporate Recruitment Program Manager, Diana Eldridge 2013 Conference Co-Chair,Veronica Vaughan 2013 Conference Co-Chair, Jane Kolias 2014 Conference Chair, Maria Hofbauer Logistics Coordinator, PattiAnn Pickhard

PUBLISHER

Kathleen Cummins Mifsud

MANAGING EDITOR Patty Swenor

CONTRIBUTORS

Robin Rush, Natasha Chappelle, Carol Raiford, Rose Merchant-Bennett, Janine Driver,Veronica Vaughan, Christina L. Calvert, Terri Waterman and Maria Hofbauer.

DESIGN

Sagetopia, 703.726.6400, www.sagetopia.com

PRODUCTION

Colorcraft of Virginia, Inc., Sterling, VA 20164; 877.709.2270

cover

Courtesy of Philadelphia Convention & Vistors Bureau (PCVB) The Watch, a benefit of membership in the Professional Women Controllers, Inc., is published quarterly.To become a member, go to www.pwcinc.org. The views expressed herein are solely those of the authors and should not be construed to be the opinion of the Professional Women Controllers (PWC). Suggestions and opinions expressed in The Watch are not necessarily endorsed by PWC. Nothing in these pages is intended to supercede operator’s or manufacturer’s policies, practices or requirements, or to supersede government regulations. © 2013 Professional Women Controllers, Inc. All rights reserved.

VIEW FROM THE TOWER

Leadership:

It’s a Never Ending Journey Robin Rush, President, Professional Women Controllers, Inc.

Hello again. As I write my quarterly letter to you all, I am struck by the enormity of events that are transpiring around us: possible lack of FAA funding and support for our national training conference, looming sequestration leading to the possibility of mandatory furloughs and an overall sense of discouragement and disappointment overall that may be impacted if any of the above mentioned events occur. SUPPORT PWC; JOIN YOUR COLLEAUGES TO “IGNITE THE SPARK! – 2013 PWC CONFERENCE IN PHILADELPHIA

As you probably know, PWC’s 35th National Training Conference, Ignite the Spark, is being held in Philadelphia from April 8 to 11, 2013. At this time, we have not been told one way or the other whether the FAA will be able to fund and/or support our conference. Even with all the uncertainty around us, I hope that you will still make plans to attend this conference. PWC needs your support now more than ever. The PWC Conference Committee has been hard at work, and this year’s agenda has something for everyone. Let’s show the FAA how important these quality events are to the agency, its employees and our members. Let’s Ignite the Spark! Additionally, we are committed to continuing to offer our members a truly inspiring and educational experience at future conferences. We have partnered to have a conference with Women

in Aviation, International (WAI) and Technical Women’s Organization (TWO) to be held in Orlando, Florida in 2014, and we intend to fully honor our commitment to them. We will need your support in that endeavor as well. Until some of this uncertainty becomes clearer, I do not know what moving forward in 2015 looks like. The PWC Board of Directors will have to seriously examine alternatives and ways to reduce expenses, if we do not have FAA funding and support. We will be looking to the membership to provide ideas during our general business meeting in Philadelphia.

On a much brighter note, I am extremely pleased to share with you that at our January meeting, the Board of Directors finalized PWC’s new logo. It will be unveiled at the Conference in Philadelphia. It was a long and difficult process, but we believe you will love the result. REPORT FROM “CENTRAL REGION LEADERSHIP DAY: PEOPLE ARE OUR STRENGTH”

Last week, I had the opportunity to attend an event hosted by the Central Regional Administrator, Joe Miniace, and five of the Central Region FAA Employee Associations (EAs): • National Black Coalition of Federal Aviation Employees (NBCFAE), • National Hispanic Coalition of Federal Aviation Employees (NHCFAE), • Native American Alaska Native Coalition of Federal Aviation Employees (NAAN), • Professional Women Controllers, Inc. (PWC), • Technical Women’s Organization (TWO).

Central Region Leadership Day group: seated center: Daryl Hart, Director of the Office of Civil Rights; front row: Natasha Chappelle (NBCFAE), Brenda Smith-Keene (NBCFAE), Beth Prettyman (TWO), Kathleen Simmons (NAAN, President), Roosevelt Lennard (NBCFAE, President), Robin Rush (PWC, President) and Laurie Ortiz (NHCFAE); second row: Vicky Wagonis (TWO, President), Rebecca Uta (NAAN), Toi Lee (NBCFAE), Cora Lyons (NBCFAE), Alisa Gause (Civil Rights), Christina Calvert (PWC), Marina O’Sullivan (NHCFAE) and Sadie Alvarado (NHCFAE, President).

the WATCH

spring 2013 4

The daylong event was themed Central Region Leadership Day: People Are Our Strength. What a phenomenal event! It offered something for everyone. It was both educational and inspirational to the more than 80 employees who attended. Students from a local high school were invited to attend, and they asked some amazing questions. Personally, I want to thank Daryl Hart from the Central Region Office of Civil Rights for his vision of what could be done and also to Joe Miniace for his support and his commitment to seeing it through. Each of the national Presidents from the five EAs was asked to tell the group a little about their career and their respective association and then to discuss one of the FAA’s key leadership dimensions. I was asked to elaborate on Achieving Results and would like to share an excerpt from my remarks with you. “One of the things I have found that helps me tremendously is mentoring others and providing them with guidance and counsel. During my time as PWC Regional Director, I helped bring the TWO/ PWC Mentor Program to the Western-Pacific Region. You may recall it was the program TWO started at HQ, and then PWC partnered with them. We had two successful cohorts in Los Angeles and several in Northern CA. It was during this time I saw firsthand how the employees of the FAA at all levels wanted to learn more; they wanted to be coached and mentored. They wanted to understand what other parts of the agency were about and what other employees did. They wanted to have someone they trusted listen to them without judgment. So I would offer this advice – no matter where you are in

your career, seek out a mentor, and then when you are ready, become a mentor. I hear lots of people in the workforce say ‘I don’t want to be a supervisor or manager,’ and I say that is perfectly fine. I remember saying it many times before I decided to try a supervisory position. But the truth is – the safest, most efficient airspace system in the world needs the best possible employees and that means constantly improving and learning ourselves and then extending that knowledge and growth to those who come behind us. In this process, you will have no choice but to achieve results. As people reach down and challenge you, you will step up and meet their challenges. As you set and reach goals and priorities for your career, family and personal ambitions, you will start to set the mark higher each time you are ready for a new goal or the next level. And, you will do the same when you become a mentor to others. Give consideration to their goals and assist them with realizing what priorities they have. Help them to understand achieving results is possible in all that we do and at all levels of the agency. When we demonstrate a sense of responsibility, professionalism and pride for individual and organizational success, we are achieving results. When we keep management informed, we are achieving results. When we meet customer or stakeholder needs and challenges, we are achieving results. When we apply lessons learned from both our successes and failures, we are achieving results. So you see I mentioned success and failure. To achieve results, there will be both of these along the way, and you must not fear the failure. Rather, you must learn from it and then move forward. When there is success, you must celebrate it, and just like with failure, you must then move forward. Don’t dwell on either too long or you will lose your momentum. Remember, leadership is not about your position so much as it is about who you are and what kind of person you are. Remember, leadership, it’s a never ending journey.” I hope this encourages you to seek out a mentor or to become a mentor. It is truly a rewarding experience on both sides and, if done properly, will help each participant achieve results. I also hope to see you all in Philadelphia! In the meantime, have a great spring! ✈

