Mafwa Kuvibidilia
Dual Keynote - Leading in Unprecedented Times
U.S. Air Force, Colonel
Col Mafwa M. Kuvibidila is the Deputy Director of Space and Cyber Operations, Headquarters Space Operations Command, Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado. The directorate is responsible for organizing, training and equipping Space Force units for globally integrated space and cyberspace operations, and for assimilating capabilities into the operational level of war. Mission areas include missile warning, space control, spacelift and range operations, satellite command and control, nuclear event detection and airfield operations. The directorate executes an annual operations budget of $1 billion.
Col Kuvibidila received her commission through the Reserve Officer Training Corps program at the University of Texas at Austin in 1996. She is a career space, missile, and foreign area officer with experience in missile operations, multiple space mission areas along with international relations at the tactical, operational, and strategic levels.
She served in military cooperation offices at the U.S. Embassies in both Egypt and Kuwait and developed policy and strategy for countries in the Arabian Peninsula while on the Joint Staff. She commanded the 20th Space Control Squadron at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida and the 821st Air Base Group, Thule Air Base Greenland. She most recently served as the Inspector General for both United States Space Force and United States Space Command.
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Dual Keynote - Leading in Unprecedented Times
U.S. Air Force, Colonel
Faliesha Yeager
Dual Keynote Moderator - Leading in Turbulent Times
U.S. Air Force, Captain
Capt Faliesha Y. Yeager is the 70th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Wing’s Officer Functional Area Manager, Fort George G. Meade, Maryland. In this role, Capt Yeager is responsible for the career progression and placement for 200 Intelligence Officers across the local Wing. She also coordinates requests for information from higher headquarters and addresses challenges that impact the Wing’s Intelligence Officers geographically separated around the globe.
Capt Yeager received her commission in 2014 after graduating from The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina’s ROTC program and has over six years of technical and leadership experience across the Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) and cyber communities. Upon graduation from Intelligence School, Capt Yeager served in a number of different roles to include: Instructor Mission Support Analyst, the Chief of Intelligence Standardization and Evaluations and an Executive Officer. Prior to her current position, Capt Yeager was the Flight Commander of the 41st Intelligence Squadron’s largest flight while maintaining her position as the Intelligence Support to Defensive Cyber Operations Branch Chief in a Task Force supporting the Cyber National Mission Force.
EDUCATION:
2014 Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice/Minor in East Asian Studies, The Citadel, Charleston, S.C.
2017 Master’s Degree in Criminal Investigations, University of New Haven, New Haven, Conn.
2019 Squadron Officer School, Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala.
About Faliesha
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Dual Keynote Moderator - Leading in Turbulent Times
U.S. Air Force, Captain
Kayla Barron
Keynote - Thriving Through Challenge
NASA, Astronaut
Kayla Barron was selected by NASA to join the 2017 Astronaut Candidate Class. She reported for duty in August 2017 and having completed the initial astronaut candidate training is now eligible for a mission assignment. The Washington native graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy with a bachelors degree in Systems Engineering. A Gates Cambridge Scholar, Barron earned a master??s degree in Nuclear Engineering from the University of Cambridge. As a Submarine Warfare Officer, Barron was a member of the first class of women commissioned into the submarine community.
Born in Pocatello, Idaho, Barron considers Richland, Washington, to be her hometown. She is married to Tom Barron of New York, New York. Her parents, Scott and Lauri Sax, live in Richland, Washington. She enjoys hiking, backpacking, running, and reading.
Graduated from Richland High School in Richland, Washington, in 2006. Earned a bachelors degree in Systems Engineering from the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, in 2010. Earned a masters degree in Nuclear Engineering from the University of Cambridge in Cambridge, England, in 2011, as a 2010 Gates Cambridge Scholar.
