Attendees gather for a group photo on stage during the Department of the Air Force Hispanic Empowerment Advancement Team's conference at the Inter-American Air Forces Academy auditorium, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, Sept. 18, 2024. The all-day conference features keynote speakers, panels of enlisted leaders, and fireside chats, bringing together Hispanic community leaders and advocates to discuss the challenges and opportunities Hispanic service members and civilians face in the Air Force and Space Force. (U.S. Air Force photo by Marcus Robins)

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DAF HEAT conference highlights ‘Pioneers of Change’

Published Sept. 26, 2024
By Andrew Valles
502nd Air Base Wing Public Affairs

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas (AFNS) --

The Department of the Air Force Hispanic Empowerment and Advancement Team (HEAT) hosted a conference in celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month at the Inter-American Air Forces Academy auditorium at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Sept. 18.

The all-day conference featured keynote speakers, special interest panels of enlisted leaders and fireside chats. The event also brought together Hispanic community leaders and advocates to discuss the unique challenges and opportunities Hispanic service members and civilians face in the Air Force and Space Force.

“This conference is an important opportunity for us to come together and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of our Hispanic service members and civilians,” said Marianne Malizia, deputy assistant secretary for the Office of Force Resilience and the chief diversity officer for the Department of the Air Force. “While we've made significant progress, there is still much work ahead. Each of us plays a role in identifying and removing barriers to ensure we can recruit, retain and develop Airmen and Guardians from all backgrounds, races and ethnicities, ultimately maintaining a ready and resilient force to defend our nation.”

Malizia emphasized the importance of feedback from attendees, stating, “Your input, your questions, your interest in how to move things forward is vital as we continue to make the Air Force and Space Force an employer of choice.”

Col. Becky Móntaño Beers, Enterprise IT deputy director at the Pentagon, spoke about the significance of the Hispanic Empowerment and Advancement Team.

“HEAT is one of the Department of the Air Force's Barrier Analysis Working Groups. It's important for the Air Force to have these different working groups to remove barriers related to recruiting and retention,” she said.

Beers highlighted that Hispanic is not a monolithic group, and the diversity within the community enriches the Air Force and Space Force.

Various speakers shared insights on leadership, diversity and career advancement throughout the day.

“The theme of this year's Hispanic Heritage Month conference is 'Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together,' which is a fitting theme because that is exactly what HEAT has been doing,” Malizia noted.

Tech. Sgt. Zane Narro, HEAT conference lead planner, and IAAFA plans and programs manager, leaned into this year’s theme that embodies the innovative and resilient spirit of the Hispanic community.

“Our intent in HEAT is to break down barriers we face as service members, both enlisted and civilian,” Narro said. “It is important so that we don't miss out on key demographics that can better assist us, especially in Great Power Competition, and all of our allies and service members in Central and South America who are facing challenges each and every day.”

The Department of the Air Force Hispanic Empowerment and Advancement Team is dedicated to promoting the advancement of Hispanic service members and civilians, and this conference is one of many initiatives aimed at fostering inclusion and empowerment within the Air Force.

Videos of the event can be found here.