PWC CORPORATE MEMBERS • Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (BCBS) • Clancy JG International • Crown Consulting, Inc. • FAA Managers Association, Inc. (FAAMA) • GEICO • Harris Corporation • Livingston Federal Employee Retirement Planning • National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFE) • National Black Coalition of Federal Aviation Employees (NBCFAE) • National Hispanic Coalition of Federal Aviation Employees (NHCFAE) • Raytheon ATMS and Homeland Security • Robinson Aviation, Inc. (RVA) • Sky One Federal Credit Union • Technical Women’s Organization (TWO) • Washington Consulting Group (WCG) • Women in Aviation International (WAI)

Joe Miniace, FAA Central Regional Administrator, speaking to the Central Region Leadership Day group.

the WATCH

spring 2013 5

Central Region Leadership Day:

People are Our Strength Natasha Chappelle, written for FAA Focus, reprinted with permission

The National Black Coalition of Federal Aviation Administration Employees (NBCFAE), National Hispanic Coalition of Federal Aviation Administration Employees (NHCFAE), Native American/Alaskan Native Coalition of Federal Aviation Administration Employees (NAAN), Professional Women Controllers (PWC) and Technical Women’s Organization (TWO) sponsored Leadership Training Day in the Central Region on February 13, 2013 at the Department of Transportation Regional Office.

T

he National Presidents of each of the employee associations opened the day with their personal leadership experiences as Presidents within their organizations: Roosevelt Lenard, Jr. NBCFAE; Sadie P. Alvarado, NHCFAE; Kathleen Simmons, NAAN; Robin Rush, PWC; and Vicki Wagonis, TWO. Leadership Day was created from the Round Table, the vision of Joseph Miniace, FAA Regional Administrator, and Daryl Hart, FAA Civil Rights Director, Great Lakes and Central. The Round Table brings together the regional management team, employee associations and unions to engage in discussions about issues and concerns for employees throughout the region. One consistent void that was echoed from all of the employee associations was training and employee development. With the support of the Regional Administrator and Civil Rights Director, the employee associations moved forward and developed a day of FAA-approved training. The training provided eight hours of Continuing Management Education and was assigned an eLMS course number for all participants to receive training credit. The objective for Leadership Day: People are Our Strength was to educate, motivate and inspire those who aspire to be leaders or strengthen their leadership skills. Six dynamic motivating speakers from across the Kansas City Metropolitan area were invited to reach the training day objective.

• D  onald R. Simon, president of Simon Business Consulting, Inc. delivered a message on Risk and Reward: Steps in Leading Change. Mr. Simon presented the eight steps to change. One must have the courage to lead change and be willing to take risks to achieve their vision. • T  he author of “Diversity Diva,” a column that appears in the Kansas City Star newspaper, Michelle T. Johnson, engaged the audience in The More Important Items in the Workplace Toolbox. Ms. Johnson used her skills as a former employment attorney and certified mediator to encourage the participants to not make assumptions but listen to the meaning behind the words, ask questions and don’t be afraid of not knowing. • S helly Armato, founder and CEO of a technology company MySmartPlans and one of Kansas City’s Fearless Women in 2010, did an outstanding job of communicating that your past does not equal your future. During her riveting presentation, Ms. Armato motivated the crowd with how to Uncover the Leader in You. She used her personal story to explain that it doesn’t matter where you start, it’s where you end that matters. • A  director on the Board of National Native American Chamber of Commerce, Steve Flick introduced “Cradle to Grave.” Mr. Flick communicated that we must plant the

products of the next generation of leaders and emphasized the need for strong male role models. • K  athy Quinn, Emmy award winning reporter for FOX 4 News, presented, Good Leader, Good Follower. Ms. Quinn used her personal journey as a reporter to create a vivid picture of what it takes to be a ground breaking leader and the value of being a good follower. A good leader is a good listener and can identify strengths. • S andra Campbell, retired FAA after 42 years of service, adjunct professor, pending ordained Minister (May 2013) and motivational speaker, concluded the day with an Inspirational Closing: You Can Make It Happen. Ms. Campbell moved the audience with many thought provoking scenarios and outcomes that ended up positively for several reasons such as: “Give up negative thinking;” “Nothing beats a failure, but a try;” “No one can make you feel less than, you determine how you feel” and “Preparation – you never know what tomorrow will bring.” The planning committee was co-chaired by Marina O’Sullivan, NHCFAE and Christina Calvert, Central Region Director, PWC. Other members of the committee were: Natasha Chappelle, Central Region President, NBCFAE; Laurie Ortiz, Central Region President, NHCFAE; Rebecca Uta, Central Region Representative, NAAN; Brenda SmithKeene, Central Region Director, TWO; Cora Lyons and Toi Lee, NBCFAE; Beth Prettyman, TWO and Alisa Gause, Office of Civil Rights. This was a beneficial day of training that met the goals of the Agency and was accomplished at no cost to the Agency. In this time of diminishing resources, Central Region’s day of Leadership training, sponsored by employee associations, can serve as an excellent template for training across the country. ✈

the WATCH

spring 2013 6

New PWC Corporate Member

ClancyJG International An Engineering, Professional and Consulting Services Firm PWC’s newest corporate member, ClancyJG International, provides expertise in engineering and analysis, air traffic control, airspace management, airfield and air traffic operations, unmanned aircraft systems, obstruction evaluation/airport airspace analysis (OE/AAA), aviation security, airport/ air carrier security, flight test range operations and maintenance and management and technical consulting.