Barron was commissioned as a Navy officer in 2010 and immediately attended graduate school. Her graduate research focused on modeling the fuel cycle for a next-generation, thorium-fueled nuclear reactor concept. Following graduate school, Barron attended the U.S. Navy's nuclear power and submarine officer training before being assigned to the USS
Maine, an Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine home-ported in Bangor, Washington. Barron qualified as a submarine warfare officer and completed three strategic deterrent patrols while serving as a division officer aboard the Maine. At the time of her selection, Barron was serving as the Flag Aide to the Superintendent of the U.S. Naval Academy.
NASA Experience:
Barron reported for duty in August 2017 and completed two years of training as an Astronaut Candidate. She is currently awaiting flight assignment.
Awards/Honors: Awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and various unit commendations. Trident Scholar and Distinguished Graduate, U.S. Naval Academy. Gates Cambridge Scholar.
Organizations: U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association and Gates Cambridge Alumni Association.
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Keynote - Thriving Through Challenge
NASA, Astronaut
Laura Hatcher
Keynote Moderator - Thriving Through Challenge; Roundtable Speaker
U.S. Navy, Captain (ret); Photographer
Captain Laura R. Hatcher, United States Navy, Retired, is a 1992 graduate of the United States Naval Academy, and started her career as a Navy Diving Officer but eventually transferred to the Intelligence Community. Her sea and shore tours include duties assigned in Japan, Hawaii, Pennsylvania, Norfolk and DC. Highlights of her career include serving as the first Ship’s Intelligence Officer and receiving personal recognition from President Bush (41) for her efforts as the Commissioning Coordinator for the USS GEORGE H.W. BUSH (CVN 77) in 2009 and serving as Commanding Officer, Navy Expeditionary Intelligence Command in Dam neck, VA in 2011. Other tours included: Navy IG, Defense Intelligence Agency, PACOM JIOC, and USS SALVOR
(ARS-52). Laura is currently a published, professional photographer and operates a photography studio in Old Town Alexandria where she focuses on events, headshots and business branding (www.laurahatcherphotography.com).
About Laura
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Keynote Moderator - Thriving Through Challenge; Roundtable Speaker
U.S. Navy, Captain (ret); Photographer
Melissa Bert
Panel Speaker - Leading Self
U.S. Coast Guard, Rear Admiral
Rear Admiral Melissa Bert assumed duties as the Judge Advocate General
and Chief Counsel of the Coast Guard in April 2020. She was previously Director of Governmental and Public Affairs after serving as Deputy Director of Operations for the U.S. Northern Command overseeing homeland defense and defense support for civil authorities forNorth America, as well as theater
security cooperation with Mexico and The Bahamas. As a lawyer, she was Chief of the Coast Guard’s Maritime and International Law Office, supporting U.S. engagement with the International Maritime Organization and providing legal advice on a variety of policies – including the Law of the Sea, drug and migrant interdiction, homeland security, search and rescue,
pollution response, port and vessel safety/security, counter-terrorism, Arctic policy, and environmental protection. She was also Deputy Staff Judge Advocate for the Seventh District in Miami, FL and a Military Judge.
Operationally, she was Chief of Staff for the Seventh Coast Guard District, responsible for oversight of Coast Guard operations in the Southeastern United States and Caribbean and was also privileged to Command Sector Juneau and direct mission execution in the unique environment of Southeastern Alaska. During the attacks of 9/11, she was the Operations Officer for Coast Guard Sector Los Angeles/Long Beach protecting one of the nation’s most valuable ports. She previously served aboard two
cutters, including as Executive Officer of the Cutter Red Birch in Baltimore, Maryland. Rear Admiral Bert is a graduate of the Coast Guard Academy and George Washington University Law School. She has been a national security fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School and a military fellow with the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) in New York. She has taught as an adjunct professor at George Washington University and University
of Miami Law School. Her honors include the United Way American Values Award, the Joint Superior Service Medal, two Legions of Merit, and three Meritorious Service Medals. She is a life member of the Council on Foreign Relations and a Proctor in Admiralty in the United States Maritime Law Association and a Proctor in Admiralty in the United States Maritime Law Association. She is also the founder of the Women’s Leadership Initiative
supporting mentoring and professional development for Coast Guard women in uniform and civilians.
