ZASA's Board of Directors is comprised of former cadets who, upon hearing of yet another sexual assault scandal in 2017, banded together to form a group focused on:
>> Eliminating sexual assault/sexual harassment and survivor abuse at USAFA,
>> Ensuring appropriate post trauma care and support to survivors
>> Building a bridge between USAFA and those who have lost faith in the institution and it's leadership
Most importantly, ZASA provides Continuity amongst the natural turnover of military leadership, cadets, and permanent party to ensure that care and programs that work endure at the Academy.
Meet your Board >>
Gretchen Cook, ’87, ZASA Director
After graduation from USAFA, Gretchen served as a Human Factors Engineer at the Air Force Resources Laboratory at Williams AFB, AZ. When she became a Mom, Gretchen transitioned to the civilian sector parttime so she could enjoy raising her two sons and volunteering in their schools and with various activities. Later, she joined the Boeing Company and had a great career as an engineering leader in the defense aviation sector.
Gretchen and her husband recently retired from Boeing and moved to Kennebunk, ME. There she volunteers at a local shelter and continues career mentoring for women and men in any stage of their career. She and her husband enjoy adventuring around the country and meeting up with their four adult children whenever possible. Gretchen is especially interested in ZASA’s mission as she has been tracking issues regarding support of sexual assault survivors and the justice system throughout the history of USAFA. She is enthusiastic about getting the needle moving more quickly to promote sexual assault awareness and prevention by working through ZASA and USAFA leadership.
After graduation from USAFA, Gretchen served as a Human Factors Engineer at the Air Force Resources Laboratory at Williams AFB, AZ. When she became a Mom, Gretchen transitioned to the civilian sector parttime so she could enjoy raising her two sons and volunteering in their schools and with various activities. Later, she joined the Boeing Company and had a great career as an engineering leader in the defense aviation sector.
Gretchen and her husband recently retired from Boeing and moved to Kennebunk, ME. There she volunteers at a local shelter and continues career mentoring for women and men in any stage of their career. She and her husband enjoy adventuring around the country and meeting up with their four adult children whenever possible. Gretchen is especially interested in ZASA’s mission as she has been tracking issues regarding support of sexual assault survivors and the justice system throughout the history of USAFA. She is enthusiastic about getting the needle moving more quickly to promote sexual assault awareness and prevention by working through ZASA and USAFA leadership.
Cristina Pawlica, '10, ZASA Communications Director
After graduation, she served six years as a Force Support Officer at Nellis Air Force Base and Joint Base Langley-Eustis.
She left the Air Force to continue pursuing her passion in counterterrorism in 2016, earning an MA in Transnational Security issues in 2013 and an MS in Cybersecurity in 2020. She has a career in Business Development while still engaging with Cyber-counterterrorism groups on a volunteer basis.
Cristina lives in Colorado Springs and is very involved with USAFA, especially in supporting cadets in grassroots causes. She joined ZASA to help improve the organization’s reach throughout the generations of grads & cadets while normalizing the conversation about consent, address sexual assault myths, and push predators (calculated and/or repeat offenders) out of our USAFA community and Air Force.
After graduation, she served six years as a Force Support Officer at Nellis Air Force Base and Joint Base Langley-Eustis.
She left the Air Force to continue pursuing her passion in counterterrorism in 2016, earning an MA in Transnational Security issues in 2013 and an MS in Cybersecurity in 2020. She has a career in Business Development while still engaging with Cyber-counterterrorism groups on a volunteer basis.
Cristina lives in Colorado Springs and is very involved with USAFA, especially in supporting cadets in grassroots causes. She joined ZASA to help improve the organization’s reach throughout the generations of grads & cadets while normalizing the conversation about consent, address sexual assault myths, and push predators (calculated and/or repeat offenders) out of our USAFA community and Air Force.
Kathryn “K8” Smith, ‘82, ZASA Finance Director
A Notre Dame lawyer who has practiced law for almost 25 years before she retiring in 2019. She was a lettered volley player at USAFA before serving as an acquisition officer in the AF. After serving, she practiced law as an assistant general counsel at Verizon where she drafted and negotiated contracts and provided legal advice to the sales and marketing staff. She also practiced commercial litigation at two major law firms, and led a contracts division at Motorola.
