Wilson shares message of women empowerment

Republican U.S. senate hopeful Heather Wilson delivered a message of women empowerment Wednesday at Eastern New Mexico University to the young women of Girls State.

Wilson was a featured speaker at the American Legion Auxiliary's New Mexico Girls State, a leadership conference for rising seniors from New Mexico.

Christina Calloway: Portales News-Tribune

Heather Wilson answered Girls State participant Pilar Borneo's question about her time in the Air Force. Borneo told Wilson that she was interested in joining the military.

Wilson's address focused on the obstacles she overcame as a woman in the Air Force and as a woman in politics.

She began her address discussing the journey of New Mexico's first female representative in the U.S. House of Representatives, Georgia Lusk. Wilson was the second woman to represent New Mexico in the U.S. House and thanked Lusk for paving the way.

Wilson stressed to the audience filled with hopeful-eyed young ladies that there is a lack of women holding leadership positions in business and politics.

"It's time to change that," said Wilson, her statement met with applause. "New Mexico turned 100 this year and no women have represented the state in the U.S. Senate. I'm trying to change that."

She added that in her lifetime, she thinks she will see a woman become president of the U.S.

Many of the participants in Girls State expressed to Wilson their interest in politics and military. She encouraged the girls to think positive while striving to achieve those future career goals.

"I hope you choose to find a dream that's bigger than yourself," Wilson said.

She also talked about her stepfather's alcoholism and abuse, saying she was not allowed to talk about those issues that what went on in her house. She shared that experience to let the young women know that they can overcome whatever adversity they may face while chasing their dreams.

"I don't know what's going on in your home, but I know that you can make a decision to follow your own dream," Wilson said.

She closed her speech with advice for the young women, emphasizing the value of hard work and education as well as encouraging the girls to embrace their dreams.

Wilson's speech earned her a standing ovation from the Girls State participants. After her speech, the floor opened up for questions for Wilson. She answered questions regarding her time in the Air Force as well as her experience in the U.S. House.

Pilar Borneo of Corrales said she thought Wilson was inspiring.

"I enjoyed how she used personal stories," Borneo said. "Her speech was very empowering and she was able to captivate me. She seemed very personable."

Borneo has plans of joining the Marines and looks forward to asking Wilson for a letter of recommendation.

Leiyona Young of Onate High School in Las Cruces enjoyed Wilson's presence at Girls State as well.

"I enjoyed her story about her time in the Air Force academy," Young said. "She had to overcome a lot of obstacles and it inspires me to run for positions that people don't think I could be in."

Wilson, who defeated Greg Sowards in Tuesday's primary for the GOP's nominee for U.S. senate, will be running against Democrat Martin T. Heinrich in the November election.