About Melissa
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Panel Speaker - Leading Self
U.S. Coast Guard, Rear Admiral
Claudia Cimini
Panel Speaker - Leading Self
U.S. Merchant Marines
Claudia G. Cimini ’90 received the Silver Mariner Award. Claudia showed an interest in STEM and the joy of being on the water which led her to the Marine Engineering program at KingsPoint. Over the years she worked on tankers, containerships, ROROs, tugboat, and ferries on different steam and motor plants.
About Claudia
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Panel Speaker - Leading Self
U.S. Merchant Marines
Bonnie Diaz
Panel Speaker - Leading Self
U.S. Marine Corps, Major Gunnery Sergeant
Master Gunnery Sergeant Bonnie Diaz joined the Marine Corps in July 1993 and served as a Motor Transport Mechanic, Marine Security Guard, and then was selected to be an Asst Det Commander in Guatemala City, Guatemala. She was an Instructor for the Marine Corps Base Corporal’s Course where she was awarded the Navy League’s Senior Enlisted Woman of the Year Runner-up 2002. She was selected for the Staff NCO Degree Completion Program and then an Academics Chief/Instructor for the Sergeants Course, Career Course and Advanced Course. She became Maintenance Chief and 2d Platoon Staff NCO in Charge then deployed to Al Taqaddum, Iraq. She then lead a first-ever mission as a maintenance support team in Basrah, Iraq. She was deployed to Camp Bastion, Afghanistan where she established a maintenance support team in Forward Operating Bases Deleram, Dweyer and a maintenance section in Camp Leatherneck. In January 2010, she received orders to Marine Corps University, Enlisted PME and was a Coach for the Faculty Advisors Course and the Leadership Functional Area Manager for enlisted Marines. She was Motor Transport Chief, Motor Transport Officer and then became Battalion Maintenance Chief/Truck Company Maintenance Platoon Commander, transferring to become PEO Land Systems Program Manager Medium and Heavy Tactical Vehicles as Subject Matter Expert/Senior Enlisted Advisor. She then transferred to I MEF G-4 MT to be the Motor Transport Maintenance Chief.
She is married and has three sons with awards including Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Commendation Medal, and Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal. She has an Associates Degree from Central Texas College, a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance from the University of Phoenix and her Master’s Degree in Education from Central Michigan University.
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Panel Speaker - Leading Self
U.S. Marine Corps, Major Gunnery Sergeant
Linda Urrutia-Varhall
Panel Speaker - Leading Self
U.S. Air Force, Major General (ret)
Linda Urrutia-Varhall is a global, award-winning executive leader and advisor with 30+ years’ experience across Intelligence, Cyber, Security, Technology, Risk, Space, Geospatial and Aerospace. She led as right hand to three Secretaries of Defense and the Director of National Intelligence, advising Cabinet-level officials, Intelligence Officers, the CIA, Congress and the White House. Linda was selected as an Advisor by Commander, U.S. Strategic Command to advise his Intelligence Panel, directly influencing the Commander’s Strategic Advisory Group.
She led as Defacto Deputy to Cabinet-level officials and senior leader at the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, she was responsible for over 7,500 people and a $1.2B budget focused on geospatial operations, setting and leading strategy execution for the inclusion of Geospatial data. She cultivated strategic, global partnerships and galvanized disparate groups to embrace emerging technologies and innovative solutions, asking the right questions to address strategic and operational challenges.
Linda provided crisis intelligence and advised the Secretary of Defense, Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Combatant Commands on policy, strategy and operational planning, while leading Defense Global Warning Systems. Linda created the cyber infrastructure and strategy while leading the newly created cyberspace command, including 1,300 people and $72M budget. The concept was taken to White House as a next-gen Operational Security mission to resource. She also led training of 14,500 people to execute operations in the event of crisis or nuclear attack.