A

qualified engineering, professional and consulting services company, ClancyJG International has demonstrated expertise in assembling talented teams to meet contract requirements. As experienced professionals, the firm addresses unique programmatic requirements and also assists small businesses in navigating the complex world of federal contracts, addressing the business challenges associated with federal contracting and supplying strategies for avoiding the pitfalls that come with innocence. As consultants, the firm has provided subject matter expertise to companies that include Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company, Lockheed Martin Corporate, SERCO, Gallium Visual Systems, All Weather Inc. and Coram CA Development LP. Here is an example of ClancyJG International’s success: The firm is a prime contractor and provider of air traffic controllers to the Army National Guard at three Army National Guard Airfields. The firm also is the current provider of air traffic control and aviation safety subject matter experts to FAA Headquarters and to Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Group in Washington, D.C., demonstrating the firm’s ability to: • Compete and perform as a Government Prime Contractor • Provide a competitive and compliant approach to meeting customer requirements

• T  ransition uniquely and highly qualified incumbent technical staff rapidly • Recruit and retain new staff to fill key personnel incumbent staff vacancies • Manage and execute a prime contract, ensuring proper programmatic oversight ClancyJG International’s staff consists of executive managers, program managers, project managers, air traffic controllers, weather observers, engineers, analysts, subject matter experts, technical experts and operations professionals. The firm actively recruits staff with many years of experience and a demonstrated set of skills. Many staff members have recently retired from the federal government, military and private sector and are searching for exciting opportunities to use their talents. ClancyJG International is prepared to provide immediate support and look for opportunities that challenge our team that seem insurmountable by our customers. Business partners John Clancy and Donald Rhea have over 75 years combined technical, management, operations and maintenance experience with federal, state, and local municipalities, including the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Department of Defense

(DoD) and major prime contractors, suppliers and vendors. John Clancy, President, founded ClancyJG International in 2007. Prior to founding the firm, he was a Senior FAA Executive serving as Director Western Terminal Service Area. He directed terminal operations within 12 western states and was responsible for developing programs and standards associated with terminal air traffic management consisting of approximately 3,000 individuals, 50-90 Federal Contract Towers and a budget in excess of $460M. He can be reached at [email protected] or 661.886.2166. Donald Rhea, Vice President, served as Vice President and Chief Operations Officer for an internationally-known provider of products and services to the DoD, NASA, FAA and major prime contractors. Prior to entering the private sector, he was the Manager of the NASA Western Aeronautical Test Range and served as an engineer supporting the development and modernization of range and simulation systems. He has authored and published 15 technical papers and is the recipient of several awards and honors including the NASA Space Act Award. He can be reached at [email protected] or 661.886.8557. For additional information please visit www.clancyjg.com. ✈

the WATCH

spring 2013 7

INSIGHT

An in-depth interview with a PWC leader.

A Conversation with Carol Raiford

E

xactly one year after the 1981 strike, I became an air traffic controller– before some of our newest controllers were even born! During the strike, I was studying in a PhD program at the University of Florida and working for Eastern Airlines. It never dawned on me to become an air traffic controller. Air Traffic Control (ATC) specialists at Gainesville Air Traffic Control Tower (ATCT) – who stayed after the strike – encouraged us to take the test to become air traffic controllers. I scored well, quit Eastern Airlines (which was about to go bankrupt), received my Masters Degree at the University of Florida and never looked back. Since that time, I’ve worked at Nashville ATCT, Fulton County ATCT, Chattanooga ATCT, Jacksonville ATCT, Miami Automated Flight Service Station (AFSS) – before Lockheed, was a supervisor at Fayetteville ATCT and then retired. Now, I am working at Fayetteville Terminal Radar Approach Facility (TRACON) as a Raytheon Certified Instructor, proving there is life after retirement. For two years, I served on the PWC Board of Directors as the 2000 Ft. Lauderdale Conference Chair, and four

years, served as the Southern Region Director – plus, I attended as many PWC national Conferences as possible.

How is PWC’s mission to provide support, training, encouragement and camaraderie for all air traffic professionals specifically related to what you do in your personal and professional life? PWC is more than just a “mission statement.” All the members go above and beyond with mentoring and encouraging others to tear down barriers. Almost 30 years ago when I was hired by the FAA, there were very few female Air Traffic Control Specialists (ATCS). Phyllis Dodgen Macke (Phyllis Green), then PWC Southern Region Director, encouraged me to join PWC, and she has been a friend ever since. It was Jeanne Garrison, PWC Charter Member, and one of my closest friends who enticed me to attend my first PWC Conference which was held in Dallas, TX that year. I was already at my third facility before going to my first Conference (I regret I waited so long – I should have started

PWC is more than just a “mission statement.” All the members go above and beyond with mentoring and encouraging others to tear down barriers.

going when Phyllis first recruited me.) This is where my camaraderie and lifelong friendships began. That year, I met Steve Labbs – it was his first conference, too. He was a controller in Dead Horse, AK, and he and another controller from Alaska came to the PWC Conference to get training and meet controllers from the lower 48 states. The support and training at the conference was awesome and left me wanting more! Mind you – this was before computers, internet, Facebook, cell phones, etc. – you get the picture! Networking was harder then – you even had to pay for long distance phone calls! I also assisted Phyllis and Jeanne when they planned a national PWC Conference in Nashville. After hosting the 2000 national PWC Conference, I succeeded Maria Hofbauer as Southern Region Director. Steve also became Alaska Region Director – first time ever a male served on the PWC Board of Directors. Patty Swenor was President and PWC’s current President, Robin Rush, was part of the BOD then. As I was going through some tough personal issues, they were there for me, with support and encouragement to help me be able to handle my professional career. They have become lifelong friends! There are no barriers at PWC Conferences. From FAA Administrator to Vice Presidents (at least in the past) to supervisors and controllers, at PWC Conferences all network together. PWC

the WATCH

spring 2013 8

INSIGHT

continues to grow and change with the times, never wavering in reaching out to anyone who needs support or encouragement.

PWC’s mission also includes advocating a balanced work and family life, recruitment and retention of excellent employees, development of people, enjoyment of work and maintaining a positive sense of community. What PWC activities have you observed or participated in that support this mission? As 2000 PWC National Conference Chair and then for four years as Regional Director, I tried to reach out to as many as I could. For those not able to attend national Conferences, Kathy Hayworth, Maria Lohlein and I hosted many PWC Regional Conferences. We broke through barriers and combined efforts with all the special emphasis groups along with National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) and National Association of Air Traffic Controllers (NAATS) to host these Regional Conferences. Some of the topics included Retirement Seminars, Child and Elder Care, Life after the FAA, Training at CMD, Labor Relations and included many guest speakers. Carolyn Blum, FAA Southern Region Administrator then, gave an inspiring presentation on balancing life and work, noting balance needs to be achieved to be successful in both.

PWC encourages women to enter the air traffic control profession and assists members in professional and personal development, in maintaining professionalism and in promoting cooperation and coordination toward the continual improvement of aviation safety. In a practical sense, how has this worked in your career?