Kate is an avid volunteer and passionate activist, declaring “Service after service is important and it’s what I do.” This year, she was a guest on USAFA’s @usafawol Prolific Figures series. You can watch that interview here: https://youtu.be/D5C--5hR4-A
A Notre Dame lawyer who has practiced law for almost 25 years before she retiring in 2019. She was a lettered volley player at USAFA before serving as an acquisition officer in the AF. After serving, she practiced law as an assistant general counsel at Verizon where she drafted and negotiated contracts and provided legal advice to the sales and marketing staff. She also practiced commercial litigation at two major law firms, and led a contracts division at Motorola.
Kate is an avid volunteer and passionate activist, declaring “Service after service is important and it’s what I do.” This year, she was a guest on USAFA’s @usafawol Prolific Figures series. You can watch that interview here: https://youtu.be/D5C--5hR4-A
Leisa Meyer, '83
Leisa left USAFA in December 1980 after feeling intimidated by an OSI investigation that summer/early fall. Soon after, she moved in with a rugby players on the Denver Blues team (renting a room), got two minimum wage jobs, and applied to UC Boulder, finishing her BA in Women's Studies (WMST) in fall 1983. Leisa also got her PhD in U.S. and women’s history from UW Madison in 1993, becoming Dr. Meyer, and a job at the College of William and Mary in 1994 where she's been ever since.
Dr. Meyer teaches women’s/gender history, military history, the histories of sexualities and popular culture. She's chaired the WMST Program and History Department and just started a stint directing the American Studies Program. Her first book, "Creating G.I. Jane" was inspired by her time at the academy, focusing on military women’s history. Over the years Leisa has been involved in efforts to eliminate "Don't Ask, Don't Tel" (DADT) through the Service Members Legal Defense Fund and other LGBTIQ vets groups, as well as working to help improve the treatment of and services available to women vets at the VA.
Leisa left USAFA in December 1980 after feeling intimidated by an OSI investigation that summer/early fall. Soon after, she moved in with a rugby players on the Denver Blues team (renting a room), got two minimum wage jobs, and applied to UC Boulder, finishing her BA in Women's Studies (WMST) in fall 1983. Leisa also got her PhD in U.S. and women’s history from UW Madison in 1993, becoming Dr. Meyer, and a job at the College of William and Mary in 1994 where she's been ever since.
Dr. Meyer teaches women’s/gender history, military history, the histories of sexualities and popular culture. She's chaired the WMST Program and History Department and just started a stint directing the American Studies Program. Her first book, "Creating G.I. Jane" was inspired by her time at the academy, focusing on military women’s history. Over the years Leisa has been involved in efforts to eliminate "Don't Ask, Don't Tel" (DADT) through the Service Members Legal Defense Fund and other LGBTIQ vets groups, as well as working to help improve the treatment of and services available to women vets at the VA.
Kathi Durst, ‘81
One of the first female USAFA cadets, Kathi graduated in the top 10% of her class. She served as a T-38 instructor pilot, then separated from the Air Force in 1988 to fly for American Airlines, eventually becoming their first female chief pilot.
“After the 2017 Sexual Assault scandal broke at USAFA, I was fed up with the fact that it seemed nothing has changed over 40 years and we keep repeating this history! It was infuriating and I made a decision to help create ZASA to try to help move the dial on this very dark and ugly stain within our Alma Mater.”
Alongside ZASA, Kathi is also a member of the National Gay Pilots Association and Women in Aviation
One of the first female USAFA cadets, Kathi graduated in the top 10% of her class. She served as a T-38 instructor pilot, then separated from the Air Force in 1988 to fly for American Airlines, eventually becoming their first female chief pilot.
“After the 2017 Sexual Assault scandal broke at USAFA, I was fed up with the fact that it seemed nothing has changed over 40 years and we keep repeating this history! It was infuriating and I made a decision to help create ZASA to try to help move the dial on this very dark and ugly stain within our Alma Mater.”
Alongside ZASA, Kathi is also a member of the National Gay Pilots Association and Women in Aviation
Tricia Heller, '87
Played all four years on both the volleyball and tennis teams. After graduation she served in Desert Shield/Desert and flew C-9 aeromedical evacuation missions in Rhein Main GE. She transitioned to C-9 reserve unit at Scott AFB, found her wife, fellow grad, Gina Brown, and began following her dream of becoming a lawyer. She attended law school at Saint Louis University part time, while also working full time in the reserve unit as an Air Reserve Technician and Chief Pilot and Scheduler. Upon graduating law school, she was selected for the Capitol Hill Fellowship program and worked with Senator Max Cleland. She then returned to her C-9 unit as a normal reservist and worked as a contractor for SAF/AQ as a Congressional analyst.
