Commentary: Diversity in Action Published July 2, 2015 By Maj. Jennifer Phillips, Commander, 48th Component Maintenance Squadron 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England -- Diversity is often framed as individual differences resulting from varying cultures, genders, backgrounds and beliefs. While this is true, diversity is more than a state of being. It's a mentality. We all have unique experiences, ideas and abilities, but if we choose not to leverage what makes us different, we'll never challenge the status quo. As a kid, I suppressed the unique qualities that made me different. In particular, my mixed ethnic make-up. My parents and siblings were born and raised in Jamaica, my grandfather was Chinese and my great grandparents had roots in Africa, Scotland and Ireland. I was born in Georgia, but attended middle and high school in the suburbs of New Jersey. During my first few years on the East Coast, I felt out of place. Not only was I new to the neighborhood, but I looked different and often viewed things from a distinctive lense. Yet, I worked through the fear and offered my perspective, anyway. As I did this, I discovered that my input was unlike anything else offered and challenged others to think in ways they'd never done before. As a result, the outcome was better than anyone could have imagined.For the first time, I began to understand that difference is not bad and, many times, equals power. That same power I experienced as a kid is the foundation and bloodline of our squadron, Air Force and nation. Our organization, the 48th Component Maintenance Squadron, serves as a bold example, by showing who we are and embracing each Airman's unique, individual characteristics that contribute to our diversity, unity and ultimately, our strength. More than 400 strong, we succeed because we celebrate our differences and capitalize on them. We embrace our distinctive cultures, ages, genders, and backgrounds to foster diversity in thought and execution. Diversity is more than a group of people from different backgrounds. Diversity is not only having the courage to suggest ideas, but also being humble, open and accepting of new ones. One example is the diversity that exists in the ages of our maintainers. For those of us who are a bit more seasoned, it is easy to criticize our young professionals for their lack of life and work experience. However, when we do so, we fail to acknowledge all the positive attributes they bring to the mission: an immense grasp of technology, fresh perspectives and the energy and eagerness required to make our world better. Diversity in execution means making things happen in new and innovative ways. This is particularly crucial in the fiscally-constrained environment in which we live. An individual who grew up in a poor environment and was forced to make the most of what they had may be the one who comes up with a benchmark way of saving our Air Force money. Yet, in order to do that, he or she needs to boldly leverage that experience and put ideas into action. Additionally, we, as supervisors, subordinates and peers, need to develop our skills to not only support new ideas, but also help to positively critique them to make them better and help ensure a great concept becomes reality. Dare to be different and embrace unique experiences, backgrounds and perspectives that foster new ways of thinking! Be willing to put those ideas into action and challenge the status quo. If we don't expand the way we think and act, we'll fail to grow personally and professionally.