Many have crossed my path and assisted me in my professional development. I never thought of going into management, but Patty Swenor encouraged me with her positive outlook. I had been in the Terminal ATC Option for 13 years when, for personal reasons, elected to go into Flight Service and eventually became a Flight Watch Specialist. As Lockheed Martin was about to take over Flight Service, I looked at the positive side and became a supervisor at Fayetteville ATCT which I never would have thought of doing had it not been for PWC’s encouragement and support during this tough period in many member’s professional careers. The leadership skills I learned through PWC were a great asset, as I took the leap into management. In addition, I continued to help others through career days and mentoring. It’s like a tree that continually grows branches and more trees develop from the seeds.

What does PWC mean to you personally? Life for me wasn’t easy, especially starting out as a female controller nearly 30 years ago. I was forced into being a single mother when Alexis was four years old and had to care for my mother while she had Alzheimer’s. Alexis grew up with PWC and attended many conferences as did my mother. I remember crying at a BOD meeting when I told everyone my mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. They were so supportive – Jeanne Garrison spent many hours with me on the phone giving me support both in my professional and personal life. Bringing Alexis to PWC Conferences with me has been an inspiration for her. Being surrounded by professionalism and camaraderie has helped her become successful, graduating high school with honors.

How has PWC contributed to your sense of well-being? What is the best thing you’ve learned from PWC membership? My daughter, Alexis, just delivered a heartwarming speech, as she ends her tenure as Key Club Lt. Governor – she didn’t think one person could make a difference. Well, she made a huge difference in her District – through community service and membership recruitment. In PWC – every person makes a difference! I feel I made, and every member of PWC has made, a difference in many lives – maybe even saved some. I encourage each PWC member to become involved – from Career Days, Pilot/Controller Conferences, PWC or other Special Emphasis Conferences. We are unique as air traffic controllers – we are responsible for lives.

How would you describe the benefits of PWC participation to other women in the FAA? The benefits of PWC participation are invaluable. You are not just a member of an organization – you become part of a family that: • Supports when things are rough, • Encourages when chances are taken, • Congratulates and honors successes, and • Always is there even if you do not need anything. My favorite quote is: “I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference” – Robert Frost, The Road Not Taken I took that road 30 years ago, even though it was rocky and unpaved along the way – there are now no regrets. At times I was stubborn, wanting to be independent – not asking for help. PWC was there through the good and bad. I retired successfully in both my professional and personal life. ✈

the WATCH

spring 2013 9

PWC’s 35th Anniversary National Training Conference

Ignite the Spark April 8-11, 2013 | SHERATON SOCIETY HILL HOTEL | PHILADELPHIA Rose Merchant-Bennett, PWC National Conference Chair

This year is PWC’s 35th anniversary national training conference and the conference is dealing with unforeseen issues unlike any experienced previously in my 10 years as PWC National Conference Chair. The conference committee has done an outstanding job of responding to these issues, all of which are out of our control.

U

ncertainty about sequestration, the possibility of furloughs, not receiving excused leave for training (first time in my career) and the general state of politics and the economy are all contributing to the increased probability of these issues impacting PWC’s 35th anniversary national training conference. PWC Needs Your Support!

As a result, PWC runs the risk of having to pay tens of thousands of dollars in attrition costs if we do not have enough conference attendees to meet our room block. I am asking for your support in making the 2013 conference a success and one of the best ever, despite all that is going on with our government. Our hope is that you will attend the conference, show your support of PWC and enjoy the company of your fellow PWC members. Philadelphia is a city of historical importance with an abundance of cultural activities and culinary delights. Our conference agenda has something valuable for everyone. Book Your Sheraton Society Hill Hotel Room Now

I am asking for your support in making the conference a success and one of the best ever, despite all that is going on with our government.

We have negotiated a great rate for the Sheraton Society Hotel located in the heart of historic Philadelphia. The hotel recently received a multi-million dollar renovation. The hotel rate is just $155 per night, significantly lower than hotels in the area. The telephone number for the Sheraton Society Hill is 800-325-3535 – be sure to ask for the PWC room block. Or, reserve your room online at https://www.starwoodmeeting.com/Book/ PWC2013.

Just steps from the Sheraton Society Hill’s front door, you’ll stroll along cobblestone streets and visit America’s most historic square mile, which includes such sites as Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, the National Constitution Center, the Independence Visitors Center and Penn’s Landing. Streets surrounding the hotel are filled with world class restaurants and a wealth of entertainment, nightlife and shopping opportunities. Register by March 1 – Get $50 Gift Card

Registration rate for the conference is only $175 and anyone registering before March 1st gets a $50 gift card, essentially making the registration fee the lowest ever at just $125. Please continue to support PWC and the 35th anniversary national training conference by reserving your room, sending in your registration and then, enjoying the conference. Online hotel and conference registration also can be done easily at pwcinc.org; look for the 2013 conference. For those who already have booked hotel rooms and registered, thanks for your continued support. Also, if you would like to make a basket, re-gift that unopened or unused gift or provide any other donation for the 2014 PWC Conference fund-raising effort: please contact me or Maria Hofbauer ([email protected]). We certainly appreciate and welcome any and all donations. Hope to see you all April 8-11th in Philadelphia! ✈

the WATCH

spring 2013 10

PWC’s 35th Anniversary National Training Conference

1. THE HOTEL

The beautiful Sheraton Society Hill is located just steps away from Penns Landing. Harmonizing contemporary flare, history, and functionality, a cobblestone street leads you inside to an impressive four-story atrium. The 364 guest rooms and suites feature all the comforts of home including complimentary internet for conference attendees. Wind down in the indoor heated swimming pool or whirlpool, or re-energize at the fitness center. For an inhouse dining experience visit Taste, offering contemporary American cuisine, locally-brewed craft beers, and awardwinning wines. Or relax in the courtyard Starbucks Café. 2. EXPLORE PHILADELPHIA

Stroll along cobblestone streets and visit America’s most historic square mile, which includes such sites as Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, the National Constitution Center, and Independence Visitors Center. 3. Eat PHILADELPHIA

From the award winning Japanese restaurant, Morimoto’s to the gastronomic delights of the Reading Terminal Market, there is an expansive and delectable array of culinary imagination in the city of brotherly love. This is what Food & Wine Magazine says about the Philadelphia dining experience: “The fantastic restaurants I’d visited had the pizzazz of a Starr production and the intimacy of a BYOB, with significantly more attention to the sophistication of the food and the professionalism of the staff.” 4. SHOP PHILADELPHIA

From luxury boutiques to shopping malls, enjoy some of the best shopping districts around... Liberty Place, Franklin Mills, and Antiquarians Delight just to name a few. 5. LONGWOOD GARDENS

