OWLS – OWLS Events

Officer Women Leadership Symposium (OWLS)

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.

26-27 APR Career Workshop and Officer Women Leadership Symposium (OWLS)

See the past agenda, speaker bios, and details for the Career Coaching Workshop and OWLS: Unlocking Your Potential to Lead Courageously.

Nov 9 Mini-Officer Women Leadership Symposium (OWLS) Agenda

Once registered, access the 9 Nov Event by clicking the link to the sessions below:

Download (PDF, 130KB)

Mini-Officer Women Leadership Symposium One Agenda 2021

Reimagining Meaningful Leadership: Leading Self
Tuesday, 13 April, 2021
(11:30a - 3:30p EDT)
Virtual Event

Time (EDT)		Session	Speakers
11:30a	11:35a	WELCOME AND OVERVIEW
11:35a	12:15p	LEADING IN UNPRECEDENTED TIMES In a world of shifting threats and vast cultural pressures, how do you lead yourself effectively and consistently to ultimately inspire confidence both personally and professionally in those around you? This session shares experience, stories, and lessons from two different perspectives that will help you successfully lead yourself.	Col Mafwa Kuvibidila USAF; Captain Faliesha Yeager, USAF
12:15p	12:45p	THRIVING THROUGH CHALLENGE In the face of internal and external pressures, how do you stand firm in your leadership and convictions while skillfully navigating challenges that may compromise your values or authenticity to reach your goals? This keynote will offer tips and insights from her experiences as a woman submariner and astronaut.	Kayla Barron, former Submariner and NASA Astronaut; Moderated by Laura Hatcher, USN Capt (ret)
12:45p	2:15p	LEADING SELF In these unprecedented times, our traditional understanding of leadership is evolving rapidly to address new challenges. This panel will speak to various ways you can lead self by personally influencing your own thinking, feelings, and actions towards your goals to better align your intentions with the impact you want to have as a leader. Moderated by Mo and Katy	RADM Melissa Bert, USCG; Claudia Cimini, US Merchant Marines; Master Gunnery Sergeant Bonnie Diaz, USMC; Major General Urrutia-Varhall, USAF (ret); Phyllis Wilson Army (ret) and President of Women’s Memorial
2:15p	2:30p	WELLNESS DURING UNCERTAIN TIMES How do you maintain good health and fitness through all phases of life - especially when dealing with stress, pressure, and lack of consistency in today’s world? Olympian Elexa Orrange-Allen shares her experiences and personal strategies to build high performance, maintain wellness, and find balance in the face of life's challenges - especially during these uncertain times.	Elexa Orrange-Allen — US Army Veteran, Olympian, Coach, and Trainer
2:30p	2:55p	ROUNDTABLE I DISCUSSIONS See Details below	Select and Join the Roundtable of your choice.
2:55p	3:00p	*Change Roundtables* Select and Join a second discussion	Select and Join a second Roundtable Discussion
3:00p	3:25p	ROUNDTABLE II DISCUSSIONS See Details below	Select and Join the Roundtable II Discussion of your choice.
3:25p	3:30p	SUMMARY OF EVENTS AND CLOSING

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)

Theme	Roundtable Topic	Moderator
Optimizing Work and Life	Finding Balance: Embracing Your Artistic and Creative Side as a Military Officer	LtCol Janine Garner Marine Pilot and current Joint Staff member, published fantasy author and artist
	At Sea or on a Deployment - Staying True to Self	Lieutenant "Curt" James Bushman A career cutterman who has served for almost 20 years in the Coast Guard
	Dual Career Balance	Amy Ryder A former Air Force Intel Officer and current corporate executive and military spouse
	Building Your Passion into Your Business	Laura Hatcher A retired Naval Officer (USNA, ’92), who built her photography hobby into a business
Skills for Success	Goal Setting	Greg Jenkins Management expert, mentor, trainer, executive coach, published author & Army veteran
	Mentoring for Impact, Collaboration, and Growth	Melody Gratic, M.A.Ed Army veteran, business owner and International Trainer and Certified Coach
	Decision Making	Mo Barrett A former pilot, AF Colonel, (USAFA, ’93), expert leadership coach, comedian, and storyteller
	Stepping Outside Your Comfort Zone	Shari Silverman, recently retired AF Colonel (USAFA, ’91), board certification in Orthopedics PT
Health and Wellness	Alternative Health	Tracy Lorenz Former AF helicopter pilot (USAFA, ’96), cancer survivor and alternative health advocate
	Yoga Techniques for Resilience	Shaye Molendyke Director of the Yogafit for Warriors Program and retired AF Lieutenant Colonel
	Managing and Dealing with Loss	Rev Marilyn Jenkins retired AF Colonel, become an Episcopalian priest, serving at St George's Episcopal
	Continuing Discussion on Wellness During Uncertain Times (Roundtable 2 Only)	Elexa Orrange-Allen Former Olympian, Army officer (USMA, ’90), corporate executive, trainer and coach
Habits to Build for Life	Financial Management for Military and Veteran Women	Kimberly Barboza Former Naval Officer (USNA, ’94) who is a financial advisor and business owner
	Comedy: Bringing Laughter to Your Life	Robin Johnson Army veteran, comedy mentor for Armed Services Arts Partnership and comedian
	Financial Planning	Halima Muhammad Financial advisor and Air Force veteran committed to financial success stories
Culture and Society	Women, Peace, and Security	Madison Scaccia Air Force officer, expert on women’s role in intra-and-post conflict reconstruction
Culture and Society	Be a Lady They Said	Beth Jarvis US Army Veteran, Microsoft Senior Engagement Mgr, veteran advocate/USO volunteer

