Irene Trowell-Harris facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Irene Trowell-Harris
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| Born | September 20, 1939 |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | nurse and major general |
| Known for | first African American major general in the US National Guard |
Irene Trowell-Harris, born on September 20, 1939, is an inspiring American leader. She is a retired major general from the US National Guard. She made history by becoming the very first African American woman to reach this high rank.
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Early Life and Dreams
Irene Trowell-Harris grew up in Aiken, South Carolina. Her family were cotton farmers, and she helped pick cotton with the other twelve members of her family. From a young age, Irene had a big dream: she wanted to fly.
Her community and church helped her achieve her first goal. They raised money so she could go to the Columbia College of Nursing. This allowed her to become a nurse, which was an important step in her journey.
Joining the Air National Guard
In April 1963, Irene joined the New York Air National Guard as a first lieutenant. The next year, she joined the Flight Nurse branch of the Aerospace School of Medicine in San Antonio, Texas.
By February 1964, she officially became a flight nurse. She earned her silver flight wings, which meant her ten-year-old dream of flying had finally come true!
Rising Through the Ranks
Irene continued her education while serving. In 1973, she earned a master's degree from Yale University. Later, in 1983, she completed her doctorate in education at Columbia University.
Three years later, she was given an important leadership role. She became the commander of the 105th USAF Clinic in Newburgh, New York. This was a big deal because it was the first time an Air National Guard nurse was in charge of an entire clinic by herself.
In 1987, Irene Trowell-Harris was promoted to major general in the US National Guard. This was a historic moment, as she was the first African American woman to ever achieve this rank.
Life After Retirement
Irene Trowell-Harris retired in 2001. However, she didn't stop working to help others. She took on a new role, becoming a champion for the rights of veterans. She worked hard to make sure veterans received the support they deserved.
Her leadership was recognized when she was named one of the "21 Leaders for the 21st Century" by Women’s eNews.
In 2013, she created the "Dr. Irene Trowell-Harris Endowed Leadership Fund" with the American Nurses Foundation. This fund helps nurses who want to become leaders, supporting their education and growth.