Join us for a visit to one of the premier botanical gardens in the United States. 1,077-plus acre Longwood Gardens consists of 20 outdoor gardens and 20 indoor gardens within 4.5 acres of heated greenhouses. Spring is the most eye popping time at Longwood with over 100,000 bulbs that bloom along the Flower Garden Walk. Longwood Garden’s conservatory is one of the world’s greatest greenhouse structures. The conservatory alone is home to 5,500 types of plants. What better way to welcome in spring time than a visit among thousands of blossoms!

the WATCH

spring 2013 11

PWC’s 35th Anniversary National Training Conference

Sampling of Philadelphia Museums | Tours | Shopping LONGWOOD GARDENS: One of the world’s premier horticultural display gardens (join our tour Monday April 8th – registration required) HISTORICAL TROLLEY TOUR HOP ON-HOP OFF: 90 minute tour of Philly’s 33 most popular attractions LIBERTY BELL CENTER: Video presentations, exhibits and the Liberty Bell itself are all on display PENNS LANDING: The Delaware River waterfront with views of the city and Benjamin Franklin Bridge SOCIETY HILL: Contains the largest concentration of 18th and early 19th century architecture in the United States INDEPENDENCE HALL: Location of the signing of the Declaration of Independence THE BOURSE: Listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Today, it is one of Philadelphia’s leading commercial complexes, home to 24 retail and food service stores and more than 50 businesses.

GETTING TO PHILADELPHIA

PHL Intn’l Airport is located 7 miles from downtown and served by 13 major airline carriers. Limousine, shuttle and taxi service provide a quick ride to the Sheraton Society Hill. Acela Express offers hourly service from downtown D.C., to downtown Philly during peak morning and afternoon rush hour with snack cars, quiet cars and internet. The Amtrak station is 2.6 miles from the hotel. The Sheraton Society Hill is located just south of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge and close to Interstate 95. You can find easy to follow directions on the hotel’s website.

OPENING RECEPTION

Monday, April 8

Red, White and Blue – The Spark Starts With You! Wear something red, white or blue and spark a conversation with someone new. CLOSING BANQUET

Thursday, April 11

Time to Sparkle! Wear your best bling and shine!

PHL Intn’l Airport is located 7 miles from downtown and served by 13 major airline carriers.

the WATCH

spring 2013 12

PWC KEYNOTE SPEAKER JANINE DRIVER

You Say More Than You Think Decoding the NEW Body Language to Get What You Want in Any Situation – Personally & Professionally!

As seen recently on CNN’s Dr. Drew, NBC’s Today Show, and Anderson Cooper LIVE

W

ouldn’t your life be a lot easier if you could quickly spot microexpressions, body language, and words and phrases that suggested there’s something more to the story? Don’t you work hard and deserve to know how to determine if you are always putting your best foot forward so you could enhance your professional and personal development? Wouldn’t you get excited if you were to learn how to use NEW body language secrets to enjoy work more and gain a better understanding, cooperation and coordination among the people you work with – and ultimately continue to improve aviation safety? You’re an air traffic professional, and you have passion for your career; you have the ability to excel, and feel a sense of community at work, right? Then this is the program for you! Not too long ago, our speaker, Body Language Expert, CNN Contributor, and New York Times Best Selling Author Janine Driver used body language

every day to stay alive. She spent over 15 years as a federal law enforcement officer within the Department of Justice investigating skinheads, firearms traffickers, the manufacturing of illegal explosives, and fanatical survivalists. While in the field, to stay alive, Janine needed to size people up quickly – in less than seven seconds. Over the past decade, Janine has since taught her cunning people reading skills not only to the ATF, FBI, CIA, but also to corporate America (AOL, Coca-Cola, P&G, Dove Chocolate, and more). You may not work with skinheads, but you know what, you are doing something every single day, where the outcome can be just as deadly. If you misread others or send a non-verbal message that doesn’t match your intent, relationships are destroyed, trust is lost, lives can be shattered. But when you get it right, that’s where success is made, reputations are born, and balance with your work and personal life grows. ✈

Learn to: • Spot discomfort and deviations in hidden expressions and body language movements and take immediate action to decrease other’s concerns, and ultimately increase rapport and trust • Discover how you sit in a meeting hurts your chances of getting what you want without you knowing it! • Discover the secret unconscious handmovement that over 99% of people miss, which immediately sends the signal that the person you are speaking with is ready to take action!

• Use the “Belly Button Rule”, the “3-Power Zones”, “Body Framing”, and “Move Your Body Move Your Mind” success formulas to enjoy work more, send the message that you know what you’re doing and can be trusted, and decrease stress and build confidence in less than 2-minutes! • Spot the business stances that convey power, authority, nervousness, passivity, and respectfulness • Tune up your power gestures, and steer the direction of your team down a path of respect and teamwork

the WATCH

spring 2013 13

PWC KEYNOTE SPEAKER JANINE DRIVER

Janine Driver New York Times Best Selling author of You Say More Than You Think

J

anine Driver is the New York Times Best Selling author of You Say More Than You Think (Random House), and most recently You Can’t Lie to Me (HarperOne), popular keynote speaker, media expert for NBC’s TODAY Show, 20/20, CNN, and the Dr. Oz Show, and she’s the founder, president, and lead instructor for the Body Language Institute (BLI). BLI is an elite certification program that offers award-winning advanced communications training that helps executives, sales people, and other professionals build executive presence, explode their selling skills, and create and deliver business presentations that win new business. Janine and her team of the world’s most sought after subject matter experts have helped clients become the total leader, which ultimately led them to win millions of dollars in new business contracts.

Janine’s background includes being a federal law enforcement officer within the United States Department of Justice for 15 years, where she trained over 60,000 lawyers, judges, and law enforcement officers within the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, CIA, FBI, and the Netherlands Police how to read body language and detect deception. Each week, Janine travels the country providing sales training to her clients, who include such companies and associations as AOL, Coca-Cola, Proctor and Gamble, Lockheed Martin, The Hard Rock Hotels, Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide, Meeting Professionals International, GAF, and the Certified Contractors Network – just to name a few! In addition, Janine is an approved speaker for Vistage, a worldwide leadership company that helps senior executives, who make over ten million dollars, take their careers – and their companies – to a higher level! ✈

Janine’s background includes being a federal law enforcement officer within the United States Department of Justice for 15 years, where she trained over 60,000 lawyers, judges, and law enforcement officers within the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, CIA, FBI, and the Netherlands Police how to read body language and detect deception.

the WATCH

spring 2013 14

The Blueprint of Champions: Attaining Peak Performance, Part II Veronica Vaughan, Eastern Regional Director, PWC

I

n the last edition of The WATCH, I talked about Dr. Jeff Spencer and the mental aspects of success and dealing with stress. In this article, I will explain the actual process of improvement and consistency. Establish a Baseline

As you reach the commitment stage, you begin to build the resources to be able to absorb the weight of the climb to reach the top and are building a solid base.

