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Joint Women's Leadership Symposium offers leadership development opportunities

Posted 2/15/2011 Email story   Print story

    


by Lt. Col. Ann Stefanek
Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs


2/15/2011 - WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- Women from all branches of the Armed Forces will have the opportunity to learn leadership skills and network at the Joint Women's Leadership Symposium March 15 and 16 in San Diego, Calif.  Themed "Connect. Empower. Succeed," this year's symposium will offer women from all service branches an opportunity to focus on their leadership development while also highlighting the achievements of women leaders on the front lines around the globe.

"The Air Force needs America's best talent to succeed in this very competitive environment", said Mr. Dan Sitterly, Air Force director of Airman force development.  "Therefore, it is imperative that even while the Air Force is reducing the force to meet end strength, we do everything possible to continue to attract, develop, and retain the most talented and diverse Airmen."

This year the Air Force and Army are partnering with the Marines, Navy and Coast Guard in the Women's Leadership Symposium, making it truly a joint event.

Melanne Verveer, ambassador-at-large for global women's issues, and Tammy Duckworth, Department of Veterans Affairs' assistant secretary for public and intergovernmental affairs, will speak during the first day of the conference. The conference also will feature speakers and panel sessions on issues relevant to military women, such as "Achieving Career Success," "Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle" and "Financial Management." A female general officer panel including representatives from all branches will address leadership issues.

The second day will include high-ranking senior officer speakers and agendas specific to each of the service branches. Air Force speakers will focus on topics including career development and work/life balance. There also will be mentoring lunches and breakout sessions for Airmen from similar assignments.

According to Mr. Sitterly, retaining Airmen with different experiences and perspectives strengthens the force and ensures the Air Force's long-term ability to support the Air Force mission.

"The Air Force has a rich heritage of visionary leaders and we need to develop and retain the best and brightest Airmen to continue that tradition for the next generation", he said.

Air Force members interested in attending can register at FY11 Joint Women's Leadership Symposium until March 14, 2011, as well as find additional conference information.



tabComments
2/22/2011 5:30:38 PM ET
The goal is to learn how to best utilize women in leadership and nation building activities. Civilians are welcome to attend and there will be many civilian leaders speaking. Men are also allowed and even encouraged to attend the symposium. Just because it is about women doesn't mean it is only for women.
JWLS Planner, Colorado
 
2/16/2011 7:24:31 PM ET
Are female - career Civil Service employees included?
Julies Oscar, Randolph
 
2/16/2011 6:30:34 PM ET
This is a wonderful opportunity for women from all branches to learn how women in other branches lead and achieve greatness. I attended the first ever AF Women's symposium a few years ago and it was a great experience. There were also some men in attendance who spoke about the great women who are leading right beside the men. Women are still working hard to balance career family and serving our great nation. In my career field the women work very hard but are still struggling to break away from gender stereotypes.
Kay, New Mexico
 
2/16/2011 5:16:32 PM ET
If you would just do a little research you would see that men have had their symposiums. They were known as drinking parties and yes, among others, women were oppressed at those also. This symposium offers a place where bright, intelligent women from all branches can join together in a civilized manner. According to history, I'm not sure 'you guys' could handle that.
just a girl, Minot ND
 
2/16/2011 11:59:31 AM ET
Jerry, women represent 50 percent of the population yet they represent only 20 percent of the military. Perhaps if the same were true for men there would be a symposium for them.
HP, NV
 
2/16/2011 10:03:42 AM ET
Are civilians allowed to attend?
Toni, Alabama
 
2/15/2011 9:24:53 PM ET
Jerry, don't you realize that women are oppressed? They need to wear their own version of a flight cap. They need to rise to the occasion and overcome all the tyranny.
Sgt Whoever, Men's Room
 
2/15/2011 4:13:18 PM ET
When will we have a Joint Men's Leadership Symposium?
Jerry, Oklahoma
 
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