Always Empower

The purpose of the International Association of Military Women of Color is to Inspire, Always Empower, and Mentor military women of color throughout their careers by providing career guidance and problem-solving support through our elected officers, executive board, and standing committees.

PUBLIC AWARENESS

Our organization embraces a “Shared Leadership Philosophy” with other organizations and their efforts to assist active-duty military and Veterans during their transition to civilian life. We do this through development, mentorship and alignment of strategies with other organizations, publicity, and community engagement.

CONTRIBUTIONS

The International Association of Military Women of Color is a servicing organization dedicated to supporting women of color who are currently serving or have served in the military, with a seat at the table to influence policy changes and implement new policies relating to active duty and veterans.

Hidden Figures

Hidden Figures are women whose achievements have been overlooked due to systemic barriers or lack of visibility, despite their significant impact on military and civilian life. Trailblazers are those who led the way in the military of were the first to accomplish something in their military positions. The International Association of Military Women of Color has many “Hidden Figures” and “Trailblazers.” Some Hidden Figures and Trailblazers may still be on active duty so their influences are leveraged in our organization. Consider nominating deserving individuals for awards, sharing their stories in publications, or organizing events to honor their achievements. Please see some of our members HerStories.

In Memoriam

Colonel, Elfreda Kirksey: The inspiration for this group came to Ernestine Faircloth from a very close friend and mentor, retired Air Force Colonel, Elfreda Kirksey who sadly passed away two years before the group was established. Ernestine Faircloth and her best friend Pauline Cunningham found 32 women with a passion for helping past, present, and future women succeed through their service in the military. This organization represents all components of the military. Standby for more of HerStory as told by people who knew of her wonderful contributions as a woman of color.

Chaplain (MAJ) Betty W, Pace: It is with great regrets that we announce the passing of Chaplain (Maj) Betty W. Pace. She passed away on December 15, 2021, at the VA Medical Hospital in Atlanta. A legend in the U.S. Army Chaplain Corps, she was the 2nd Black female Chaplain commissioned on Active Duty. She maintained contact with her Religious Affairs Specialist, Sergeant Major – retired, Dr. Pamela A. Wilson – Vice President of I AM WOC - delivering her benediction at her retirement ceremony at the Alamo in San Antonio, TX in 2016. Before her passing, the president and founding member of International Association of Military Women of Color (I AM WOC), President Ernestine Faircloth met personally with her and declared Chaplain Betty Pace as founding Board Member of I AM WOC. See the proclamation dedicated in her honor. See the proclamation dedicated in her honor.

honor and preserve herstory

It is our goal to capture as many I AM WOC Herstories as possible. We will preserve them as historical documents and enter them into the Smithsonian Institute. Hopefully, every College and University will have a reserve display to help promote HerStories

Click on photo to read HerStory