Once registered, access the Event Agenda and Roundtables using the links below:

Download (PDF, 194KB)

Once registered, access your preferred OWLS Small Group Discussion (4:00p – 4:30p EDT) using the link below:

Download (PDF, 123KB)

Military and veteran women officers, officers-in-training, senior enlisted women (E6+), and government leaders (GS 12+) are encouraged to attend.

2023 Event Theme: Leading for Impact

In the face of conflict, opportunity and challenge, how do you lead for impact when it might be tempting to just get the job done? 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 2023 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.

13 April, 2023 9:00-4:30pm: 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.
13 April, 2023 4:30-6:00pm: Evening Reception and 20th Anniversary Celebration of AcademyWomen. All Welcome.
14 April, 2023 9:00-4:30pm: 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.

2023 Speakers

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Event Pricing

Pricing for 2023 Officer Women Leadership Symposium and Career Workshop	Early Bird (In Person)	In Person	Virtual
Career Coaching Workshop ONLY Apr 13	$45	$55	$35
Evening Reception ONLY Apr 13 (If not registered to attend the Career Coaching Workshop or OWLS)	$20	$20	n/a
Officer Women Leadership Symposium ONLY (OWLS) Apr 14	$150	$190	$60
2 Days: Career Workshop and Symposium (Apr 13,14)	$175	$255	$75

*Early Bird pricing deadline ends: 15 March, 2023. If you need ideas on ways to pay for this event, please contact us at [email protected].

The OWLS is an event with keynotes, panel discussions, and opportunities for discussion. The 2023 event is offered in person at George Mason University with the option to attend virtually.

2023 Officer Women Leadership Symposium (OWLS) Agenda

Download (PDF, 174KB)

Transportation and Location

We look forward to having you join us at the 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 Reception with hors d’oeuvres and open bar from 4:30-6:00pm on Thursday, 13 April. The OWLS on Friday, 14 April, will run from 9:00am-5:00pm 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 Reception is open to both Career Workshop and OWLS registrants onsite, Thursday 13 April. You may also register and join us for ONLY the Evening Reception if you prefer. Attendees will enjoy time to mingle with hors d’oeuvres and open-bar from 4:30-6:00pm.

Hotel Recommendation

We have reserved a block of rooms reserved for attendees at the Hilton Garden Inn Arlington/Courthouse Plaza 1333 North Courthouse Road Arlington, Virginia 22201. It is an easy 20 minute walk to the event venue. Booking Code is AW2023 and Group booking link is: Academy Women.

Download (PDF, 146KB)

Key Benefits

This event will inspire and help you to accelerate change and professionally advance yourself, your team, and your organization.

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.

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2023 Agenda for the Officer Women Leadership Symposium (OWLS) 13-14 April, 2023

Theme: Leading for Impact

Thursday, 13 April 2023 (9:00a – 4:30p EST) Hybrid Event (In Person and Virtual)

9:00a – 4:30p EST

2023 CAREER COACHING WORKSHOP

(Refer to the Career Workshop agenda for more details.)

4:30p – 6:00p EST

KEYNOTE AND EVENING RECEPTION CELEBRATING 20 YEARS OF ACADEMYWOMEN

Celebrate 20 years of AcademyWomen and connect with military and veteran women from all services. Open to ALL REGISTRANTS of the Career Coaching Workshop & Officer Women Leadership Symposium. Also an option for participants to attend the reception ONLY.