At the first step, there is the genesis of an idea or a desire. It may be a physical goal, such as completing a marathon, or it may be a personal improvement goal such as learning a new skill. The first step is to get a baseline: where are your skills and abilities and where do you need improvement? One way to determine the answer to this question is to engage in the skill or activity and evaluate the feedback you receive. For example, if you want to run a marathon, you might want to run as far as you can, and then evaluate your performance. Could you only run a very short distance? Did you run out of energy? Did you stop for pain? All of these will give you insights on where to focus your training and resources. As you start to work on this new goal every day, you will begin to imprint it into your psyche until you reach the point of commitment. Commit to a Goal

As you reach the commitment stage, you begin to build the resources to be able to absorb the weight of the climb to reach the top and are building a solid base. This may include figuring out proper nutrition and hydration, making sure you have good running shoes and

putting together a team to support you in your efforts. Your team can have several different people, maybe an expert in running, a massage therapist, a nutritionist and a cheerleader. Think about the support you will need, both mentally and physically, and surround yourself with people who can help in those areas. The caveat though is each person has to have a positive influence on you. Do not allow naysayers or negativity around you in your efforts. Your team will provide feedback and evaluate where you are versus where you want to be. By working together, you will be able to pinpoint areas that need improvement. Four Elements of a Winning Team

A winning team has four elements. First, the team has to be in agreement on the basic fundamental principles. This is the most important element. They must be committed 100 percent to the outcome. Second, there must be a connection between the team members; they have to trust each other. Third, the team must be grounded in reality and be able to recognize what is happening around them with the flexibility to adjust to those changes. And fourth, there can be no self-interest. When our hidden, inner self holds back and doesn’t give 100 percent, that will keep us from being winners. Remember that when a team is working in harmony and all the parts are synchronized, the whole is greater than the sum of the parts. You must periodically evaluate how committed people

the WATCH

spring 2013 15

are to the team. The stronger the commitment people have to the team and its purpose, the higher the performance as individuals and as a team. Reaching Lift Off

Now you’ve reached the point of lift off, where your performance is improving and you are “climbing the wall.” You are developing the readiness to be able to step up in any situation and becoming hardened through trial by fire. It is very important to remind yourself that no one does this alone and your team becomes more important to your success. In the first phase of climbing the wall, you will be in a honeymoon period. You are rising to the challenge, improving noticeably and everything is going smoothly. Soon though, you will begin seeing this as a daily grind. Improvement may slow; your energy may falter. During this transition stage, you must work hard to ensure you don’t cut corners. As you start imprinting your higher performance levels on your mind and body as your new normal, you and your team must constantly evaluate your results and make small adjustments, if necessary. If you are a runner, you might find that certain foods leave you more energized than others; if you are improving your mentoring skills, you may find different phrases motivate some people but not others. As you consistently repeat what works and change what doesn’t work, you will be able to imprint this higher level of performance and achieve that level more and more often. Your Personal “New” Normal

Now that you are able to consistently perform at this new and higher level, you must work to make this your

Make sure those people who are in your inner circle are supportive and positive. You need people to celebrate your successes and your efforts. new normal as you enter the transition stage. Even though you may feel you are at the top of the world here, you must not let ego get in your way. Repetition is necessary along with maintaining your sobriety. Control your ego; remember that you got where you are as part of a team and that you still haven’t reached the point where you consistently perform at the highest levels. At this point, many people develop an inflated sense of self, in other words, they start to believe the “press” they have gotten. Four Steps to Success

Now it is very important to take a step back and do several things: 1. Consult with your “corner man”. This should be the person who has the big picture and an overall understanding of the process – where you were, where you are and where you are going. 2. Create your “sobriety culture”. This is a small group of maybe three to five people with whom you can talk about your challenges and your plan of action. You meet or talk regularly and hold each other accountable to keep moving forward. This group should be different from the team you developed to help you achieve your goals. They don’t even need to have knowledge of the area you are trying to improve. This is a group who can look at what you are doing from a fresh perspective and give you unbiased input. 3. Make sure to take the time to acknowledge those who have helped you so far.

4. Recognize you are making a significant life change and exercise restraint in your pacing. You are still only working toward the finish line; you have not yet arrived. Reaching the Adaptation Stage

You have now progressed to the long and bumpy adaptation stage which can take from 12 to 36 months to get through. Here your needs and requirements change, and the team you have been working with may become obsolete. Relationship changes may be necessary now to move forward, and the question is, can you learn the lesson fast enough to make changes and adapt to new responsibilities? You will be experiencing both emotional and technical swings through this period with the emotional ones causing the most upheaval. In this phase, many people have a tendency to backslide to a calmer stage. If you don’t take action, this can result in a return to where you were when you started. Think, for example, about a time you (or someone else) tried to lose weight. Remember when they really started doing well and they looked better, they were happier and had more confidence? Do you remember seeing any “saboteurs”? These are the people who tempt the dieter with their favorite food or with second helpings; they make comments about how weight loss made the dieter look sick or too thin and attempt to make the person backslide into the person they were used to and comfortable with. These are saboteurs; they are comfortable with the way things used

the WATCH

spring 2013 16

to be and are threatened with the new status quo. Try to avoid these people! If you can’t avoid them, develop stock answers to their attempts at sabotage. Enlist others to help you respond or to redirect the negative emotions they are sending your way. Make sure those people who are in your inner circle are supportive and positive. You need people to celebrate your successes and your efforts. They will help you continue to improve and to move forward. This is also the time to reevaluate the team you have used to get to this point. Different skills may be needed, and it may be time to bring in new team members with different abilities to support you the rest of the way. Operating at Peak Performance

As you come through the adaptation stage and begin to stabilize under your new high performance level, you move into the final stages of operating at peak performance. You have learned the skill and are ready to prepare, perform and recover over and over. This is a fun time where you enjoy the fruits of your hard work. You have developed your full legacy of peak performance, stability, adaptability and sustainability. At this point, there will be the danger of falling into the great seduction of “I feel great!” Feeding your body and your mind is especially important. Don’t forget to build in time for family, friends and fun. This will help you to sustain your high levels of performance. Do not run on an empty fuel tank. There is a simple way to determine where your fuel gauge is pointing. “Full Tank,” Half Tank” and “Empty Tank”

When your body and mind are running on a “Full Tank”, you get up the same time with the same energy as the day

before; you have abundant enthusiasm and are highly motivated and optimistic. When you are at “Half Tank”, it is harder to get up and get going, energy fluctuates and you will have dwindling tolerance and motivation. If you let yourself get down to an “Empty Tank”, you will experience difficulty getting up every day, your energy will be gone and your batteries will die. This leads to increased conflict with others and worsening performance. Make sure to refer back to the previous article (Winter 2013) where I addressed methods of keeping your gauge at “full”. Key Points to Remember

