MHCE APRIL 2024

20 | MHCE - News www.mhce.us APRIL2024 EDITION WWW.MHCE.US
Monthly Newsletter | 21
the fingerprints of my parents
on the accountability — you're
here to bring value. "You're here
to contribute to this world no
matter what, do what is right. "
"My sister is a teacher, and my
brother is in law enforcement,"
she added. "A lot of us serve, but
you have to do good for others.
That starts with doing good for
your family."
She explained it as first, they set
high expectations, not only for
her but also for her siblings. Next,
they emphasized the importance
of accountability, teaching her
to take responsibility for her
actions. Lastly, they showered
her with unconditional love,
affirming her value as a human
being and instilling in her a duty
to contribute to her family, her
community and beyond.
Framing
Addressing the intersectionality
of her identity as a woman
and an African American in
the military, Crosland said she
doesn't focus her achievements
through that lens.
"I don't actually frame anything
I do day-in and day-out in the
terms of my race or my gender.
That's always been a hard
question for me to answer," she
said. "It's not because I don't
understand the responsibility …
certainly, there are challenges
that come from being a woman
in the military, there are
challenges that come from being
African American and being in
the military."
As I became more senior, I had
a better appreciation of my role
and responsibility to be a good
role model for the community of
women and African Americans
and service members," Crosland
continued. "Folks will look at
me and they will see different
aspects that resonate with
them. And I'm accountable and
responsible for the parts that
resonate with them. Whether
you're a woman, whether you're
African American, and I didn't
always lean into that, but I
certainly become more mindful
of it and try to lean into that by
being more accessible, being
more transparent, so that folks
understand who you are."
Crosland does not frame her
accomplishments solely in
terms of race or gender. She
emphasizes that while she
acknowledges the significance
of her role in representing these
attributes in the military and
society, she does not classify her
achievements based on these
factors. Instead, she focuses
on embracing her unique
identity and strives to inspire
others, surpassing barriers and
dispelling stereotypes along the
way.
As a massive advocate for
mentorship and professional
development, Crosland
underscores investing in the next
generation. She highlights the
significance of mentorship and
emphasizes the responsibility
of other leaders to share their
stories to help contribute to the
growth of others.
"The most significant thing I
will do as a director is make sure
the organization is positioned to
continue its legacy of greatness
to do the hard work," she
explained. "The only way you
do that is invest in those around
you — to help them grow, learn
and be positioned to say, 'We've
got to invest in our future, and
so I'm committed to that for our
entire team,' regardless of your
race, regardless of your gender."
"I am mindful that if I
communicate the right way,
authentically, transparently,
truthfully, that it will resonate
with minorities, it will resonate
with women because they'll see
themselves in me."
Inspired by a childhood book
and fueled by her determination,
she even wrote a poem affirming
her aspirations. Throughout her
upbringing, she stayed steadfast
in her desire to pursue a career
in medicine. She attributes her
unwavering determination to
her parents, whom she considers
her greatest inspiration.
Learning From Experiences
She prioritizes leader
development and ensures the
Defense Health Agency is
positioned to uphold its legacy of
greatness. With a commitment
to the professional development
of her team, she communicates
authentically, fostering a sense
of inclusion and belonging to
all within the DHA. In addition,
she offers sound advice to
young individuals and urges
them to stay present, embrace
challenges and never succumb
to self-doubt. She reflects on
her early days as a medical
intern to assuming command
as a colonel. Each milestone
has shaped her resilience and
fortitude into what it is today.
Crosland encourages the next
generation to seize opportunities
and chart their path to success.
"When I was younger,
everything was a big deal,"
Crosland said. "Everything felt
intense. Everything felt that this
is the moment, and looking back on myself, I would say, 'take a
deep breath. Be in the moment.'"
She also highlights the importance of taking a deep breath and
placing each experience in context. Crosland encourages aspiring
leaders to be present, using their current resources and knowledge
to do their best. She cautions against focusing on the uncertainties
of tomorrow by noting, "Don't borrow worry from tomorrow; it
will find you," urging individuals not to waste present opportunities
due to worries about the future.
CAMP
NURSE