From Tolerance to Change: Combating the Sexism We Tolerate

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In this episode, Doris Sumner shares her extensive military career and personal journey, highlighting the challenges faced by women in the military, particularly regarding gender discrimination and sexual harassment. She discusses her transition from a truck driver to a human resources manager and equal opportunity advocate, emphasizing the importance of creating a supportive environment for women in the military. Doris also addresses the systemic issues within military culture that perpetuate gender bias and the need for accountability and change in leadership to foster a more inclusive environment. In this conversation, Doris discusses the pervasive issues of sexual assault and gender bias within the military, emphasizing the need for accountability and cultural change. She shares personal experiences and insights on resilience, the importance of leadership in fostering diversity, and the necessity of rebranding the military to create a more inclusive environment. Doris advocates for more women in leadership roles and highlights the significance of small actions in driving meaningful change.

ABOUT DORIS:

Doris Sumner is a veteran of the U.S. Army and the Vermont Army National Guard (VTNG), where she dedicated over three decades to military service. After serving three years on active duty, she transitioned to the VTNG, working full-time for 33 years, primarily in Human Resources. Her final 13 years were spent as the State Equal Employment & Diversity Manager, a senior GS-12 level civilian manager, and a Chief Warrant Officer 4 (CW4) in the military.

Throughout her career, she received numerous state and federal awards, culminating in the prestigious Legion of Merit upon her retirement in 2019. She served on various state and federal boards, committees, and councils, including as the New England Chair for the National Guard Bureau’s (NGB) Joint Diversity Executive Council (JDEC) and later on the National Equal Employment Management Advisory Council.

Following her retirement, she launched Empowering Gender Opportunities LLC, a Diversity and Education Consulting Company, and authored her memoir, Life at Camp: Combating the Sexism We Tolerate and Why the Military Should Take the Lead.

With 35 years in recovery, she remains actively involved in the recovery community, facilitating women’s co-dependency recovery groups. She is married to a combat veteran, raised two children, and is a proud grandmother of three. Residing in Milton, Vermont, she enjoys camping, hiking, biking, working out, and tackling puzzles in her spare time.

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