Legacy of Leadership

When Senior Master Sgt. Erin Nashae Esquer, a 2017 graduate with a Master's Degree in Leadership from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, watched her son Diego take the oath to become a U.S. airman, it wasn’t just a proud parenting moment — it was the full-circle culmination of a life built on service, family and leadership.

“I never pushed him,” she said. “We both chose this life, and that’s what makes it even more meaningful. Watching him put on that uniform was the proudest moment of my life.”

For Esquer, a senior enlisted leader in the U.S. Air Force, leading is more than a role; it’s a calling stitched into the very fabric of her life. The third of six children in a devoted Air Force family, leadership wasn’t something she had to learn — it was something she lived.

The ‘Family Manager’

Born in Ohio and raised primarily in Europe, from the bike-lined streets of the Netherlands to the disciplined cadence of military bases, Esquer grew up immersed in purpose and pride. She enlisted in the Air Force in 2007.

Both of her parents served in the Air Force. Her mother, Dr. Robin Roberts, is now a professor at Embry-Riddle’s Worldwide Campus. Her siblings followed suit — three are Air Force members, and her sister Kelci is also an Embry-Riddle graduate. Now, her son carries on that legacy.

“My mom is a force,” Esquer said. “She’s a go-getter who proved you can start late and still soar. My dad is my rock — steady and strong. I had every example of leadership I needed at home.”

Even as a child, her leadership stood out. “They called me the family manager,” she laughed. “I’ve always known people were depending on me. That’s a heavy motivator.”

From Eagle to First Sergeant

Esquer’s Embry-Riddle journey began with a clear intention to grow as a leader. She enrolled in the M.S. in Leadership at Embry-Riddle Worldwide while stepping into one of the most impactful roles of her career — first sergeant in the U.S. Air Force.

“Everything I was learning in the classroom, I was living in real time,” she recalled. “As first sergeant, I wore every hat you could think of — counselor, motivator, facilitator, HR director, listener. My job was to take care of airmen.”

And she did — with honesty and heart. “You build trust by being real,” she said. “I didn’t pretend to have all the answers. I led with honesty, vulnerability and grace.”

Mastering the Mission

After serving as first sergeant, Esquer transitioned to the inspector general’s office at Travis Air Force Base, where she led large-scale military readiness exercises — “essentially war games,” as she put it.

“I had to shift from being a people-first leader to a systems builder,” she said. “It was a huge change. I wasn’t managing people directly anymore; I was designing how we prepare for war.”

Still, she relied on her Embry-Riddle training, particularly the emphasis on transparency and cross-functional leadership.

“I’d say, ‘This is my first time doing this. We’re learning together.’ That vulnerability builds connection,” she said.

In 2023, her path brought her back to what mattered most — supporting and uplifting those around her.

Leading with Heart

Now serving as the senior enlisted leader of the 624th Aeromedical Staging Squadron at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in Hawaii, she leads a dual-mission medical unit of 110 airmen. She is responsible for their morale, welfare and mission readiness.

“It’s like being chief people officer and director of operations,” she said. “I see the whole picture — from celebrating graduations to mourning losses. It’s heavy. It’s sacred.”

And it’s where she thrives.

A Voice for Veterans

While stationed in California, Esquer was unexpectedly invited to co-host Veterans Voices, a local television program. A longtime dreamer of a broadcasting career, she jumped at the chance.

“Suddenly, I was living in a studio,” she said, laughing. “I was co-hosting. It was surreal.”

She filmed monthly, blending her passion for storytelling with her commitment to serving veterans.

“It was another way I get to lead — by sharing stories, amplifying voices and connecting with the community.”

Global Citizen, Rooted in Purpose

Having lived around the world, Esquer calls herself a global citizen. “Europe shaped me. Hawaii gives me peace. But purpose is my constant,” she said.

With her sights set on her final rank of chief master sergeant, she’s considering a future in diplomatic service, perhaps even working at a U.S. embassy.

“I’d love to represent the Air Force on an international stage as an ambassador of service and connection,” she said.

Legacy in Motion

To future Embry-Riddle graduates, Esquer offers this:

“Operate in grace. We put so much pressure on ourselves to know everything, to be perfect. But leadership isn’t about arriving, it’s about growing. Be willing to say, ‘I don’t know.’ Partner with people. Build on your skills and share them. That’s real leadership.”

Today, success looks different from what it did when she enlisted at 26. Back then, it was about finding herself. Now, it’s about lifting others.

“When I see an airman step into their potential — that’s success. That’s the legacy I want to leave.”

And for this proud mother, sister, daughter and airman, that legacy runs deep.