Cpl Yewniece Hylton
I joined the Royal Air Force in 2017 as an Air Specialist Operations Support (ASOS) and have working in several roles, from supporting UK and foreign military exercises to co-ordinating activity in a busy Air Traffic Control tower.
Outside of my primary role, a key focus of my work has been with the RAF Ethnic Minorities Network, where I have served as acting Co-chair and secretary for five years, helping to revitalise the EM Network into one of the Royal Air Force’s most active D&I networks. A highlight of my career was leading the first ever RAF Ethnic Minorities Network awards scheme, recognising the contributions of ethnic minorities and allies. For this work, I was honoured with a Director Support 2* Commendation in the 2026 New Year’s Honours. In 2025, I was also nominated for the Women in Defence ‘Unsung Heroines Award’ and The Black Talent ‘Public Sector & Services Employee of the Year Award’.
As a passionate advocate for equality and inclusion, I am committed to driving positive change within Defence and supporting the development of all personnel.
I am proud to serve as a shortlisting judge for the Women in Defence Awards and look forward to recognising outstanding achievements across Defence.
I am a single parent to a boisterous four year, so there’s never a dull moment! I love baking and he’s a chocoholic, so we spend a lot of our time baking at the weekend.