She now lives in Colorado Springs with her wife doing in-house legal counsel for two small manufacturing companies and specializes in federal regulatory work, brand protection, and anti-counterfeiting enforcement.
Trish and Gina are actively involved in Blue Alliance, the USAFA LGBTQ alumni organization, sponsoring cadets, and hosting their annual charity golf tournament that has raised money for multiple cancer organization and research funds. She and Gina love golf, tennis, Broncos and Falcon football, and spending as much time as possible with family and friends.
Played all four years on both the volleyball and tennis teams. After graduation she served in Desert Shield/Desert and flew C-9 aeromedical evacuation missions in Rhein Main GE. She transitioned to C-9 reserve unit at Scott AFB, found her wife, fellow grad, Gina Brown, and began following her dream of becoming a lawyer. She attended law school at Saint Louis University part time, while also working full time in the reserve unit as an Air Reserve Technician and Chief Pilot and Scheduler. Upon graduating law school, she was selected for the Capitol Hill Fellowship program and worked with Senator Max Cleland. She then returned to her C-9 unit as a normal reservist and worked as a contractor for SAF/AQ as a Congressional analyst.
She now lives in Colorado Springs with her wife doing in-house legal counsel for two small manufacturing companies and specializes in federal regulatory work, brand protection, and anti-counterfeiting enforcement.
Trish and Gina are actively involved in Blue Alliance, the USAFA LGBTQ alumni organization, sponsoring cadets, and hosting their annual charity golf tournament that has raised money for multiple cancer organization and research funds. She and Gina love golf, tennis, Broncos and Falcon football, and spending as much time as possible with family and friends.
Stacy Brodzik, '82
Graduated from AFIT with an MS in Space Operations in 1985, serving as an Orbital Analyst and Special Projects Officer in the AF until 1990. Shortly after, she took a position at the University of Washington as a software engineer in the Department of Atmospheric Science working with a world-renowned scientist researching tropical weather systems. That career took her to Darwin, Australia, northern Italy, Kwajalein Island in the Pacific, northern Argentina and, soon, to Taiwan. In her spare time Stacy hikes, cycles, works out, officiates basketball, travels and reads.
Frustrated by witnessing leadership avoid to acknowledge or attack the issue of Sexual Assault throughout her career, ZASA came into existence after watching an interview where previous superintendent, Jay Silveria, denied having a sexual assault problem at USAFA on CBS News. She forwarded the interview to some of her old USAFA teammates, which led to conversations, which led to action, which led to ZASA.
Graduated from AFIT with an MS in Space Operations in 1985, serving as an Orbital Analyst and Special Projects Officer in the AF until 1990. Shortly after, she took a position at the University of Washington as a software engineer in the Department of Atmospheric Science working with a world-renowned scientist researching tropical weather systems. That career took her to Darwin, Australia, northern Italy, Kwajalein Island in the Pacific, northern Argentina and, soon, to Taiwan. In her spare time Stacy hikes, cycles, works out, officiates basketball, travels and reads.
Frustrated by witnessing leadership avoid to acknowledge or attack the issue of Sexual Assault throughout her career, ZASA came into existence after watching an interview where previous superintendent, Jay Silveria, denied having a sexual assault problem at USAFA on CBS News. She forwarded the interview to some of her old USAFA teammates, which led to conversations, which led to action, which led to ZASA.
Regina (Gina) Brown, ’85
Gina Brown, Class of 1985, was a preppie and played basketball and ran track while at USAFA. After graduation, she served as a Manpower Engineering Officer at March AFB, CA. Whilst conducting a manpower study at the base hospital, her childhood dream of being a doctor was rekindled. She transitioned to the reserve as a Medical Service Corps officer and attended Saint Louis University School of Medicine, followed by her Internal Medicine Residency at Georgetown University, and then did a Medical Oncology Fellowship at Johns Hopkins University.
Gina and her wife, Trish, then moved home to Colorado to be near family, where she started a private practice in Ft Collins. She is now the Medical Director of Oncology at the UC Health Medical Center in Lone Tree, CO, and loves what she does. Trish and Gina have been married for 25 years, and are involved in Blue Alliance, their "Count on Me" charity golf tournament, and enjoy golf, tennis, football, family, and fun.
