# DLA Energy celebrates Women’s History Month

/ Published April 5, 2024
FORT BELVOIR, Va., 
Defense Logistics Agency Energy employees celebrated Women’s History Month at the DLA McNamara Headquarters Complex, Fort Belvoir, Virginia, March 26.

Honoring this year’s theme – Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion – DLA Energy Commander Navy Capt. Brian Anderson emphasized the importance of this theme in the organization’s culture.

“Diversity is about the who. Who makes up the workforce,” he said. “Equity is about fair treatment for all. The norms, practices, and policies in place to ensure identity is not predictive of opportunities or workplace outcomes. Inclusion is the how. How are we working to embrace all employees and enable them to make meaningful contributions.”

“I encourage you to not only recognize the women in our workforce but to lift up one another as individuals based on our unique strengths, needs and goals,” he said. “By championing each other’s successes, we can construct a future that embodies diversity, equality, and inclusivity – a future that we can all be proud of.”

                Defense Logistics Agency Energy employees celebrated Women’s History Month at the DLA McNamara Headquarters Complex, Fort Belvoir, Virginia, March 26, 2024. The event included a panel discussion with current and former female DLA leaders. From left to right are Gabby Earhardt, DLA Energy Head of the Contracting Activity; Wanda Dandridge, panel moderator; Charmaine Camper, a former director of the DLA Acquisition Career Office; Patricia Littlejohn, the current director of DLA Energy Bulk Petroleum Supply Chain Services; Navy Capt. Brian Anderson, DLA Energy commander; Kay Bushman, a DLA Energy Hall of Fame member and former DLA Energy senior counsel; and Kathleen Murphy, a former DLA Energy chief counsel. Photo by Chris Lynch                            DLA Energy celebrates Women’s History Month                            Defense Logistics Agency Energy employees celebrated Women’s History Month at the DLA McNamara Headquarters Complex, Fort Belvoir, Virginia, March 26, 2024. The event included a panel discussion with current and former female DLA leaders. From left to right are Gabby Earhardt, DLA Energy Head of the Contracting Activity; Wanda Dandridge, panel moderator; Charmaine Camper, a former director of the DLA Acquisition Career Office; Patricia Littlejohn, the current director of DLA Energy Bulk Petroleum Supply Chain Services; Navy Capt. Brian Anderson, DLA Energy commander; Kay Bushman, a DLA Energy Hall of Fame member and former DLA Energy senior counsel; and Kathleen Murphy, a former DLA Energy chief counsel. Photo by Chris Lynch            SHARE IMAGE:Download ImageImage DetailsPhoto By: DoD Photo by Chris LynchVIRIN: 240326-D-HE260-1056

The event included a panel discussion with current and former female DLA leaders: Kathleen Murphy, a former DLA Energy chief counsel; Kay Bushman, a DLA Energy Hall of Fame member and former DLA Energy senior counsel; Patricia Littlejohn, the current director of DLA Energy Bulk Petroleum Supply Chain Services; and Charmaine Camper, a former director of the DLA Acquisition Career Office. 

A sentiment the panel members shared was the need to have a mentor in the workplace.

“Once people get past the barriers to entry and younger people enter the workforce, they really need networks to support them,” Bushman said. “They need encouragement. The informal connections are just as important as the formal programs and training.”

Gabby Earhardt is DLA Energy’s Head of the Contracting Activity. She reminded the audience how far women have come in the workforce and how much work is still left to be done.

“Yes, we have made progress. But let us not become complacent about our achievements. Nothing happens if we just admire or watch from the sidelines,” Earhardt said. “Progress requires more than just passive admiration: it demands deliberate, intentional action. So, let’s reflect on how far we've come, but don't linger too long. We have work to do and actions to take.”

During the event, Ella Warren, DLA Energy’s Sexual Assault Response Coordinator, sang “Superwoman” by Alicia Keys. Army Sgt. Trishana Hines performed excerpts from “Phenomenal Women” by Maya Angelou. There was also a showcase honoring the life and legacy of Katherine Johnson from NASA.

Women’s History Month events and other cultural intelligence programs aim to increase awareness, mutual respect, and understanding. They are designed to enhance cross-cultural and cross-gender appreciation and promote harmony among military members and the Defense Department civilian workforce.

“Events like these are important. Not only to learn about and appreciate the achievements and contributions of Americans to American culture and history, but also to spend time together," Anderson said. “It is a welcome time to cultivate our inclusive workplace and nurture our cultural intelligence.”

Stay tuned for DLA Energy’s Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander Heritage Month event in May.