She created strategic partnerships across U.S. agencies and international counterparts to develop platforms and processes, resolving overarching challenges. She was instrumental in White House initiative that synchronized how all government entities identified, monitored, and protected U.S. national airspace from intentional and unintentional incursions, which became part of the national security schema. Represented the DoD at senior level and the UN, contributing to the strategic security and exit strategy for the U.S, leading global ISR with 14,000 people across 70 global locations, developing strategies, requirements, and policies for air, space, and cyber portfolio. Linda also led the reorganization and restructure of the largest U.S. Air Force unit (17,500 personnel) in an unprecedented 6 months.
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Panel Speaker - Leading Self
U.S. Air Force, Major General (ret)
Phyllis Wilson
Panel Speaker - Leading Self
U.S. Army (ret) and Women's Memorial
Phyllis Wilson is President of the Women in Military Service for America (WIMSA) Memorial Foundation. Chief Warrant Officer Five (CW5) Phyllis J. Wilson, U.S. Army (Retired) completed 37 years of military service. She is a life member of numerous Veteran associations - VFW, DAV, AUSA, USAWOA, MOAA, ROA, and the American Legion. She is also a Daughter of the American Revolution as well as a descendant of the Pilgrims that arrived on the Mayflower in 1620.
Phyllis Wilson holds a Master’s Degree in Management from Webster University, two Bachelor of Science degrees and is a Registered Nurse with experience as a Director of Nursing. She is a German and Spanish linguist. She graduated the Defense Strategic Debriefer Course, Warrant Officer Senior Staff Course and the Program for Advanced Security Studies at George C. Marshall Center in Garmisch, Germany.
She was inducted into the Army Women’s Foundation Hall of Fame in March, 2017.
Phyllis Wilson joined the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Board of Directors in 2018 and was invited to be an AUSA Senior Fellow in 2019. She also serves on the Board of Directors with the Army Women's Foundation and Allied Forces Foundation. Phyllis is a Fellow with Policy Vets and an Army Reserve Ambassador for the state of Maryland.
www.womensmemorial.org
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Panel Speaker - Leading Self
U.S. Army (ret) and Women's Memorial
Kimberly Barboza
Roundtable Speaker - Financial Management for Military and Veteran Women
U.S. Navy (veteran); Financial Advisor Northwestern Mutual
Kimberly owns her own financial services practice aligned with Northwestern Mutual that focuses on helping business executives and military veterans achieve financial security. She is passionate about working with individuals and families to align their money with their life's goals through comprehensive financial planning.
Kimberly’s attention to detail, listening skills, and great empathy have long been appreciated by her clients. She understands that each individual and family has a unique story that needs special attention to create a plan that maximizes their financial goals. She is effectively supported by a team of administration, group benefits, insurance and investment product specialists whose teamwork and professionalism help her build long-term relationships with her client base and provide excellent customer service.
Prior to opening her own practice with Northwestern Mutual, Kimberly was a managing consultant working across multiple industries including healthcare, automotive, financial services, government, and retail. During that time, Kimberly worked to solve business problems through the use of technology, specifically advanced analytics and data science.
Kimberly Barboza is a retired naval officer. She graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in the mid-90s and was among the first wave of females to serve onboard combatant ships. She served as gunnery officer onboard a U.S. Navy destroyer in the Pacific then conducting operations in the Persian Gulf. Upon leaving ship operations, Kimberly transferred into the meteorology and oceanography community where she oversaw operations of a large-scale computer center providing 24 hour/day meteorology and oceanography numerical predictions to the Department of Defense worldwide including crisis and contingency support. Kimberly continued her service in the Navy Reserves until her retirement.
Kimberly earned her MBA from Vanderbilt University where she most recently served as President of the Alumni Council and served on the Alumni Board. She holds a B.S. in computer science from the U.S. Naval Academy and an M.S. in computer science from Vanderbilt University. Kimberly is an active volunteer within the Nashville community. She resides in Franklin, TN with her husband, David, and two children.