Gina Brown, Class of 1985, was a preppie and played basketball and ran track while at USAFA. After graduation, she served as a Manpower Engineering Officer at March AFB, CA. Whilst conducting a manpower study at the base hospital, her childhood dream of being a doctor was rekindled. She transitioned to the reserve as a Medical Service Corps officer and attended Saint Louis University School of Medicine, followed by her Internal Medicine Residency at Georgetown University, and then did a Medical Oncology Fellowship at Johns Hopkins University.
Gina and her wife, Trish, then moved home to Colorado to be near family, where she started a private practice in Ft Collins. She is now the Medical Director of Oncology at the UC Health Medical Center in Lone Tree, CO, and loves what she does. Trish and Gina have been married for 25 years, and are involved in Blue Alliance, their "Count on Me" charity golf tournament, and enjoy golf, tennis, football, family, and fun.
Bonnie Houchen, '80
Bonnie retired early from the Air Force, declining the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and senior service school to avoid the unintended consequences of “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell”. She remained in uniform another three years as an advisor to The Citadel, the Military College of South Carolina as they integrated women into their school. In her final work chapter, she returned to school and began a career as a perfusionist in California. She currently resides in southeast Michigan, pursuing photography and pickleball.
"Once you take the time to read the GAO, IG, Congressional testimonies, dating back to 1992, you realize Sexual Assault has always been an issue swept under the carpet. ZASA is the mechanism to ensure the topic stays on the leadership’s radar and to let our alumni know they are not alone."
Bonnie retired early from the Air Force, declining the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and senior service school to avoid the unintended consequences of “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell”. She remained in uniform another three years as an advisor to The Citadel, the Military College of South Carolina as they integrated women into their school. In her final work chapter, she returned to school and began a career as a perfusionist in California. She currently resides in southeast Michigan, pursuing photography and pickleball.
"Once you take the time to read the GAO, IG, Congressional testimonies, dating back to 1992, you realize Sexual Assault has always been an issue swept under the carpet. ZASA is the mechanism to ensure the topic stays on the leadership’s radar and to let our alumni know they are not alone."
Erin Carmichael, '92
After graduating from USAFA having played intercollegiate volleyball for four years, Erin spent her active duty years flying the KC-135R, instructing in the T-1A and continuing to play volleyball on the all-Air Force and all-Service teams. After separating from active duty, she continued her military service in the USAF Reserves then transitioned to the ANG and the operational AFFOR and CAOC mission. Erin retired in 2020 after 24 years of service. While continuing to serve part-time, Erin spent over eight years as an international corporate pilot then switched to Delta airlines to fly the Boeing 737. In 2017, she left Delta to join FedEx Express and after flying internationally on the MD-11 for the last 7 years, is transitioning to the Boeing 767. Frustrated after 24 years experiencing the AF’s lackluster approach to the issue of sexual assault and harassment in general and the increase in assaults at the USAFA, Erin went looking for a way to make a difference and found ZASA. A new board member as of 2024, Erin is proud to continue the outstanding work of the strong women who founded the group.
After graduating from USAFA having played intercollegiate volleyball for four years, Erin spent her active duty years flying the KC-135R, instructing in the T-1A and continuing to play volleyball on the all-Air Force and all-Service teams. After separating from active duty, she continued her military service in the USAF Reserves then transitioned to the ANG and the operational AFFOR and CAOC mission. Erin retired in 2020 after 24 years of service. While continuing to serve part-time, Erin spent over eight years as an international corporate pilot then switched to Delta airlines to fly the Boeing 737. In 2017, she left Delta to join FedEx Express and after flying internationally on the MD-11 for the last 7 years, is transitioning to the Boeing 767. Frustrated after 24 years experiencing the AF’s lackluster approach to the issue of sexual assault and harassment in general and the increase in assaults at the USAFA, Erin went looking for a way to make a difference and found ZASA. A new board member as of 2024, Erin is proud to continue the outstanding work of the strong women who founded the group.
Paul Ferguson, '99
Paul is a husband, a father, and an active duty Air Force officer who lives in Colorado Springs.
He dominated two years at the Zoo with the class of 1998 before a car accident and rehab set him back a year. Paul graduated in 1999 and served as an aircraft maintenance officer before joining the acquisition workforce. As an acquisition manager, he filled a variety of program and talent management roles including multiple deployments, two Pentagon tours, and four board-screened leadership positions at the squadron and group levels.