Here are some key points summarized from both articles: • First, we show up as a team, we win as a team and we leave as a team. We support each other through the trials and successes that come our way. • S econd, never forget who you are and what you stand for. Stay true to your core self and values. • Third, fear is not our enemy. Fear gets our body ready to fully engage and do our best; we just can’t let it control us. • F  ourth, don’t crack. You need to take care of your body and mind to ensure you have the ability to make the changes that are necessary and to sustain those changes. • A  nd finally, give thanks and acknowledge those who have helped you and provided support throughout your journey. For those who would like to learn more about Dr. Jeff Spencer and his teaching, go to www.jeffspencer.com. ✈

JOIN NOW! professional women controllers, inc. membership application

 New Member  Renewal-Membership # Please fill in all information: Name Address City/State/Zip Phone (H) (W) Region/Facility Facility Address (if not FAA) Position Title E-Mail Month/Day of Birth Recruited by

R  equest Dues Withholding Form (also available at

www.pwcinc.org)

Categories of Membership

 Active – ATCS employed by an ATC service provider $156

 Associate – Non-air traffic control specialists $78

 Corporate – Organizations or corporations $400

 Student – Must meet enrollment criteria $30

 Alumnus – Retired ATCS $50 Form of Payment

 Master Card  Visa  Check (payable to PWC, Inc.) Account Number Expiration Date Cardholder’s Name (Print) Billing Address Authorized Signature

(Sign as name appears on card) Mail form to:

Professional Women Controllers, Inc., P.O. Box 23924, L’Enfant Plaza, Washington, DC 20024

the WATCH

spring 2013 17

Coaching Yourself Towards a Successful Life

Tracking Opportunities

Using the healthy goal example above, your weekly goal could be to cut sugar from your diet. Your opportunities might be breakfast, lunch, dinner and late evening every day for two weeks. An easy spreadsheet would look like the chart below and continue for each day of the week: Track your opportunities every day. If you “hit” an opportunity, i.e., had no sugar for lunch, put a check in that column. If you “missed”, put a check in the Miss column and track what was happening for the opportunity. Take time to reflect on what you were feeling, why you think you missed. A miss is simply a missed opportunity, not failure, not bad. At the end of each week, look for patterns where you hit an opportunity or where you missed. What is common? What is different? What were you feeling? What behaviors do you need to change for success? What patterns are you willing to change to accomplish your goal? Coaching yourself is about being mindful of what you are doing and reflecting on what is working for you and what is not. ✈

Terri Waterman, CEC, CHCC, SEIC

Around this time of year, it’s common to make “New Year’s” resolutions, in other words your goals for the year. And even more commonly, those resolutions are repeated and carried over from last year, and the year before, and on and on.

S

o how do you change that pattern? By changing how you talk to yourself. That’s right, you don’t have to be crazy to talk to yourself. Think of how many people you talk to during the course of a day... family, friends, co-workers, even complete strangers! But how often do we take the time to talk to ourselves, to be intentional and mindful about what we do and why we do it? Studies show that self-awareness and self-management are two of the most critical elements of lasting behavioral change. An effective technique for increasing your self-awareness is to ask yourself the right questions at the right time – coaching yourself.

How to Coach Yourself

To start the process you should ask yourself: “What is most important to me?” For example, you decide it is important to be healthier, to live a healthy life. So what does that mean? Is it losing weight, exercising more, eating differently, changing your work/life balance, sleeping more, taking care of those medical appointments you’ve been putting off or combinations of all of the above? Think deeply about your answer to this question; you increase your ability to achieve your goals when you define the specifics and measure those specifics against your core values. When your goals are not aligned with your values, it can sabotage your success. It doesn’t mean you can’t achieve that goal, but you must be hyper-aware of the misalignment so you

can ensure you have techniques in place to mitigate challenges that can occur because of that disparity. Vital Questions

Once you decide what you specifically want to accomplish, coach yourself by continuing to use questions to break your goal(s) down into measurable actions. What does success look like? What are the steps you will need to take to get to your goal? What is your timeline? How will you know you have succeeded? What are the consequences of not achieving your goal? What are the rewards? Who can hold you accountable and support you? An effective technique for self-managing behavior change is to break your goals and steps into “opportunities”. Set a goal or grab a step or behavior change from your larger goal you can accomplish in a week or two. Then visualize every opportunity you will have in that week or two to achieve that goal.

Opportunity

Hit

About Terri Waterman Terri currently serves as Vice President of PWC. She is a certified Executive Coach and has advanced training in social and emotional intelligence and human capitol coaching. She provides workshops and seminars on goal setting, effective communication, leadership and developing social and emotional intelligence.

Miss

Why? What happened? What was I feeling?

Sunday Breakfast Sunday Lunch Sunday Dinner Sunday late evening Monday Breakfast

the WATCH

spring 2013 18

South Florida Aviators Aircraft Fly-In Education Expo Operation (SAFEE) Flight Maria Hofbauer

S

o what is SAFEE? Some would say that SAFEE is a mini version of Sun n Fun, others would say that it’s an aviation education effort. In my opinion, SAFEE is an event like no other in that its mission is to generate interest in aviation through education. SAFEE consists of a

Fly-In, dozens of aviation themed booths, model airplanes, classroom instruction, aviation flight simulators, demonstration flights, exhibits, contests, special guests, and much more. On Friday, hundreds of students, from all ages, attend the event, and on Saturday, SAFEE is geared more toward the fly-in with the more experienced aviation crowd. Some organizations that are supporting and participating in SAFEE include: NASA, Miami & Broward Boards of Education, FMU, Miami-Dade College, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Broward Community College, U.S. Navy, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), FAA, National Air Traffic Controllers

Association (NATCA), PWC, National Black Coalition of Federal Aviation Employees (NBCFAE), National Hispanic Coalition of Federal Aviation Employees (NHCFAE), Professional Aviation Safety Specialists (PASS), Civil Air Patrol, Pan Am Academy, International Air Transport Association (IATA), and U.S. Coast Guard and Air Force. For the second year in a row, PWC will be supporting SAFEE with a booth, member participation and handout information. If you would like to join us, save the date for Friday, May 3, 2013 and Saturday, May 4, 2013 at the Opa-Locka airport Orion Aviation Hanger, 14850 N.W. 44 Court, Opa-Locka, Florida. The Opa-Locka airport is approximately seven miles north of Miami, Florida. ✈

Save the date for Friday, May 3, 2013 and Saturday, May 4, 2013

The following was published in the Terminal Newsletter.

