The Officer Women Leadership Symposium (OWLS) convenes women leaders in the military and veteran community, experts, innovators, and thought leaders to explore emerging trends, strengthen skills, and transform observations into actionable insights to lead positive change.
Transportation and Location
We look forward to having you join us at the George George Mason University in Arlington, Virginia on the Arlington campus at Van Metre Hall, 135, Auditorium (metro stop: Virginia Square on the Blue and Orange lines). The physical address is: 3351 Fairfax Drive, Arlington. You may access the venue by metro or car. Driving directions are on maps.gmu.edu. Paid parking is available on site. More details at info.gmu.edu and transportation.gmu.edu/arlington-campus.
Timing
Both events start promptly at 9:00am EST so we recommend you arrive early for check in. All Career Workshop and OWLS participants are invited to join us for the Evening Networking Reception with hors d’oeuvres and open bar from 4:00-6:00pm on Tuesday, 26 April. Formal sessions for both the Career Workshop and OWLS will run from 9:00am-4:00pm EST.
Dress Code
Event attendees are encouraged to be comfortable yet professional. Event attendees are recommended to wear business casual. Those who are unit funded may be required to attend in uniform, in which case, Class B uniform or equivalent is recommended. Speakers and Presenters are recommended to wear business attire or Service Dress.
Lunch and Refreshments will be provided
Event attendees will be able to enjoy lunch and refreshments at both events. The Evening Networking Reception is open to both Career Workshop and OWLS registrants onsite, Tuesday 26 April. Attendees will enjoy time to mingle with hors d’oeuvres and open-bar from 4:00-6:00pm.
Nov 9 Mini-Officer Women Leadership Symposium (OWLS) Agenda
Once registered, access the 9 Nov Event by clicking the link to the sessions below:
Mini-Officer Women Leadership Symposium One Agenda 2021
Reimagining Meaningful Leadership: Leading SelfTuesday, 13 April, 2021
(11:30a - 3:30p EDT)
Virtual Event
ROUNDTABLES
Select the Roundtable you would like to join during the Mini-OWLS One, April 13.Roundtable I (2:30pm - 2:55pm EDT) & Roundtable II (3:00pm - 3:25pm EST)
Once registered, access the Event Agenda and Roundtables using the links below:
Once registered, access your preferred OWLS Small Group Discussion (4:00p – 4:30p EDT) using the link below:
Military and veteran women officers, officers-in-training, senior enlisted women (E6+), and government leaders (GS 12+) are encouraged to attend.
Event Theme: Unlocking Your Potential to Lead Courageously
In the face of fear, negative self-perception, past failures, or external pressures, how do you lead courageously when it might be easier to take a more comfortable path? How do you skillfully manage your behaviors, relationships, decisions, and strategic vision to align your intentions with the impact you want to have as a leader?
The 2022 Career Coaching Workshop and Officer Women Leadership Symposium (OWLS):
Hybrid event held at George Mason University and offered virtually for those who cannot attend in person.
- 26 April, 2022: Professional development workshops, opportunities to network with top-caliber, military friendly employers and resources that assist military women in advancing their career goals and/or making successful career transitions after their military service.
- 26 April, 2022 4:00-6:00pm: Cocktail Reception for both Career Workshop and OWLS attendees.
- 27 April, 2022: Keynotes, panel discussion, and inspiring speakers in an event that brings together fellow women military and veteran leaders, experts, innovators, and thought leaders from all services.
The OWLS is an event with keynotes, panel discussions, and opportunities for discussion. The 2022 event was offered in person at George Mason University with the option to attend virtually.
2022 Officer Women Leadership Symposium (OWLS) Agenda
2022 Agenda for the Officer Women Leadership Symposium (OWLS)
Unlocking Your Potential to Lead Courageously
26, 27 April 2022
| Tuesday, 26 April 2022 (9:00a – 4:00p EST) Hybrid Event (In Person and Virtual) | |
| 9:00a – 4:00p EST |
2022 CAREER COACHING WORKSHOP (Refer to the Career Workshop agenda for more details.) |
| 4:00p – 6:00p EST |
2022 EVENING NETWORKING RECEPTION CAREER COACHING WORKSHOP AND OFFICER WOMEN LEADERSHIP (Sponsored by the Schar School of Policy and Government. George Mason University)
|
| Wednesday, 27 April 2022 – OWLS (9:00a – 4:00p EST) Hybrid (In Person and Virtual) | |
| 9:00a – 9:05a EST | EVENT OPENING |
| 9:05a – 9:10a EST | OFFICIAL WELCOME
Keynote Introduction
|
| 9:10a – 10:00a EST | PERSPECTIVE FROM THE TOP
Keynote: Undersecretary of the Air Force Gina Ortiz Jones
|
| 10:00a – 10:10a EST | Break |
| 10:10a – 11:25a EST | CHOOSING COURAGE OVER COMFORT
Panel Discussion
In the face of fear, negative self-perception, past failures, and internal or external pressures, how do you lead courageously when it might be easier to take a more comfortable path? This panel shares stories and offers perspective while offering tips and lessons learned about how to avoid simply doing what is comfortable.
