Northwestern Region

SI of Sequim Host Men and Women Teams Luncheon

Kathy Purcell/ SI Sequim

For several years the Education/WIN Committee has thought about having a Men & Women Teams luncheon. Our idea was to invite a panel of men and women who work as part of a team in somewhat risky but rewarding professions such as: firefighters, police officers, EMT, etc. We wanted to hear first-hand what makes a team work.

The idea became a reality on February 25, 2004 when Soroptimist International of Sequim hosted the Men & Women Teams Luncheon, held at the Sequim High School Library. Invitations were mailed to WIN students/parents, Sequim High School administrators, School Board members and local service organizations.

The panel of speakers included:
From the Coast Guard Senior Air Crew Team:
Lieutenant Terri Kindness and Petty Officer 1st Class Scott Welch

From Nat’l Guard Helicopter Air Crew Team:
Sergeant Heidi Rota, 67 Uniform Aircraft Crew Chief and
Sergeant Nathaniel Thompsen, 68 Foxtrot Aircraft Electrician

Firefighters From: Sea-Tac Fire Dept Janet Williams and
Federal Way Fire Dept, Firefighter Todd Williams

From the Sequim Police Department: Officer Kori Keegan and Officer Dave Campbell.

Before a standing room only crowd (over 100 students: 75% girls / 25% boys plus community members), Sequim High School Career Coordinator Mitzi Sanders started things off by introducing the panel of speakers. Leah Tuttle, co-coordinator of the Education/WIN Committee, briefly spoke about Soroptimist International of Sequim, highlighting our funding of scholarships and explaining the WIN Program.

all that was shared during those two hours. However, one of the important things each team stressed was trust. They don’t think about whether their partner is a man or a woman. They rely on one another; they know they have the training, trust, and respect for one another. Each team also mentioned the importance of education.

After the speakers finished and people were lining up to get food at the buffet, some students – both girls and boys – were lining up to talk to the speakers.

I heard several students comment that they didn’t realize what was involved in the jobs. They didn’t realize how much education was required.

We thank the speakers for taking time from their busy lives to share with us. We may never know how many lives will change because of it.

The food for the luncheon was provided by The Oak Table, a long-time supporter of our WIN Program. Betty Oppenheimer of the Sequim Gazette was at the Men and Women Team Luncheon. She wrote a wonderful article about it which appeared in the newspaper the following Wednesday. The success of the WIN Program is due to support from the entire community. We are grateful the community is part of the WINing TEAM.

Kathy Purcell
Co-Coordinator Education/WIN Committee