LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- Having an occupation that helps people get a fair shake speaks of the man and the caliber of Airman.
Tech. Sgt. Kent Lane, 944th Logistics Readiness fuels technician and Arizona Department of Transportation Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Supportive Services program manager, was awarded the Rosa Parks Diversity Leadership Award at the annual Women’s Transportation Seminar in March.
“The event was an amazing tribute to women in the industry,” said Lane. “Receiving the award has been humbling and I’m honored for the symbolism it represents.
The award honors organizations and individuals who are broadening multicultural initiatives and who demonstrate outstanding commitment to the advancement of women and minorities in the workplace.
“I help them compete for federal aid projects by providing tools to improve their business such as; assistance with bonding, access to capital, workshops, conferences, networking events, expos, and matchmaking opportunities,” explained Lane. “By providing these services, it helps to improve the capacity of small businesses and increases DBE utilization on federally-funded transportation related projects.”
Lane has been employed with the State of Arizona for almost 11 years and the last eight have been with ADOT. He has been a traditional Reservist with the 944 FW for 10 years.
Kent is a great asset to us here at ADOT’s Business Engagement and Compliance Office,” said Kimberlay Swanson, ADOT Business Engagement and Compliance Office manager. “He’s always willing to go the extra mile for his teammates, and provides outstanding customer service and support to small and disadvantaged businesses across Arizona.”
According to Lane, great strides across the board have been made for increased inclusion for diversity initiatives in workplace environments. He expressed the importance of encouraging diversity and inclusion in every spectrum possible, from the military to the private sector of organizations and businesses to also include closing the gap on equal pay for women.
The information of his civilian accomplishment almost went unnoticed which speaks for how humble and modest Lane’s character is. A fellow co-worker at ADOT and 944 FW Reservist, Master Sgt. Mayline Wahinepio, 944th Aeromedical Staging Squadron mental health NCOIC, brought the information to his leadership.
“I am amazed by the exceptional leadership he provides in managing his program,” said Wahinepio.
This is the second award Lane has won within the last two years from the transportation and contracting community for increasing diversity and assisting small businesses.
Receiving the award is tremendous to me but helping disadvantaged businesses to succeed by advocating for them, means everything to me,” said Lane. “I feel a strong sense of camaraderie while working with fellow Reservists on the civilian side. The bond I experience with my civilian counterparts does not compare to that of my fellow 944 LRS team.”