Moderated by Mo Barrett and Katy Stevens

(Sponsored by the Schar School of Policy and Government of George Mason University)

Friday, 14 April 2023 – OWLS (9:00a – 5:00p EST) Hybrid (In Person and Virtual)
9:00a – 9:05a EST	EVENT OPENING AND OVERVIEW *Susan Feland, Founder of AcademyWomen and Elisabeth Auld, OWLS Chair*
9:05a – 10:30a EST	PERSPECTIVE FROM THE TOP *Panel: Commandant of the Coast Guard Admiral Fagan, Navy Admiral Franchetti Pending, Army Brigadier General Antoinette Gant (Pending), Marine Corps Brigadier General Mahlock (Pending)*
10:30a – 10:30a EST	Break
10:40a – 12:00p EST	BALANCING WORK, LIFE, AND SANITY *Panel Discussion* In the face of daily pressures, work of national importance, and the urgency of family, friends, and significant others, how do you maintain balance to make decisions and lead effectively? This panel shares stories and offers perspective while offering tips and lessons learned about how to balance a range of responsibilities while maintaining peace of mind and sanity. *Panel: Marine Corps COL Tamara Campbell, Navy Commander Beth Teach, Space Force LtCol Bree Fram, Army Command Sgt Major Tomeka O’Neal, Moderator*
12:00p – 12:10p EST	Break, Grab Lunch, and Join Roundtable
12:10p – 12:35p EST	ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSIONS (Part 1) *In-person participants will join a table topic discussion of choice. Virtual attendees will join others in small-group moderated discussions. Topics include:* Service-Specific Table Updates: Army, Air Force-Space Force, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Navy; LGBTQ and Navigating Military Life; Understanding Loss and Grief; Financial Preparedness – Kimberly Barboza from Northwestern Mutual; Relationship Building vs. Networking: The Woo-Woo Matters – Summer Watson, MHS, PhD; The Six Triple Eight All Black, Women Army Corps Battalion to serve overseas during World War II, Edna Cummings; Work-Life Shuffle ; Mentoring; *Sexual Assault – Survivorship and Advocacy – Dr. Jill Rough; Open Discussion*

12:35p – 12:45p EST	Change Roundtable Discussion
12:45P – 1:10p EST	ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSIONS (Part 2) *In-person participants will join a table topic discussion of choice. Virtual attendees will join others in small-group moderated discussions. Topics include:* Service-Specific Table Updates: Army, Air Force-Space Force, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Navy; LGBTQ and Navigating Military Life; Understanding Loss and Grief; Financial Preparedness – Kimberly Barboza from Northwestern Mutual; Relationship Building vs. Networking: The Woo-Woo Matters – Summer Watson, MHS, PhD; The Six Triple Eight All Black, Women Army Corps Battalion to serve overseas during World War II, Edna Cummings; Work-Life Shuffle ; Mentoring; *Sexual Assault – Survivorship and Advocacy – Dr. Jill Rough; Open Discussion*
1:10P – 1:20p EST	Break
1:20p – 2:20p EST	LEADING FOR IMPACT: UNDERSTANDING CHANGE AS LOSS *Workshop led by Victoria Grady, Professor in School of Business at George Mason*
2:20p – 2:30p EST	Break
2:30p – 3:30p EST	MEN AS ALLIES *Fireside Chat: Hear from top male leaders who work to support a culture of diversity and innovation by serving as allies for women.*
3:30p – 3:40p EST	Break
3:40p – 4:55p EST	LOOKING BACKWARDS, SIDEWAYS, AND FORWARD TO LEAD WITH IMPACT *Panel Discussion* Women have established respect, built trust, and led successfully over time through a range of circumstances. Yet often those forging new paths still feel alone. This panel shares stories and offers perspective while offering tips and lessons learned about how to lead with impact with a reminder that as a leader you are shaping new history with significant legacy and support. *Panel: COL Edna Cummings (USAR), Professor Sharon Prezler (LtCol Air Force, Retired), Air Force Colonel Nicole Scott, Moderated by Dr. Bonnie Stabile*
4:55p – 5:00p EST	EVENT DAY SUMMARY AND CLOSE

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

LEARN MORE ABOUT EVENT SPEAKERS

2021 Mini-Officer Women Leadership Symposium (OWLS) Series

PAST SPEAKERS AND AGENDA FROM MINI-OWLS SERIES 2021

Mini-OWLS Series – I (Completed)

13 April, 2021 – 11:30-3:30pm EST

Leading Self:

This theme speaks to your personal ability to influence your own thinking, feelings, and actions towards your goals. By being open to feedback, gaining self awareness, and skillfully managing your behaviors, you can better align your intentions with the impact you want to have as a leader.

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.