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.
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.
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.
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.
The OWLS is an event with keynotes, panel discussions, and opportunities for discussion. The 2023 event was offered in person at George Mason University with the option to attend virtually.
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?
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 owls@academywomen.org.
2023 Officer Women Leadership Symposium (OWLS) Agenda
2023 Agenda for the Officer Women Leadership Symposium (OWLS)
Leading with Impact
13-14 April 2023
| 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 | EVENING RECEPTION AND 20 YEAR CELEBRATION 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. (Sponsored by the Schar School of Policy and Government of George Mason University) |
| Friday, 14 April 2023 – OWLS (9:00a – 4:30p EST) Hybrid (In Person and Virtual) | |
| 9:00a – 9:05a EST | EVENT OPENING AND OVERVIEW |
| 9:05a – 9:10a EST | OFFICIAL WELCOME
Keynote Introduction |
| 9:10a – 10:00a EST | PERSPECTIVE FROM THE TOP
Keynote |
| 10:00a – 10:20a EST | Break |
| 10:20a – 11:35a 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. |
| 11:35a – 12:00p 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:
|
| 12:00p – 12:15p EST | Grab Lunch and Change Roundtable Discussion |
| 12:15P – 12:40p 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:
|
| 12:40P – 12:55p EST | Break |
| 12:55p – 1:50p EST | LEADING FOR IMPACT WHILE HARNESSING YOUR STRENGTHS
Workshop |
| 1:50p – 2:10p EST | Break |
| 2:10p – 2:55p EST | MAKING WAVES AND MOVING THE NEEDLE
Fireside Chat AcademyWomen celebrates 20 years since the launch of the Officer Women Leadership Symposium in 2003. Speakers share the advances, reflections, and stories of progress in policy, leadership, and the impact of women leaders over the past two decades. |
| 2:55p – 3:15p EST | Break |
| 3:15p – 4:25p 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. |
| 4:25p – 4:30p EST | EVENT DAY SUMMARY AND CLOSE |
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 Reception with hors d’oeuvres and open bar from 4:30-6:00pm on Thursday, 13 April. Formal sessions for both the Career Workshop and OWLS will run from 9:00am-4:30pm 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.
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:
