CAMOUFLAGED SISTERS: LEADERSHIP THROUGH OUR EYES
Published by Purposely Created Publishing Group
Copyright 2019 Lila Holley
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, distributed or transmitted in any form by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopy, recording, taping, or by any information storage or retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher, except in the case of reprints in the context of reviews, quotes, or references.
Scriptures marked NIV are taken from the New International Version. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.. All rights reserved.
Scriptures marked NKJV are taken from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson. All rights reserved.
Special discounts are available on bulk quantity purchases by book clubs, associations and special interest groups. For details email: sales@publishyourgift.com or call (888) 949-6228.
For information logon to: www.PublishYourGift.com
Also available by Camouflaged Sisters
Camouflaged Sisters,
Revealing Struggles of the Black Womans Military Experience
Camouflaged Sisters,
Silent No More
Camouflaged Sisters present,
Behind the Rank Volume 1
Camouflaged Sisters present,
Behind the Rank Volume 2
This book is dedicated to the girls and young women on the journey to discovering the leader inside of them. It is our hope that by reading our stories you are inspired to unleash the leader within. Allow yourself to grow and to find your unique leadership style without forsaking what makes you special. It is that special thing that will make you a great leader.
Table of Contents
Foreword
The multiple definitions of leadership can be off-balancing. One true fact is that as women, the word leadership has always been an up-hill and distinctive battle. Because of gender, the questions throughout our military history include: Can a woman truly influence? Do they have the confidence necessary to lead? Will people respect themfollow them? Can they do the job? Those types of questions go on and on, but the answer is and will always be a resounding yes. The responsibilities and obligations of leadership do not change because of gender. What changes is how much or how different women have to work in order to gain a position of influence and respect in the military.
Leadership from a female perspective continues to influence positive changes at all levels of management in the military. With that said, the road is not easy, and we still have a ways to go. Sometimes the fight is within. At times, we, women, believe the lies from a culture not ready for us. We listen to an internal voice that screams we are not enough we cant do itwe are not welcome.
Camouflaged Sisters: Leadership Through Our Eyes is an open door to the mind of extraordinary women who have had the strength to share their stories. Because of their courage, the reader is able to learn how these women found purpose in their lives and were able to carve a pathway and a guide for generations of military members (women and men) who can build a new vision with strength, pride, and loyalty. This incredible book neutralizes culture and internal conditioning by emphasizing the valor of earning respect, of building crucial relationships to move a team forward, and of reproducing other leaders by creating an environment of growth and development.
The need for a supportive sisterhood is real; none of us can do it alone! The women in this book reveal innovation and the best version of themselves within the circumstances they faced. Women with a voice of logic, professionalism, and faith are the ones who define leadership in their own way, following their hearts, and never selling out their principles. These women of courage built their own leadership passages from their own backgrounds, their own visions of training, development, and growth. Their stories reflect critical points of overcoming obstacles, having priorities, of never compromising their character, and always being unpretentious and authentic.
It is humbling to read this collection of amazing true stories from extraordinary leaders. The reader will be able to understand that it is not easy to get to the top, especially for a military woman. But it is not impossible! All of these women demonstrate hard work, dedication, and discipline as ingredients necessary to continue to grow and add value to others. Their attitude of never giving up and being persistent to attain their dreams are examples for others to emulate. After all, any member of the military has given their word to serve others and to sacrifice for their country. Women need an opportunity and an environment of inclusion where they can bring their unique strengths and God-given gifts to add invaluable influence to the team.
Ericka E. Kelly, MBA, PMC
Chief Master Sergeant (Retired), US Air Force
Certified Public Speaker, Coach, and Trainer
Why Leadership As A Topic, Why Now?
Now more than ever, it is critical that we are sharing the leadership experiences of females serving in the military. More women are joining the Armed Forces, and more women are taking up leadership in their own businesses and in C-Suite positions. Women have incredibly valuable knowledge to share, and we dont hear enough from women leaders as we grow in our careers. This book addresses this, and I highly recommend you get a copy for the women leaders in your life.
Kalen Arreola
Former Captain, US Army Combat Veteran,
Bronze Star recipient
Brand Strategist
kalenmarieconsulting.com
*
Lila Holley has once again tapped into an important issue and started a conversation that must continue. Leadership isnt something that can be boxed in, as is eloquently displayed by these essays. This book proposes a better course of activation and action that we must pay attention to so that being the first becomes the norm.
Shellie D. Willis
Master Sergeant (Retired), US Army
CEO & Founder, Redefining Your Future LLC
www.redefinedfutureyou.org
*
I was a fan of the Camouflaged Sisters book series before I even met Lila Holley. Upon discovering and reading Camouflaged Sisters: Revealing Struggles of the Black Womans Military Experience , my first thought was These women are graciously sharing their stories. I imagined the future and younger generation of sisters-in-arms coming behind them, reading those same stories. Stories in the first book and this leadership book are sure to teach, coach, and mentor our countrys future leaders throughout their tenure in the military. A book of this capacity would have been a privilege to have access to during my career. The stories are inspirational and a great reference to help make decisions as a leader. Being a female leader has its challenges; this book will assist and advise you on which battles are and arent worth fighting.
Abeni C. Scott
Chief Warrant Officer Two (Retired), US Army
Owner, Dress Up Room by Four Girls
www.dressuproombfg.com
*
This book is vital in assisting todays military leaders as they teach structure, the standard of military bearing, and how to execute ones mission. This is a must-read for all to see the true posture needed to assume the responsibility to Lead from the Front, a motto that I have come to live by. For it was leaders like these ladies who influenced the improvements of military formations to consist of the best of the best!
