In honor of Women’s History Month, we interviewed UConn’s very own LCDR Rosanna Mendoza class of 1994 about what it is like to be a woman in the Navy and how UConn impacted her ability to lead in the military as a female officer and Emergency Trauma Navy Nurse.
Why did you join the Navy?
For fear of sounding too much like a “wannabe”, I joined the Navy because of my love for M.A.S.H and China Beach. I always wanted to reach the status of Major Hoolihan (of which currently I am LCDR Mendoza, same rank as Major). I wanted to join the Medical outfit because of my medical background. I never thought I would be able to do much else. So, one day while driving around on a day off from the ambulance, I went to a recruiting office, and approximately four weeks later I took my Oath.
What impact has the Navy made on you?
The Navy has made me respect the true Chain of Command and how to work well under pressure. The person I am today is because of my almost 21 years of service in both an Enlisted and Officer capacity.
What importance do women in the Navy have?
The women I have encountered in my time are genuine, loyal, and downright fun. These attributes make for very strong and effective leaders. One of the female officers I look up to most was in the Nurse Corps for 42 years when I was 42 years old!
What advice would you give to graduating UConn females unsure of what career/job path to pursue?
If there ever is a time that you question yourself and where you are, do not overlook the opportunity of a lifetime to join the military. There are programs where you can work as a reservist immediately after boot camp. Employers really like to hire members of the military because they know they will be hiring a person with integrity, accountability, and respect. Not even mentioning the work ethic the Navy brings out. It is always a guaranteed part-time job. And the prospect of all the options that are available in the Navy is immeasurable. There are doors to be opened constantly and each of those lead to even more.
How has graduating UConn impacted your ability to lead as a female officer in the Navy?
My time at UConn was my first degree. It molded me to want to enhance myself and further my potential. Of course, I also attended when the Women’s Basketball Team went undefeated 38-0 and won it all, which made the school spirit and morale of the school palpable. I witnessed students looking out for each other, sharing all their own experiences, and bonding as one community. This and more has helped to become the leader I am today.
To get the opportunity to connect and interact with LCDR Rosanna Mendoza and learn more about the Navy Nurse Corps and other Navy career paths- Register on Handshake and tune in on March 7th at 5:30pm for a virtual speaker panel event- Stronger Together: A look into the Careers and Communities of Females in the Navy.
LCDR Rosana Mendoza will be one of four female officers featured on the panel including Navy Nurse LT Antoinette Mantz, Cryptologic Warfare Officer LT Tina Kieu, and Submarine Officer LT Samantha Barszowski. We look forward to speaking with you on Zoom!