Moderator: Colonel Maria “MJ” Pallotta, USMCR |
| 11:25a – 11:35a EST | Break |
| 11:35a – 12:35p EST | UNIFORMED INDIVIDUALITY
Energizer Workshop: Colonel Mo Barrett, USAF (ret) Psst! You’re weird. In the best of possible way. Stop masking what makes you different and embrace what makes you amazing. We all have contributions to make so let’s unleash our quirks for good. |
| 12:35p – 1:35p EST | Lunch Break |
| 1:35p – 2:50p EST | POLICY PERSPECTIVES ON WOMEN & THE FUTURE OF WORK
Panel Discussion The global pandemic has impacted men, women and historically marginalized groups inequitably. As a result, for women, some experts estimate that their presence and roles in the workplace have been set-back by 20 years. In this discussion, policy experts will share insights on issues directly impacting women and provide perspectives regarding the policy prescriptions and new opportunities that lie ahead. · Dr. J. Jarpa Dawuni, Founding Director, Center for Women, Gender and Global Leadership, Howard University · Colonel Breanna D. Fulton, Deputy Director, Diversity and Inclusion, Department of the Air Force · Dr. Jeannette Haynie, Senior Advisor for the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness · Ellen Laipson, Director, Master’s in International Security Degree Program and the Center for Security Policy Studies, Schar School of Policy and Government, George Mason University · Julie Vogtman, Director of Job Quality and Senior Counsel, National Women’s Law Center Moderator: Dr. Bonnie Stabile, Associate Dean for Student and Academic Affairs; Founding Director, Gender and Policy (GAP) Center, Schar School of Policy and Government, George Mason University
|
| 2:50p – 3:00p EST | Break |
| 3:00p – 3:55p EST | LEADING CONSISTENTLY WITH CONFIDENCE THROUGH AMBIGUITY
Keynote: Rear Admiral Megan Dean, U.S. Coast Guard |
| 3:55p – 4:00p EST | EVENT DAY SUMMARY AND CLOSE |
EVENT PRICING
| Pricing for 2022 Officer Women Leadership Symposium and Career Workshop | In Person | In Person | Virtual | Virtual |
| Early Bird* | Early Bird* | |||
| Career Coaching Workshop Apr 26 | $45 | $50 | $30 | $35 |
| Officer Women Leadership Symposium (OWLS) Apr 27 | $150 | $170 | $55 | $60 |
| 2 Days: Workshop and Symposium (Apr 26, 27) | $175 | $200 | $65 | $75 |
| *Registration fees are non-refundable |
*Early Bird pricing deadline ends: 11 April, 2022. If you need ideas on ways to pay for this event, please contact us at owls@academywomen.org.
Key Benefits
- The OWLS is a hybrid event with potential to attend in person or virtually.
- Inspiring thought-leaders and experts share their experiences and insights to support you where you are at in your career.
- A nation-wide cohort of accomplished peers with diverse perspectives and life experiences — who offer a meaningful exchange of knowledge and supportive community.
- An immersive, engaging experience with the opportunity to meet women counterparts in different services and roles.
Mini-OWLS Series – II (Completed)
5 August, 2021 – 11:30-3:30pm EST
Leading Others with Humility, Power, and Influence:
This theme speaks to your ability as a leader to humbly build relationships and gain power to influence others for positive impact. By effectively balancing personal attributes such as flexibility and stamina with skills such as conflict management, motivation, and communications, you can better optimize resources to effectively lead teams for mission success.
Mini-OWLS Series – III (Completed)
9 Nov, 2021 – 11:30-4:30pm EST
Leading Ethically into the Future:
This theme speaks to your ability to recognize trends and strategically pursue opportunities that have potential to create value and impact for the future. Driven by guiding principles and ethics, you seek to effectively lead your teams and organizations for positive change.
Resources from 2021 Mini-Officer Women Leadership Symposium (OWLS) Events
Mini-OWLS THREE (held Nov 9) Event Resources and Recommendations are below:
All Past Officer Women Leadership Symposium (OWLS) Event Resources and Videos may be accessed by AcademyWomen members.
Join AcademyWomen (free) and access event session videos and resources
featured Panel Discussions:
