“My heartfelt congratulations to these deserving honorees and nominees,” Vice Admiral John B. Nowell Jr., Chief of Naval Personnel, said in the announcement. “I would like to express my gratitude for your visionary and inspirational leadership, which helps shape our future and achieve the maximum possible performance of our Navy team.”
Established in 1987 and open to men and women, these leadership awards are presented annually to honor visionary leadership by Navy service members whose ideals and dedication promote an inclusive culture while promoting the inclusion of women in the Marine.
After a thorough review of the nominations, the 2021 winners are as follows:
Captain Joy Bright Hancock Leadership Award:
Senior Officer: Lt Cmdr. Emily A. Curran, PCU John. F.Kennedy (CVN 79).
Junior Officer: Christina A. Danai, USS Manchester (LCS 14) Gold.
LDO/CWO: Lt. Natalia F. Luchetti, Special Projects Patrol Squadron TWO (VPU 2)
Master Chief Anna Der-Vartanian Leadership Award:
Senior Enlisted: Chief Master at Arms (SW/AW/IW) Markeeta Y. Hardin, USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70)
Junior Enlisted: Hospital Corpsman First Class (FMF) Brittany M. Robinson, Combat Logistics Regiment 27, 2D Marine Logistics Group.
Each entry was scored on criteria of inspirational and innovative leadership, professional achievement, character, leadership climate and community involvement. Winners exceeded expectations in all categories, demonstrating extraordinary service:
Captain Joy Bright Hancock guided women accepted for voluntary emergency service (WAVES) through difficult years in the late 1940s and early 1950s, a period that saw women in the Navy get the regular marine status.
Master Chief Anna Der-Vartanian made history as the first woman in the United States Armed Forces to be promoted to rank E-9.
These two iconic women have spent the majority of their lives acting as stewards for the integration of women into the Navy.
For more information on the Chief of Naval Personnel – Office of Navy Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, visit https://mynavyhr.navy.afpims.mil/Support-Services/21st-Century -Sailor/Inclusion-Diversity/.