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Roundtable Speaker - Financial Management for Military and Veteran Women
U.S. Navy (veteran); Financial Advisor Northwestern Mutual
Mo Barrett
Panel Moderator - Leading Self and Roundtable Moderator - Decision Making
Colonel, U.S. Air Force (ret) and Host for Mo and Katy Show
Mo Barrett A former pilot and Air Force Colonel, retired (USAFA, ’93) who is an expert speaker, leadership coach, comedian, and storyteller who thrills audiences with her ability to make them laugh, think, and learn. She has teamed up with Katy Stevens to moderate the OWLS panel and share the energy that is usually featured in the “Mo & Katy Show”- a podcast. Mo & Katy are unlikely friends from two separate worlds who collided through female barbershop singing. Katy lives in Baltimore, Maryland with her husband, three sons and three dogs. Mo and her partner (also a retired Colonel) live in Linden, Virginia with 2 dogs and a dog-like cat.
Mo and Katy are closer to the mid-century mark than either will admit (Katy will gladly admit Mo is closer to it than she is), but have reached a point in life where they’ve come to recognize, acknowledge, appreciate and leverage their respective quirks. Engaging in multiple creative endeavors, Mo & Katy take humor seriously and work to spread gratitude, humor and positivity.
www.MoBarrett.com
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Panel Moderator - Leading Self and Roundtable Moderator - Decision Making
Colonel, U.S. Air Force (ret) and Host for Mo and Katy Show
Katy Stevens
Panel Moderator - Leading Self
Host for Mo and Katy Show
Your conversation catalysts are the “Mo & Katy Show” podcast co-hosts, Mo Barrett and Katy Stevens. Mo & Katy are unlikely friends from two separate worlds who collided through female barbershop singing. Katy lives in Baltimore, Maryland with her husband, three sons and three dogs. Mo and her partner (also a retired Colonel) live in Linden, Virginia with 2 dogs and a dog-like cat.
Mo and Katy are closer to the mid-century mark than either will admit (Katy will gladly admit Mo is closer to it than she is), but have reached a point in life where they’ve come to recognize, acknowledge, appreciate and leverage their respective quirks. Engaging in multiple creative endeavors, Mo & Katy take humor seriously and work to spread gratitude, humor and positivity.
https://open.spotify.com/show/675YBV76xmb0ra3PXd4pJ7
About Katy
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Panel Moderator - Leading Self
Host for Mo and Katy Show
Elexa Orrange-Allen
Keynote - Wellness During Uncertain Times and Roundtable Speaker
Olympian, Coach, Trainer, Speaker, & Entrepreneur
Elexa Orrange-Allen is the CEO/Owner of LEAP Coaching and Speaking, LLC and the Managing Director of Leadership Development & Training at First Investors Financial Services. She is a certified John Maxwell leadership coach, speaker, and trainer as well as Myers Briggs and Birkman certified consultant. She is also a U.S. Olympian and a certified fitness trainer. Elexa is passionate about “helping individuals and organizations become the best version of themselves.”
Elexa is a 1990 graduate of the U.S. Military Academy and a 12-time NCAA All-American in track and field. She was awarded the Army Athletic Association Award Trophy and inducted into the Inaugural Class of the Army Sports Hall of Fame.
Elexa was a finance officer in the United States Army before leaving to pursue her goal of making the 1996 Olympic Team in track and field. She represented the U.S. as a triple jumper in the 1995 World Championships in Gothenburg, Sweden and then competed in the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, GA.
After the Atlanta Games, Elexa transitioned her considerable leadership and relationship building strengths to the sales and training profession. She earned the distinction of President’s Club Award-winning sales professional in the healthcare and recognition and rewards industries. She also became a certified personal trainer and has helped hundreds of women achieve their health and fitness goals.
Elexa is a member of the prestigious American Leadership Forum. Elexa also has dedicated her life to community service. Currently, she serves on the Board of Goodwill Houston and serves as the liaison to the Board for the Business Advisory Committee. Elexa was recognized for her exemplary life-time service in February 2018 when she was one of ten selected to the Inaugural Houston Mayors History Makers Awards for outstanding community service.
