Gina Ortiz Jones grew up as a first-generation American, taught early on about the importance of service by her family. But she never imagined breaking one of the largest glass ceilings in the country by becoming the Under Secretary of the Air Force — the first woman of color and the first openly lesbian person in the role. On this episode of She Pivots, Gina shares the deep history of and pride around military service in her family; coming out to her mom at age 15; the personal and emotional impact of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell; the decision to step away from her career to care for her mother; and her fight for women’s health and reproductive freedoms.
She Pivots was created by host Emily Tisch Sussman to highlight women, their stories, and how their pivot became their success. To learn more about Gina, follow us on Instagram @ShePivotsThePodcast or visit shepivotsthepodcast.com.