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Joining the military is not always an easy career choice. For Latinas in particular, the challenges and pressures from family members and work itself can be intense. Throughout their military careers, whether it’s the Marine Corps, the Navy, the Army, the Coast Guard, the Air Force, the National Guard, or the U.S Defense Logistics Agency, these 11 trailblazers from seven services have distinguish themselves through exemplary service to our country. All of these women have one thing in common, they are Latinas working—and thriving—in a traditionally male-dominated field.

Breaking Boundaries
Major Melissa Rodriguez
U.S. Army

A former registered nurse from Puerto Rico, Major Melissa Rodriguez has been in the Army for 15 years. Her military aspirations began as a child in Yauco, Puerto Rico. When Rodriguez was growing up, her father a WW II veteran and a retired Captain was in the military, and a role model in her life. “I wanted to follow his steps,” she says. “My parents told us, to always serve the country that has given so much to our island, and I always wanted to be able to pay for my college.”

Though Rodriguez was told by her father the many challenges she would have to overcome throughout her career, she kept strong on her decision. “My father knew it was going to be a challenge,” she notes. “But he tried his best to prepare me and he did.”

Though Rodriguez was told by her father the many challenges she would have to overcome throughout her career, she kept strong on her decision. “My father knew it was going to be a challenge,” she notes. “But he tried his best to prepare me and he did.”

Despite the hurdles she had to face, Rodriguez knew she had to break down barriers in many ways, and she did. “I knew I had to because of my language barrier, and because I was also Hispanic,” she says. “I also knew that the reason I joined the Army was because I wanted to serve this country and take advantage of the [Army’s] opportunities such as travel, meet different people and cultures and do different challenging jobs.”

For Rodriguez, one of her most rewarding experiences was when she was positioned as Company Commander. “I was able to give advice, to tell personal stories and challenges of my life, to motivate and instill the importance of never quit, respect, and cultural awareness from day one, regardless of their background or nationality. I know that some of them are in the Army right now,” she says smiling. “And I feel proud about that.”

Rodriguez recalled an unforgettable moment in her life “I was assigned as Personnel Officer in Joint Task Force-Bravo (JTF-B) in Honduras, when Hurricane Mitch hit the country. It was one of the deadliest hurricanes in history where 11,000 people were killed and over 8,000 were missing. My cultural knowledge and bilingual skills were used to help the local authorities on and off base during the crisis,” she says.

Today, Rodriguez is assigned to the Pentagon and is one of the Equal Opportunity Staff Officers for the U.S. Army. She is married to an officer, Major Robert Ruiz, who is also in active duty. Rodriguez still uses her nursing skills as much as she can. “I was a nurse and I carry it in my heart,” she says. “I have volunteered at some V.A. hospitals and have also translated for soldiers and patients.”

Rodriguez believes that the military has a lot to offer to anyone, and her main advice is to “not give up.” “As the years go by, it becomes more challenging,” she says. “You get promoted, therefore you get more responsibilities, but the challenges make you grow. I tell people to take the opportunity and face the challenge.”

Anything is Possible
Dr. Ernestine Moya
U.S. Army Civilian

“I have worked with the federal government for 38 years,” says Ernestine Moya, director of Individuals with Disabilities and Hispanic Employment Program for the U.S. Army. “All of which have played an important role in who I am today.”

Moya began working for the federal service full of hopes and dreams for a fulfilling future in serving to others. Ready to brave what would come on her way—with the support and encouragement of her husband, children and parents—she has raised the bar on each of her endeavors, every step of the way.

When she joined the Army workforce, Moya was working at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico where she had rewarding, learning experiences that prepared her to fill the position she holds today. She appreciates those mentors and friendships that have been instrumental in her successes today.

“I had always been intrigued by what was on the other side of the beautiful Organ Mountains,” she says. “And I wanted to be a part of that team.”

After all these years in the workforce, Moya’s desire to serve this country has gotten stronger. “I continually challenge myself to fulfill my personal and professional goals to achieve those aspirations that touch and positively influence the lives of civilian, military, and youth in the federal and private sectors.”

Indeed, Moya is aware of the struggles and challenges in her career, but it doesn’t stop her from moving forward. “There are definitely challenges we face in life, but I believe that everything that happens to us makes us wiser and stronger,” she says. “There have been discouraging times, but I know that it is what I do during those times, and with those challenges and then decidedly moving on, that counts.”

