LOUISVILLE, Ky. — During this Women’s History Month, the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs and the University of Louisville’s Commonwealth Center for Humanities and Society are highlighting women veterans.
Martha LaGuardia-Kotite is one of the first female officers to serve on two United States Coast Guard cutters with all male crews. The retired U.S. Coast Guard Captain and award-winning author holds a 30 year career in senior rank.
With experience leading emergency crisis management for FEMA, LaGuardia-Kotite patrolled the Pacific and Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. She said being in the military made her realize she could do more than she ever dreamed, adding that she strives to be an inspiration to other women by being true to herself.
“I had mentors who didn’t look like me, didn’t think or act like me. I had shipmates and classmates and all of us came together to do the mission and that’s so empowering. Being in the military can be very empowering,” LaGuardia-Kotite said. “I’d like to say be bold, be first and be yourself. But coming to Kentucky is a blessing and such an honor to be picked to be the one to provide a message of inspiration and celebration.”
Tonight, she’ll present her “Telling Their Stories: A Celebration of Women Veterans” at Chao Auditorium in UofL’s Ekstrom Library. She’ll plan to speak about living a life of difference, adjusting your goals and course of life to where you want to be.
You can hear from LaGuardia-Kotite Wednesday night at 6 p.m., where she includes the stories of her time serving and women profiled in her books.
Parking for the first 100 people will be free, spaces will be at the Speed Art Museum Parking Garage. The event will wrap up with a book-signing opportunity from LaGuardia-Kotite and admission is free, but RSVPs are encouraged by email.