They are an integral part of our history, and they are an integral part of today’s military – both in uniform and civilian, from the most junior to the most senior levels of the organization. I am very proud to work every day with Undersecretary of the Army Gabe Camarillo and Deputy Undersecretary Mario Diaz, two proud American descendants of Mexican immigrants who are among DoD’s most senior leaders. They are also two of my closest, most trusted advisors.

Together with our colleagues in uniform, the three of us are proud to lead an institution that celebrates diversity as a key source of strength. Our mission demands that we face every threat with ingenuity and determination, and that the surest way to succeed in our mission is to build an Army that can draw on the talents of all qualified Americans. We have seen over the history of our nation and our Army that we are always strongest when we reflect the public that we serve. This is not a political message. The diversity of our Army, which reflects the many voices and communities of our nation, is truly the foundation on which we have built the greatest land fighting force in the world.

Looking out at this audience, I see an abundance of ingenuity and strength in the Latina women here today. Latinas make up more than 20 percent of all women who serve on active duty in the Army. And I can attest that these women are making an outsized impact in units around the world every day.

That impact is so clear in the stories of our awardees and our Latina soldiers that are here in this room. The Army relies on experts like Chief Warrant Officer Two Angelic Smith, a geospatial engineer and the Army’s first female artificial intelligence technician, to gain a competitive advantage in emerging technologies. She is at the forefront of research for our Army. She is also at the forefront of intense competition as she coached a team of 3rd and 4th graders to compete in Pennsylvania’s state STEM competition.

Having spent most of my career within the Department of Defense, I know how difficult it can be for women in the national security field. I know how detrimental discrimination, harassment, and assault can be to retaining and empowering women in this field. And I know how hard it can be to just withstand and get past the casual dismissiveness, the uninformed assumptions, and the thoughtless put-downs that even today, still come with the territory. We have made a lot of progress in the last 75 years since women have been able to serve as regular members of the military, but we have much more work left to do. But I can tell you, the Army is committed to changing and being better. We continue to work hard to build cohesive teams, reduce harmful behaviors and be an organization that values individuals for their unique skills and experiences they bring to our Army.

Because we need strong women in our Army. Latinas are significantly underrepresented within our General Officer population, but given all the talent I see, this too will change! The Army cannot change overnight, but I am encouraged when I see outstanding officers like Lourdes Costas because I know that behind her are hundreds more bold, qualified, and capable Latinas who are ready to step up and serve at the highest levels of the Army.”