156th AW's Lean In Circle hosts Puerto Rico's first female adjutant general Published Aug. 23, 2016 By Tech. Sgt. Efrain Sanchez 156th Airlift Wing Public Affairs CAROLINA, Puerto Rico -- Airmen from the 156th Airlift Wing hosted a mentoring panel to discuss the roles, challenges, and professional development of women serving in the Puerto Rico Air National Guard August 13, at Muñiz Air National Guard Base, Carolina, Puerto Rico. A large audience of mostly female Airmen enjoyed career advice from panel members, including Maj. Gen. Marta Carcana, first female adjutant general in the history of the Puerto Rico National Guard, Col. Jesus E. Delgado, commander of the 1st Air Base Group of the Puerto Rico Air State Guard, and Chief Master Sgt. Joseph Mendez, Puerto Rico ANG Recruiting and Retention superintendent. The event was organized and led by Capt Angela Felicaino, 156th executive officer, with assistance by 2nd Lt. Emire Rodriguez Bonet. The facilitator for the session was Maj. Frances Romero, deputy staff judge advocate for the wing. The panel addressed topics such as equal participation for women in the military and the importance of mentoring opportunities. "Women bring diversity and their best to the table," said Carcana. "We have a sense of sensibility that is needed in today`s work environment. We see things differently and have a different point of view, women are capable of managing several tasks to create a positive atmosphere for everyone. We incorporate our many similarities and differences toward promoting a sense of belonging, mentoring, supporting and accepting others." "When mentoring our subordinates we should motivate, inspire and uplift them toward being the best they can be," Carcana said. "When I was a second lieutenant, a captain wrote in my evaluation that I was the best that Puerto Rico has to offer - that continues to motivate me today after 31 years of military service." Carcana also emphasized that mentoring and support goes beyond gender and is applicable to all Airmen and Soldiers. She encouraged Airmen and Soldiers to mentor their people from day one, tell them that our country needs them, that Puerto Rico needs them, and the PRNG needs them...tell them they are the right person. Taking its name from the 156th's mascot, "Las Bucaneras," the group is an officially registered Department of Defense "Lean In Circle," comprising military professionals, both men and women, from the wing. Its mission is to provide women of the Puerto Rico Air National Guard a platform for mentorship and support through personal and professional development.