The U.S. Customs and Border Protection, in conjunction with the City of Del Rio and Laughlin Air Force Base volunteers, held the 4th Annual women's seminar at the Del Rio Civic Center March 24.

The seminar was put on in observance of Women’s History Month and gave the community a chance to honor women who have broken down barriers in the past and are presently building up communities, by listening to stories from leaders within the Laughlin and Del Rio communities.

One of the speakers was Chief Master Sgt. Teresa Clapper, 47th Flying Training Wing command chief, who talked about women who worked to provide opportunities to those who would come after them.

“In 1959, the Air Force created the rank of chief master sergeant,” said Clapper. “That year 659 Airmen were selected for the new rank – zero of them were women. In 1960, Grace Peterson became the first female chief master sergeant. I’m able to be a chief right now because a lot of women put in hard work.”

In regards to the seminar’s theme, “working to form a more perfect community,” Xochy Hurtado, Val Verde Regional Medical Center chief executive officer, followed Clapper in discussing females from history who have paved the way as well as present-day ambassadors.

Women like Mother Teresa, who was a symbol of charity, and Florence Nightingale, who many may know as the “mother of modern nursing,” changed the roles of women forever, explained Hurtado.

“Let’s also take a moment to recognize the present-day women who make contributions to the community --Shannalea Taylor, Janie Garcia and Carmen Gutierrez -- women like these who work to better our community and set the example for our kids, creating a better tomorrow,” said Hurtado.

In addition to the guest speakers, four workshops were held for attendees offering advice and expertise on health, money management, security, and resiliency which tied in the purpose of Women’s History Month.

“Women’s History Month is a time to reflect on women who embodied the fight against adversity,” said Aliyah Negley, 47th FTW community support coordinator. “Resiliency in and of itself is the ability to overcome and adapt to that adversity. If women stopped at the first ‘no,’ we wouldn’t be where we are today.”