An Interview with Mary Saunders

by Jacqueline Sheppard, Texas Women’s University, Fenton, Texas

Major General Mary Saunders retired from the United States Air Force in 2005. A 1970 graduate of Texas Woman’s University in Denton, Texas, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in social work, Saunders also has a master’s degree in guidance and counseling from Rider University in Lawrenceville, New Jersey. She is an AAUW member and also belongs to the National Association of Female Executives, the Air Force Association, and the Logistics Officer Association. She currently works at Texas Woman’s University, where she is developing and leading a new program called the Leadership Institute. The institute will focus on developing leadership and empowering young women at Texas Woman’s University to obtain the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in today’s global world.

When asked why she chose the military and the Air Force in particular, Saunders explains that her brother was also in the Air Force. He told her that it was the only branch that truly paid members equal pay for equal work regardless of gender. This was a big deal to her, so she joined the Air Force shortly after completing her college degree. Saunders identifies six specific reasons for her success in the Air Force and points out that they apply to women in any field. The six ingredients for success are

• dedication to excellence,
• ensuring that you are adding value to your organization,
• strong communication skills, investing in relationships,
• delivering results, and
• accountability.

If we apply these ideas to our goals, we have the power to succeed as well. 

Like many successful women in our time, Saunders believes that women’s future economic status will continue to progress. Women just need to be able to keep their own interests in mind at all times and realize that, to make a difference, they need to make their voices heard.

Read more about Major General Mary Saunders on the United States Air Force website.