ALCOAST 322/22 - SEP 2022 2022 LATINA STYLE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD RECIPIENTS

R 071639Z SEP 22 MID600052263783U
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC
TO ALCOAST
BT
UNCLAS
ALCOAST 322/22
SSIC 5350
SUBJ: 2022 LATINA STYLE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD RECIPIENTS
1. Lieutenant (LT) Maria McElhaney, Marine Safety Unit (MSU)
Cleveland, Storekeeper Second Class (SK2) Johanna Polanco Garcia,
USCGC ESCANABA (WMEC-907), Ms. Sheyla Matos, Offshore Patrol Cutter
Project Resident Office (OPC PRO), and Ensign (ENS) Olivia Gonzalez,
USCG Academy, are the 2022 LATINA Style Distinguished Service Award
recipients. This recognition honors women in the military and
civilian workforce who have influenced and enhanced the role of
Latinas and Hispanic Americans throughout their respective
organizations.
2. LT McElhaney distinguished herself through exemplary service as
the Executive Officer of MSU Cleveland. A first-generation American,
she enlisted in the Coast Guard in 2008. Her experiences
and perspectives as a non-native shaped her career, and led her to
put diversity and inclusion at the forefront of her actions. Her
leadership in recruiting and participation in the Partnership in
Education (PIE) program positively influenced more than 100
students, and helped educate underrepresented communities on Coast
Guard missions.
3. SK2 Polanco Garcia set the standard as a role model, particularly
among Latinas and Hispanic women in the Coast Guard. A native of the
Dominican Republic, she continually demonstrated pride in her
heritage while serving her community and shipmates. As the
primary translator on board USCGC ESCANABA, she directly enhanced
engagements with partner nations and advanced shared strategic
objectives to combat Western Hemisphere transnational criminal
organizations.
4. Ms. Matos, the resident Naval Architect at the OPC PRO,
exceptionally mentored and promoted self-improvement with coworkers,
future leaders, and students in the Science, Technology,
Engineering, and Math (STEM) community. Through outreach, workplace
development, and cultural education, Ms. Matos conveyed appreciation
for the engineering profession and pride in her Latina culture.
5. ENS Gonzalez superbly used mentoring to help cadets achieve
success. As the Regimental Workplace Climate Officer (RWCO) at the
USCG Academy, she modeled the way for cadets to embrace diversity
and inclusion within the Corps through her involvement and
leadership in affinity groups, and as a volunteer supporting New
London's Hispanic and Latin American community.
6. The Coast Guard is proud of LT McElhaney, SK2 Polanco Garcia,
Ms. Matos, and ENS Gonzalez for their outstanding leadership,
achievements, and commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive
Coast Guard. The LATINA Style organization will recognize these
exceptional leaders during the National LATINA Symposium Awards
Ceremony on Thursday, September 29, 2022.
7. Civil Rights awards programs help maximize the Coast Guard's
overall mission effectiveness by fostering a discrimination free
environment through recognizing members' accomplishments and
contributions to civil rights, equal opportunity, minority
communities, and Partnership in Education (PIE) programs. Learn more
about the Coast Guard's Civil Rights vision, mission, awards
programs and CG PIE at:
(Copy and Paste URL Below into Browser)

https://www.uscg.mil/Resources/Civil-Rights/

8. POC: COMDT (CG-00H), Mr. Juan Torres, 202-372-4594,
Juan.L.Torres@uscg.mil.
9. Dr. Terri A. Dickerson, Civil Rights Director (CG-00H), sends.
10. Internet release is authorized.