As a Latina, Moya wants her life to be one of continued service to minorities, women, and individuals with disabilities. “The mark I want to leave is having made a positive difference wherever I go, touching lives working toward common goals for the best world for future generations,” she says. “I consider myself a Latina who believes in the world of possibilities.”

A Strong Commitment
Senior Chief Irene Rivera
U.S. Navy

Irene Rivera was the first one of her family to join the military. “I was 21 and my family was pretty shocked and upset,” she says. “They were not supportive at all, especially my mother. She cried a lot!”

Despite the initial resistance from her mother, Rivera has been strong in her decisions, becoming a successful individual. Like many in the military, deployments and family separation has been the hardest part of her job. “Despite my success, I know that I have sacrificed time away from my children to be where I am now,” she says. “Unfortunately, there are times in our military career that I realized I had to make these sacrifices.”

On the other hand, one of the best part of her job has been to watch one of her sons start his success in the Navy, and her oldest son join the Marine Corps. The second best part has been to watch young sailors she commands to grow, to be successful. “I enjoy being part of these young sailors [lives],” she says. “I see these young sailors grow in front of my eyes. I can mentor them, advise them, counsel them, and discipline them.”

Rivera believes that the Navy, has provided her more than professional success. It has built her character and the person she is now. “Being in the Navy for 25 years, more than half my life, has made me a very strong woman and parent. The military has taught me the Navy core values: Honor, Courage, and Commitment,” she says. “Before I came here there was no such thing as core values.”

“Discipline, I really believe I am a very strong, outspoken leader,” she says. “I try to set the example for my junior sailors, I think it’s important for us as leaders to set an example.”

For Rivera, the Navy core values are what has made her career a success and what continues to make her family life successful. “I’m a sailor seven days a week, 24 hours a day,” she says. “And my children have had the opportunity to live that life with me, it is also a part of who they are.”

Today, Rivera has five children and believes that women in the military can be successful and equal. “The military offers the equal opportunity that we so deserve, [so] that we can achieve anything we want.”

Department of Defense’s Mr. Clarence A. Johnson, Senior Chief Irene Rivera and Captain Kathlene Contres of the U.S. Navy Photo credit: Rodney Choice	Department of Defense’s Mr. Clarence A. Johnson, Ms. Grace Gabaldon and Captain Kathlene Contres of the U.S. Navy Photo credit: Juan Carlos Briceño	Department of Defense’s Mr. Clarence A. Johnson and Lieutenant Pamela Garcia

A Rewarding Experience
Ms. Grace Gabaldon
U.S. Navy Civilian

The way she tells it, Grace Gabaldon was recruited by the Pacific Missile Test Center during her senior year at Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas in 1983. She was offered a trip to California to see Point Mugu for herself and she took it. “The works looked exciting,” she says. “The location was spectacular and I was ready to relocate for my first engineering position.”

Gabaldon did not plan to stay in California with the Navy more than five years, her intentions were to return to Texas to be closer to her family and then start a family of her own. But several things happened that changed the course of her life. First, she loved her job, and second, she married a “local” in 1987. “I felt I was making an important contribution to the Navy, my command leadership was continuously rewarding me, encouraging me and challenging me.”

For Gabaldon, believing in the relevance of your contributions is really important. “I get to see how much of a positive contribution we can make in the lives of the military personnel we support,” she says. “The best part of my job is knowing I helped military personnel return home safely by providing them a reliable, effective warfare capability at the right time.”

For the past 23 years, Gabaldon has worked with some of the most dedicated and resourceful people in the world. “I have developed a pride for my country that I think most other native citizens take for granted.”

Like many Latinas in the Navy, Gabaldon has had to prove herself in every job she’s had. “There was always a certain amount of skepticism about how this female Latina could have possibly been the best choice,” she says. “But that’s fine…this kind of challenge has only spurred me on to prove myself each and every time. It keeps me on my toes, continuously learning and developing my skills and abilities.”

Today, Gabaldon is a seasoned leader who wants to continue making a positive contribution to the Navy and to those she has the opportunity to inspire. “For all these moments, I am sincerely thankful,” she says. “If people need to see a Latina succeeding in order to believe it is possible, then I’m happy to be held up in that regard.”

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