Elexa lives in Houston, TX. She is married to Vincent Allen. They have two sons and two daughters. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and a Master of Education degree in Counseling. Elexa enjoys spending time with family and friends, volunteering, reading, traveling, and working out.
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Keynote - Wellness During Uncertain Times and Roundtable Speaker
Olympian, Coach, Trainer, Speaker, & Entrepreneur
James "Curt" Bushman
Roundtable Speaker - At Sea or on a Deployment - Staying True to Self
U.S. Coast Guard, Lieutenant
Lieutenant James "Curt" Bushman A career Cutterman who has served in the U.S. Coast Guard since 2001, has over 9 years sea duty aboard 6 cutters and numerous temporary assignments, which have taken him as far as the Black Sea, and north of the Arctic Circle. Beginning his career in the enlisted ranks, he rose to the rank of Gunner’s Mate First Class, before attending OCS and transitioning to the Officer Corp. He has continued in the Operations Afloat career path, and is currently the Legacy Cutter Program Manager at the PACIFIC AREA Office of Cutter Forces - he understands service away from home from multiple perspectives.
About James "Curt"
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Roundtable Speaker - At Sea or on a Deployment - Staying True to Self
U.S. Coast Guard, Lieutenant
Janine Garner
Roundtable Speaker - Finding Balance: Embracing Your Artistic and Creative Side as a Military Officer
Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps
LtCol Janine Garner, USMC Marine Pilot and current member of the Joint Staff, Janine is also a published fantasy author and artist who has found ways to express her creative and artistic side to make her a more grounded and balanced military leader. Her books can be found at: https://ailionora.com/
https://ailionora.com/
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Roundtable Speaker - Finding Balance: Embracing Your Artistic and Creative Side as a Military Officer
Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps
Melody Gratic
Roundtable Speaker - Mentoring for Impact, Collaboration, and Growth
U.S. Army (ret)
Melody C. Gratic is a certified John Maxwell Coach, Teacher, Trainer and Speaker and Certified Behavioral Analysis Trainer and Consultant. She is a phenomenal strategic thinker, passionate motivational speaker and servant leader, well-known for connecting with a multicultural, multigenerational and global workforce. Melody Gratic founded XcelMil, LLC on the premise of
providing exceptional, value-based, and relevant services to our stakeholders and partners that significantly impacts business and personal transformation. Melody Gratic retired from the U.S. Army with 24 years of active service. She is most proud and honored to have served at the White House Transportation Agency under President George Bush, Jr. and President Barak Obama and US Army Garrison Brussels in support of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. She has supervised and trained countless service-members on critical hard and softskills. Projects she managed include reports to Installation Management Command Europe Operations; US Army Garrison Benelux; Senior Officer and Noncommissioned Officer Leadership Development Workshops, Off-sites and Team-building Activities. Melody has served as Team Lead/Training Coordinator on several global missions trips.
Melody is the current CEO and Founder of XcelMil, LLC, An Executive Management Consulting Firm specializing in leadership development, business transformation, coaching, professional administrative and transcription services. Under her leadership, XcelMil, LLC supports the staff at
Virginia Career Works and their affiliate programs. She is an active member of the Fredericksburg Society of Human Resources; Association for Talent Development; and The Women’s Business Enterprise National Council.
Melody Gratic currently collaborates with Government Contractors in the Professional Services Industry on projects related to multiple generations in the workplace specifically, Millenials, diversity and inclusion, employee engagement and retention, workplace conflict and veteran/military spouse hiring initiatives. Melody Gratic has a Master of Educational Leadership in Administration from Trident International University. She has also reviewed, edited and provided insight to a number of published authors. She is a proud wife, godmother, aunt and resides in the Northern Virginia area.