CONGRATULATIONS TO ADW ATCs and NORMA ELY, EASTERN REGION PWC MEMBER! Commander Colonel R. Bigger and Command Sergeant Major Clemmons of the White House Communications Agency awarded Andrews Air Traffic Control Tower employees with Certificates of Appreciation which read the following: On behalf of the members of the White House Communications Agency, I would like to thank you for exceptional selfless service. You have provided flawless support during our Presidential, Vice Presidential and foreign dignitary visits. We appreciate all you do in support of this effort.

l to r: COLONEL Bigger, ADW ATM Norma Ely, ADW CPC, Suzgo Phiri, ADW CPC James Butler, ADW FLM Kevin Piascik, ADW FLM James Ampey, and Command Sergeant Major Clemmons

the WATCH

spring 2013 19

Regional News CENTRAL

Central Region Leadership Day Big Success in Kansas City Christina L. Calvert, Central Regional Director, PWC

For the past six months, I was very involved in a committee that planned a special training event for the Central Region. I had the honor of working with some amazing women and collaborating with other FAA Employee Associations to provide an exciting day of training at the regional office in Kansas City. Central Region Leadership Day: People are our Strength was held on February 13th. We asked leaders from our community to speak on different FAA leadership dimensions and use their personal experience and expertise to educate, motivate and inspire us. The training was well attended, and our national employee association presidents also traveled to Kansas City to support us. I am proud to have been a part of this and, once again, I am honored to have had the chance to work on this committee with members of the National Black Coalition of Federal Employees, Technical Women’s Organization, National Hispanic Coalition of Federal Employees, Native American/Alaskan Native Coalition of Federal Employees and the FAA Office of Civil Rights. If you didn’t have the chance to attend the training in Kansas City, you still have the chance to attend our national training conference in Philadelphia. I am so excited for this year’s conference, and I hope to see some of you there! You will gain knowledge that will help you excel in your personal and professional life – I promise. However, my favorite part of the conference is always the people... hope to see you there!

SOUTHERN

Launching a New Leadership Role Vanessa Shinners, ASO Regional Director, PWC

I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself as the newly appointed Regional Director for the Southern Region. Five years ago, I was hired by the FAA and currently am an Air Traffic Control Specialist (ATCS) at Miami Tower. Prior to the FAA, I worked as a high school and elementary school teacher. The transition to the FAA was a total night and day experience. However, each job has its own high levels of stress and challenges. As a school teacher, I had to be organized, think quickly, solve problems and manage my time wisely. Essentially, I had to be a role model to my students. These skills also are very useful in my career as an air traffic controller and I know they will help me be a great PWC leader. I accepted the position as PWC Southern Regional Director with great honor. In January, I attended my first board meeting in Salt Lake City and received a very warm welcome from the entire board. These women are dedicated, motivated and successful leaders who have a wealth of knowledge, talent and experience. I know I will learn so much from them. The network of great people and the lifelong relationships you build with others is just one of the many advantages of being a member of this organization. It is important that PWC membership continues to grow and become stronger. Together we can ensure a successful organization that will make us all very proud. I believe in PWC, and I thank you for believing in me. I am excited about the next two years and look forward to meeting many of you at the upcoming Philadelphia conference! If you haven’t registered yet, please do so now, and join us for a fantastic celebration of this great organization!

NEW ENGLAND

PWC in Action: Keynote Speech at Amelia Earhart Dinner Sarah LaPorte Ostrander, New England Regional Director, PWC

We’ve had a busy few months here in New England and the weather hasn’t kept us down! I had the privilege, alongside former ANE Regional Director Jane Kolias, to speak to CTI students at Daniel Webster College in November about our wonderful organization and its scholarship program. I also organized facility tours for local students in a joint effort to spread the PWC message!

To me, that is exactly what our organization is about: Spreading your wings and stepping outside of your comfort zone to better yourself and those around you. In January, I was invited to be the keynote speaker at the local Zonta Club’s Amelia Earhart annual dinner. They asked me to speak about my aviation career and my air traffic controller job. It was an honor and a treasured experience. To me, that is exactly what our organization is about: Spreading your wings and stepping outside of your comfort zone to better yourself and those around you. Speaking in front of 70+ professional women was not something I thought I would ever do, but being a member of PWC afforded me this amazing opportunity and I’m truly grateful. Please mark your calendars, make your reservations and contact me with any questions you may have for the upcoming conference in Philly! We also will have a few social events in the upcoming months, so check the Facebook page or your email for updates. ✈

the WATCH

spring 2013 20

35th Anniversary PWC National Training Conference Ignite the Spark! | April 8-11, 2013 | Sheraton Society Hill | Philadelphia

Join us for the 35th PWC National Training Conference in the heart of historic Philadelphia. Our venue is the beautiful Sheraton Society Hill hotel.

Entering the Sheraton Society Hill, a cobblestone walkway harmonizing contemporary flair, history and functionality leads you inside to an impressive four-story atrium. The 364 guest rooms and suites feature all the comforts of home including complimentary internet for conference attendees. After a busy day of sightseeing, wind down in the indoor heated swimming pool or whirlpool, and when you’re ready to re-energize, head to the fitness center. For an in-house dining experience, visit Taste, offering contemporary American cuisine, locally-brewed craft beers and an impressive global selection of award-winning wines. Or relax in the courtyard Starbucks Café. Just four blocks from the Sheraton Society Hill, you’ll create memories as you stroll along cobblestone streets and visit America’s most historic square mile, which includes such sites as Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, the National Constitution Center, Independence Visitors Center and Penn’s Landing. Plus, only steps from the hotel’s front door, you’ll discover streets filled with world-class restaurants, entertainment, nightlife and shopping.

Reserve Your Hotel Room Now!

Hotel rooms are filling up fast for this Conference. To avoid disappointment, be certain to make your reservation with the Sheraton Society Hill as soon as possible. Room rates are $155.00 per room per night. We are delighted to offer the reduced room rates to conference attendees three days prior to and three days following the conference. You may make your reservation by phone at (215) 238-6000 or online at www.starwoodmeeting.com/ Book/PWC2013. Getting to Philadelphia

By AIR: Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is located seven miles from downtown and served by 13 major airline carriers. Limousine, shuttle and taxi service provide a quick ride to the Sheraton Society Hill. By TRAIN: Acela Express offers hourly service from downtown D.C., to downtown Philadelphia during peak morning and afternoon rush hour with snack cars, quiet cars and the internet. The Amtrak station is located 2.6 miles from the Sheraton Society Hill hotel. By CAR: The Sheraton Society Hill is located just south of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge and close to Interstate 95. You can find easy to follow directions on the hotel’s website.