Guest Blogger: Theresa Donnelly Women's Leadership Symposium

Last year, LT Theresa Donnelly was a guest blogger from the Sea Services Association's Women's Leadership Symposium. She attended and blogs again this year about the event that is specifically geared towards females in the military. Hope to see you there next year!

Women’s Symposium Attracted Record Crowd and Builds Lifelong Friendships
LT Theresa Donnelly

The 23rd Annual Sea Services Association Symposium-held June 2-3-was a fascinating experience. This was my second time attending the conference and it was just as inspirational as the one the year prior. Why? Simple. Participants got to spend time with some of the most accomplished women in and out of the military.

In a huge ballroom with more than 1,000 people, there were at least ten female flag /general officers and numerous retired flags, some now filling the corporate ranks of the most prestigious corporate and non-profit organizations. We were also in the company of the top enlisted women in the military, women who come each year, or as much as their hectic schedules permit, willing to share their wisdom, guidance and mentorship.

On the first day, an awards ceremony showcased the work of many women in the service. Their contributions to service and community were amazing.

As a public affairs officer, I am in a field where the make up of people I work with is pretty diverse; men, women, civilian, and all cultures; people from all walks of life. But, gender wise, many women at the conference are in the minority in the workplace and often don’t meet the women leaders we interacted with at the symposium.

Sea Service Leadership Association (SSLA) is geared towards active-duty Navy, Marines and Coast Guard women interested in career issues affecting them. But, really much of what was discussed had a much broader appeal. Topics such as work-life balance or ways to challenge yourself intellectually at work or at home are good lessons for everyone. The coordinators of the symposium pointed out the large number of men who attended. Next year, the venue will change from DC to San Diego to accommodate those far from the beltway who cannot make the long trip to DC. And the Air Force is invited, making the event even more inclusive than any year prior.

Some of my favorite aspects of the conference were hearing life stories from the many of the guest speakers over the course of the two-day conference. Many had overcome serious setbacks to get to where they are today. Many shared their leadership challenges and successes.

I also enjoyed the opportunity to hear Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Gary Roughead give a speech on where the Navy is going in regards to policies affecting women. His answers were honest and clear, when commenting on his commitment to allowing women to serve on submarines to his decision not to focus on the repeal of the combat exclusion during his time as CNO.

There were enduring themes highlighted by several of the speakers throughout the conference, such as the need to give back to the community. A joint panel consisting of women serving in humanitarian missions was especially interesting, as women spoke of their relief efforts in Haiti, humanitarian operations in Afghanistan, and engineering projects in Iraq.

Although these women did outstanding things overseas, there was also an emphasis on community service and finding ways to become involved on the home front. Award recipients and many of the guest speakers spoke of their commitments to outreach in their local neighborhoods. Often, it is through these projects we find our passions and build lasting ties with the community.

What was also refreshing to hear through interviews with the women is that most do not experience gender discrimination. Many just enjoy these chances to socialize with others and build life-long friendships. These days, it’s not about what opportunities are not open to women; it is about enhancing the opportunities we already have.

2010 was a great year for female leadership, as the Navy celebrated a year of firsts. Vice Adm. Ann Rondeau's selection as the first female three-star officer, the selection of the first female flag officer to lead a carrier air wing and strike group and the selection of women for all four 2010 Sailor of the Year awards are wonderful accomplishments. They are a true testament to the caliber of people serving in the armed services. In addition, the Navy Chaplain Corps and Civil Engineering Corps celebrated their first female flag officers.

I highly recommended going to this conference, or any other diversity conference. Even if you may not be a women, a Latina, or a Filipino-to name a few examples. Such events broaden your perspective and give insight into areas of common ground, and ways to better relate to one another. And, really there are just so much fun.

For more information on SSLA, or to see additional media coverage (not contained via the hyperlinks) of the 2010 symposium, visit: http://www.sealeader.org/