Fun Fact: During her leisure time, Melody enjoys spending time with her husband, reading, listening to music, and traveling to exotic locations around the world.
www.xcelmil.com
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Roundtable Speaker - Mentoring for Impact, Collaboration, and Growth
U.S. Army (ret)
Beth Jarvis
Roundtable Speaker - Be a Lady They Said
U.S. Army (veteran)
A Senior Engagement Manager at Microsoft with expertise in Public Relations and Marketing Strategy, US Army Veteran, Comedy Bootcamp graduate, Veteran advocate and USO volunteer.
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Roundtable Speaker - Be a Lady They Said
U.S. Army (veteran)
Greg Jenkins
Roundtable Speaker - Goal Setting
U.S. Army (ret)
Greg Jenkins is a dedicated and passionate consultant, practitioner and life-long learner. Greg completed a successful 28+ year US Army career that ranged from overseas duties in Germany, South Korea, and combat duty in Iraq to include several stateside assignments culminating in Washington D.C. While serving in uniform Greg’s performance leading Military Equal Opportunity efforts resulted in developing a model program for other US Army Equal Opportunity and human relations advisors.
His performance further resulted in his selection to the Army’s Diversity Task Force at the Pentagon, which helped to establish the Army’s Diversity program, policies and products. He was instrumental in the planning and execution the Army’s Diversity marketing campaign achieving world-wide coverage for the Army’s 1.4M Soldiers, Civilians, and their family members. Greg has directly served and represented senior executive leaders at the local, state, corporate and Department of Defense levels.
His work with various organizations, along with educational and community leaders resulted in improved civic relationships, shared knowledge, and higher performance. Greg is an experienced facilitator who has provided training, facilitation and oversight for thousands of attendees ensuring quality and relevant Equal Opportunity, Diversity, Inclusion and Leadership training and education for mid, senior and executive level managers and leaders.
Now after successfully completing his Army career, Greg continues to provide high performance facilitation, instruction, research and analytics, strategy, curriculum development and delivery. As a private consultant Greg provides facilitation to various government agencies including the; VA, USDA, US Army, National Guard and various corporate clients and partners. Greg achieved a MA in Human Resources Development from Webster University, and he is a published author and passionate volunteer who actively mentors and provides executive coaching for business professionals, US Military service members and veterans.
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Roundtable Speaker - Goal Setting
U.S. Army (ret)
Marilyn Jenkins
Roundtable Speaker - Managing and Dealing with Loss
St George's Episcopal Church in DC
Reverend Jenkins served in the United States Air Force for almost 30 years, retiring as a Colonel and becoming an Episcopalian priest thereafter; she is the Priest-in-Charge at St George's Episcopal Church in DC.
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Roundtable Speaker - Managing and Dealing with Loss
St George's Episcopal Church in DC
Robin Johnson
Roundtable Speaker - Comedy: Bringing Laughter to Your Life
U.S. Army (Veteran) and Women's Memorial
Robin Johnson Army veteran who is now the Chief of Staff for the Military Women’s Memorial, a comedy bootcamp mentor for the Armed Services Arts Partnership (ASAP), member of the Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor, and a stand-up comedian.
About Robin
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Roundtable Speaker - Comedy: Bringing Laughter to Your Life
U.S. Army (Veteran) and Women's Memorial
Tracy Lorenz
Roundtable Speaker - Alternative Health
U.S. Air Force, LtCol (ret)
Tracy Lorenz Former Air Force helicopter pilot (USAFA, ’96), All-American soccer player, and cancer survivor who now teaches yoga and has used alternative health methods to successfully help address her health challenges while supporting others find new approaches to good health.
