# Women’s Equality Day Spotlight: Angela Johnson

/ Published Aug. 22, 2022
RICHMOND, Va., 
Women’s Equality Day takes place in the U.S. each year on Aug. 26. This year’s national theme is “Celebrating Women’s Right to Vote.”

The 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which gave most women the right to vote, was passed by Congress in 1919. Men and women of color were not given the right to do so until later with the Indian Citizenship Act giving Native-Americans the right to vote in 1924, and the McCarran-Walter Act of 1952 granted all Asian Americans the right to become citizens and vote. However, it was not until 1965 that the Voting Rights Act, which was signed into law on August 6, 1965, made voting possible for African American women. 

Defense Logistics Aviation’s Equal Employment Opportunity and Diversity Office, along with the DLA Aviation Engineering Directorate’s special emphasis planning team, will recognize Women’s Equality Day and women’s contributions to the agency’s global mission in providing logistics support to America’s warfighters throughout the entire month of August. 

This week they feature Angela Johnson, an order fulfillment division chief in DLA Aviation’s Business Process Support Directorate, who has been with DLA for more than 20 years. Johnson shares what Women’s Equality Day means to her. 

**Who are some women you admire and why?**I have the greatest admiration for my mom, Mary P. Reid. She grew up in segregated Mississippi where she wasn’t expected to be more than a factory worker. After getting married and having four daughters, she went to college and graduated with a registered nurse degree. I watched her study, attend class after working all day, and pass her state exams. She taught my sisters and I that there is no challenge too great, and she is always there to support us as we faced them. I also admire scientists like Katherine Johnson and Jessica Watkins; leaders like Michelle Obama, Oprah Winfrey; authors such as Brene Brown and Minda Harts; and the women leading the charge for social justice and equality. These women have achieved great things on their own but want to ensure they are not the last to do so.

**What do you think about when you hear “Women’s Equality Day” and what does Women’s Equality Day mean to you?**When I hear Women’s Equality Day, I think of honoring the women from the past who have sacrificed for racial equality, the right to vote, access to higher education, and equal pay. I think of trailblazers who’ve broken barriers to serve as leaders in male dominated careers in the U.S. armed forces and private industry. It amazes me that girls growing up today see a female U.S. vice president and women at the helm of companies like General Motors, The Hersey Company, and Accenture. These young women will grow up seeing what is possible and believing they can achieve so much more.

In your opinion, what challenges remain for women today in the workplace and why? What are your recommendations for overcoming these challenges?Women today are still challenged in the workplace by long held beliefs that they can’t do what men can we aren’t as committed as men. The only way to overcome this is to prove to people who think this way wrong. Take charge of your work by proposing new ideas and speaking up when you don’t agree, take credit for your accomplishments, and volunteer for challenging assignments. The quality of your work and successful outcomes cannot be denied. Women must also have confidence in themselves to seek advancement even when you don’t see yourself as “fully prepared” for the position. Find a good mentor who sees your capabilities and expand your network to continually learn new things.

**If you could pick a personal motto, what would it be and why?**Treat people the way you want to be treated. I adhere to this motto because everyone wants to be treated with respect, kindness, to be heard, and understood. When we give these things to each other we communicate better, solve problems, and build relationships.