Women’s History Month Feature: Edna Cummings
This woman successfully advocated Congress to honor forgotten women heroes of WWII.
Each March, we celebrate the important role of women veterans throughout American history. Dating to the Revolutionary War, women have had a vital impact within the military-connected community, but often without recognition. Below we've highlighted Edna Cummings—her story, values, and ideas to consider when marketing to women veterans.
Edna Cummings, Colonel (Ret.) U.S. Army
Six Triple Eight Advocate and Documentary Producer
Cummings and Cummings LLC
What does Women's History Month mean to you?
Recognize women's accomplishments that would otherwise go unnoticed.
In the pantheon of women leaders, who stands out to you? Who is a women leader you admire most and why?
Other than my 89-year-old mother who led a military household, I am impressed by Representative Gwen S. Moore, District 4, Wisconsin. For the past three years I've been working with her office on the Six Triple Eight Congressional Gold Medal bill that recently passed. My first meeting with her was to discuss the bill that she introduced in honor of the WWII African American unit the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion. I was impressed by her passion and sincerity. As I worked with her staff, it was obvious that she nurtured a work environment that instilled dedication and passion. I felt authenticity in her approach not as a politician, but someone who truly cares about her constituents and people. About a year ago I sent her a thank you note. When I returned to her office this week for a reception to celebrate the passage of the Gold Medal, she had the card on her desk. Perhaps she liked the card or maybe it reminded her of the 6888th. Regardless of why she still had the card, I was touched. She welcomed the 6888th families, supporters, and me in her office and made us feel like she appreciated us and our efforts. She is a champion for women's rights and the nation is fortunate to have her as an elected official.
How did your service in the U.S. military shape your leadership values?
I believe in empowering people and providing the tools for them to succeed. As a champion for the Six Triple Eight Congressional Gold Medal, many people thought that we had a large organization and seemed to question why I did not form one to help enact this legislation. By working with several organizations and providing them with support whether it was a template, briefing, or other communication guidance, I'm sure that our impact was much more powerful. We all succeeded and share in the victory of the Gold Medal legislation rising above the thousands of bills in Congress.
What are some ways consumer brands could improve their marketing to women veterans? How would you like to see women veterans portrayed in media?
Women veterans seem to be portrayed as broken, dysfunctional, superwomen who are full of rage. Marketing to women veterans should embrace their military service as an influence on their ability to multi-task, implement efficient systems, streamline processes and assimilate into the civilian population without being stigmatized. They are mothers, daughters, sisters, aunts, etc. and just people with some amazing professional skills that are seldom tapped.
