feature friday

Name: Ciara Olmeda
Hometown: Springfield, Virginia
Class year: 2022
Major: Business Management with an Entrepreneurship Concentration
Desired Career Field: Force Support
Extracurricular Activities/Sports/Hobbies: In my free time I like working out, painting, and reading.
Something unique about myself: I am the first woman in my family to join any military branch.
Favorite thing about being in AFROTC: My favorite thing about being in AFROTC is having mentees. My mentees are such a blessing that it feels like I have a mini family within the cadet core. Respectfully, I’d like to name drop my mini family: C/Cosby, C/Coleman, C/Melton, and C/Praytor.
Most challenging part of being in AFROTC: Things change constantly and communication is never perfect – stay flexible.
What leadership opportunities have you been given as a cadet in AFROTC? Last semester, myself and two other cadets had the chance to create and lead a new part of the Cadet Wing – the Diversity & Inclusion Flight. I was the Wellness Officer which allowed me to care for the mental and morale needs of the cadet core. I loved every minute of it. Since this is the first time a Diversity & Inclusion Flight has been made, I have high hopes that it will be spread to detachments across the nation.
What advice would you give a student thinking about becoming a cadet? AFROTC is perfect for the student who has drive and a desire to be a part of something bigger than themselves. If you feel called to be a leader, the Air Force will mold and push you in the right direction.