SHAH ALAM - In the vast expanse of the open sea, Commander Leah M. Cole stands as a beacon of strength and resilience, navigating the evolving landscape of gender equality in the armed forces. From being the sole woman on board to leading a diverse crew, her journey embodies the triumph of determination and the power of leadership.
With a career spanning 24 illustrious years, Cole's story is one of breaking barriers and setting new standards. Reflecting on her journey, she recalls the early days when she stood as the lone woman amidst a sea of men.
"I've witnessed a significant transformation in the Coast Guard over the past decade. When I started, I often found myself as the lone woman on board. But now, we have about 20 women serving alongside me, comprising 15 per cent of our crew," she remarks, a testament to the strides made towards diversity and inclusion.
Cole's commitment to excellence knows no bounds as she is not only an executive officer on board but also a wife and mother. Beyond her duties on the ship, she embraces the roles of wife and mother with equal fervor.
"It's essential for me to show, not just through words but through actions, that women can excel in all facets of life," she said.
Cole shares insights into the art of balancing professional responsibilities and personal aspirations. With her husband by her side, himself a seasoned sailor and former Coast Guard Commander, they navigate time for the children children and managing their respective duties at sea.
"It's about understanding each other's goals and dreams and finding a way to merge them harmoniously," Cole said, highlighting the importance of support and partnership in their journey.
"We've had our share of challenges, with both of us often at sea but through open communication and mutual respect, we navigated through the complexities of timing children and managing our responsibilities.
"Just as my husband supports me now by managing things at home while I'm at sea, I've done the same for him when our roles were reversed," she said.
Cole said her leadership philosophy extends beyond the confines of the ship and hope to inspire those around her to strive for excellence.