Paul feels a deep obligation to make our Air and Space Forces better for the future. He dealt with the damaging effects of sexual assault/harassment in command and joined ZASA because he wants to strengthen a culture of dignity and respect at USAFA, in the Air Force, and in the Space Force.
Paul is a husband, a father, and an active duty Air Force officer who lives in Colorado Springs.
He dominated two years at the Zoo with the class of 1998 before a car accident and rehab set him back a year. Paul graduated in 1999 and served as an aircraft maintenance officer before joining the acquisition workforce. As an acquisition manager, he filled a variety of program and talent management roles including multiple deployments, two Pentagon tours, and four board-screened leadership positions at the squadron and group levels.
Paul feels a deep obligation to make our Air and Space Forces better for the future. He dealt with the damaging effects of sexual assault/harassment in command and joined ZASA because he wants to strengthen a culture of dignity and respect at USAFA, in the Air Force, and in the Space Force.
Sherry Jackson, '08
Sherry is a proud graduate of the 2008 Richter Class. After graduation, she served in numerous positions within the Contracting community located at CONUS and OCONUS locations. From 2020-2022, Sherry returned to USAFA as an AOC for the Eagles of Cadet Squadron 8. She is fueled by passion to advocate and support Survivors of Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence.
Sherry and her husband, Chris, are still serving as Active Duty officers and stay busy with their young daughter. Currently, she is stationed at JBSA-Lackland as the Commander of the 773d Enterprise Sourcing Squadron, but set to PCS this summer to Washington DC.
Sherry is a proud graduate of the 2008 Richter Class. After graduation, she served in numerous positions within the Contracting community located at CONUS and OCONUS locations. From 2020-2022, Sherry returned to USAFA as an AOC for the Eagles of Cadet Squadron 8. She is fueled by passion to advocate and support Survivors of Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence.
Sherry and her husband, Chris, are still serving as Active Duty officers and stay busy with their young daughter. Currently, she is stationed at JBSA-Lackland as the Commander of the 773d Enterprise Sourcing Squadron, but set to PCS this summer to Washington DC.
Michelle Johnson, '81
Lieutenant General USAF Retired Michelle Johnson served as the 19th Superintendent of the U.S. Air Force Academy (2013-2017). In Belgium at NATO’s Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe, she was the Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations and Intelligence in support of NATO military operations from Afghanistan to the Baltics (2011-2013).
General Johnson served in the White House as the Air Force Aide to Presidents Bush ’41 and Clinton (1992-1994), carrying the nuclear “football.” In U.S. Transportation Command, she led policy for sea-to-rail supply for forces in Afghanistan via Central Asia. She was a command pilot flying over 3,600 hours in five types of cargo and air-refueling tanker aircraft on worldwide missions. She commanded flying units in the U.S. and the UAE (1996-2004). After retiring from the USAF, Michelle, a member of the Academic All-America Hall of Fame as a basketball player, served as the National Basketball Association SVP and Head of Referee Operations (2017-2019).
General Johnson was a distinguished graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy where she earned her B.S. in Operations Research (1981). As a Rhodes Scholar Michelle completed an M.A. in Politics & Economics at Oxford University (1983). In 1999 she earned an M.S. in National Security Strategy at the National War College.
Lieutenant General USAF Retired Michelle Johnson served as the 19th Superintendent of the U.S. Air Force Academy (2013-2017). In Belgium at NATO’s Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe, she was the Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations and Intelligence in support of NATO military operations from Afghanistan to the Baltics (2011-2013).
General Johnson served in the White House as the Air Force Aide to Presidents Bush ’41 and Clinton (1992-1994), carrying the nuclear “football.” In U.S. Transportation Command, she led policy for sea-to-rail supply for forces in Afghanistan via Central Asia. She was a command pilot flying over 3,600 hours in five types of cargo and air-refueling tanker aircraft on worldwide missions. She commanded flying units in the U.S. and the UAE (1996-2004). After retiring from the USAF, Michelle, a member of the Academic All-America Hall of Fame as a basketball player, served as the National Basketball Association SVP and Head of Referee Operations (2017-2019).
General Johnson was a distinguished graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy where she earned her B.S. in Operations Research (1981). As a Rhodes Scholar Michelle completed an M.A. in Politics & Economics at Oxford University (1983). In 1999 she earned an M.S. in National Security Strategy at the National War College.