ALCOAST 254/20 - JUN 2020 2020 MCPO PEARL FAURIE WOMEN'S LEADERSHIP AWARD RECIPIENT

R 261341 JUN 20
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC//CG-12//
TO ALCOAST
UNCLAS//N01640//
ALCOAST 254/20
COMDTNOTE 1640
SUBJ: 2020 MCPO PEARL FAURIE WOMEN'S LEADERSHIP AWARD RECIPIENT
A. Recognitions Program Manual, COMDTINST M1650.26 (series)
1. I am pleased to announce that MST2 Kayla S. Diaz, currently assigned to
Sector Jacksonville, is the recipient of the 2020 Master Chief Pearl Faurie
Leadership Award.
2. The MCPO Pearl Faurie Leadership Award was established in 2001 and is named in
honor of MCPO Pearl Faurie, who on 1 January 1964 was the first SPAR to achieve
the rank of E-9. The MCPO Pearl Faurie Leadership Award honors the first female
Master Chief Petty Officer in the Coast Guard and recognizes an active duty or
reserve enlisted female in paygrades E4 through E8 who has demonstrated exceptional
leadership.
3. MST2 Diaz was recognized by her command for her inspirational and innovative
leadership. She initiated significant efforts that fostered a diverse and inclusive
environment to ensure a Ready, Relevant, and Responsive Coast Guard. MST2 Diaz is
responsible for screening foreign and domestic vessels, including high interest and
special interest vessels, in three ports that receive over 3,000 vessels annually
that include the largest container port in Florida, the second largest vehicle port
in the U.S., and the world's second busiest passenger terminal. As a Port State
Control (PSC) Examiner and Foreign Freight Vessel Examiner, she meticulously examined
over 40 vessels and identified and corrected numerous deficiencies that would have
resulted in serious injury and/or loss of life. She served as a member of the Incident
Management Team that was essential for Post-Hurricane Dorian infrastructure assessments
that expedited the reopening of the Port of Jacksonville. MST2 Diaz's commitment to
our Core Values is visible in her contributions to the unit and community. She
planned a Women's Equality Run, hosted an inter-agency heritage month event and
coordinated Color Guard events. Additionally, she serves as a mentor to her shipmates,
is a pen-pal to women in Uganda, is a volunteer with a K-9 for warriors non-profit
organization, volunteers at a food pantry, volunteers in joint-agency inspection
operations, and serves on the Coast Guard Enlisted Association (CGEA) and on the
unit's Leadership and Diversity Advisory Council (LDAC).
4. MST2 Diaz's full nomination write-up can be found here:
https://cg.portal.uscg.mil/units/cg1/CG1.HQ/CG-12B/awards/SitePages/
MCPO%20Pearl%20Faurie.aspx.
5. This year, eight Coast Guard members were nominated for this prestigious
leadership award. Each nominee demonstrated inspirational, innovative, and
imaginative leadership and mentorship while making significant contributions to
improve the Coast Guard. I commend our nominees for their exemplary service and
extraordinary accomplishments. Each nominee brings great credit to the Coast Guard,
embodies the definition of a leader, and is well deserving of this prestigious
recognition.
6. I extend my congratulations to all of the 2020 MCPO Pearl Faurie Leadership Award
nominees:
    a. HS1 Katelyn Braswell
    b. MKC Jolene Scarlet
    c. MST2 Kayla Diaz
    d. MUC Megan Sesma
    e. PAC Sara Muir
    f. SKC Nadia Laub
    g. YN1 Janet Petrak
    h. YNC Kirsten Atteberry
7. This award is typically presented at the Sea Service Leadership Association's annual
Joint Womens Leadership Symposium (JWLS). Due to COVID-19, that in-person symposium has
been cancelled. The recipient will be recognized at a future diversity and inclusion
event as identified IAW REF (A). The Office of Diversity and Inclusion (CG-127) will be
covering all associated costs for the award recipient to attend or participate in the
diversity and inclusion event once identified.
8. The POC is Gender Policy Advisor, CDR Carrie A. Wolfe, Carrie.A.Wolfe@uscg.mil.
9. Ms. Michelle R. Godfrey, Director of Civilian Human Resources, Diversity, and
Leadership, sends.
10. Internet release is authorized.