During an event sponsored by Newport News Shipbuilding’s Women in Manufacturing (WiM) Community of Practice, attendees learned bragging isn’t always a bad thing.

“People think of bragging as something negative, but it’s not if you do it the right way,” said Dr. Winifred Bragg, CEO of The Spine and Orthopedic Pain Center and a best-selling author. “Never spell brag B-R-A-G again. It’s B-R-A-G-G, and that second ‘g’ stands for gratitude. You can say anything about your accomplishments and what you’ve done when you say it from a standpoint of gratitude.”

She encouraged attendees to think about where they are in relation to where they want to be and to consider how bragging the “right way” would help them “jump over” the gap.

Malana Hayes (X11) was inspired by the event and said it was like a “push” to not be complacent and to work toward goals outside her comfort zone.

“It was exciting. Her message was very empowering. There were things that I could apply to my life personally and at work,” she said.

Also inspired by Bragg’s presentation was Preshus Boone (E27). “I’m an engineer, and as a woman, you’re always outnumbered,” she said. “It’s important for women to have this pouring into and pulling out of our gifts and talents. It shows you that there’s room for you, and you can have a seat at the table.”

Boone said she is on a journey to see how far she can go in her career as a shipbuilder. “I’m going to be the first female something before I leave this company,” she said.