About Tracy
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Roundtable Speaker - Alternative Health
U.S. Air Force, LtCol (ret)
Shaye Molendyke
Roundtable Speaker - Yoga Techniques for Resilience
U.S. Air Force, LtCol (ret)
Shaye Molendyke is the Director of the Yogafit for Warriors Program, Lt Col USAF (ret), and a C-IAYT Certified Yoga Therapist. Shaye is a 24 year Veteran in the United States Air Force and has over 14 years teaching and 19 years practice experience in eclectic Hatha Yoga. She is many publications on Yoga and a consulted expert. She teaches Beginners to Advanced teacher training workshops for Yogafit’s 200/500 hr RYT and Yoga for Healthcare programs to include Yoga for Seniors, Kids, Pre/Postnatal, Back care, for PTSD/Military, Yoga for Emotional and Physical Trauma, and Mental Health. Shaye teaches specific applications of yoga to include pranayama, meditation, chakras and other holistic energy modalities at YogaFit nationally and internationally. She worked in the Psychiatric In-patient ward specializing in Cognitive Behavioral and Group counseling. Group Fitness certified since 2006 Yoga Education Yogafit 200 hr RYT began study 2003 / awarded certificate 2006 Yogafit 500 hr RYT completion Sept 2014 Yoga for Healthcare Intensive 10 day course, 100 Hr, Yogafit Trauma Sensitive Yoga Program, 100 hr, Yogafit Susi Hateley’s Anatomy and Alignment Intensive 2014 Liz Koch Psoas workshop 2014. Shaye has her BS from the University of Oklahoma in Math and Political Science and a Masters of Arts in Counseling from the University of Maryland University College.
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Roundtable Speaker - Yoga Techniques for Resilience
U.S. Air Force, LtCol (ret)
Halima Muhammad
Roundtable Speaker - Financial Planning
U.S. Air Force (ret)
Halima Muhammad A financial advisor and Air Force veteran who has supported many people with her advice and guidance for sound financial management.
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Roundtable Speaker - Financial Planning
U.S. Air Force (ret)
Amy Ryder
Roundtable Speaker - Dual Career
U.S. Air Force (Veteran)
Amy Ryder is the Director of Training and a program manager at PatchPlus Consulting, Inc. As team lead for various contracts over 17 years as a contractor, she’s managed 60+ ISR and space consultants and more than 300,000 labor hours for Air National Guard, National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, Air Force and other customers across the DOD. An expert in Instructional Systems Design (ISD), she built curriculum and guidance for Air Force intelligence personnel in mission sets including Remotely Piloted Aircraft, unit-level intelligence, personnel recovery, targeting and analysis units. Amy served in the Air Force and Air Force Reserve for 10 years as an intelligence officer, with assignments from the tactical to strategic level, in Korea, Germany, Turkey, the UK and the Pentagon. She deployed to Bosnia in support of Operation ALLIED FORCE and to Turkey in support of Operation DESERT FOX. She is a 1996 graduate of the Joint Military Intelligence College and a 1990 graduate of Penn State University, where she received her commission. Amy is married to Brigadier General Pat Ryder, Director of Public Affairs, Office of the Secretary of the Air Force. They have two sons: Austin studying film at Pratt Institute in NYC and Christian majoring in music technology at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh.
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Roundtable Speaker - Dual Career
U.S. Air Force (Veteran)
Madison Scaccia
Roundtable Speaker - Women, Peace, and Security
U.S. Air Force, Major
Madison Scaccia Air Force officer with expertise on the role of women in intra-and-post conflict reconstruction in Afghanistan; advised Afghan Ministry of Interior Affairs Logistics Directorate; MA in Strategic Security Studies, MS in Homeland Security, BA in Political Science.
About Madison
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Roundtable Speaker - Women, Peace, and Security
U.S. Air Force, Major
Shari Silverman
Roundtable Speaker - Stepping Outside Your Comfort Zone
U.S. Air Force, Colonel (ret)
Colonel (ret) Shari F. Silverman recently completed her 30 years of service in a joint position as the Chief of Staff for the Defense Health Agency (DHA). She is a 1991 United States Air Force Academy graduate. She has a Master’s degree in Physical Therapy from Army-Baylor University and Master degrees from Air University in Military Operational Art & Science and Strategic Studies. She is board certified in Orthopedics Physical Therapy, an American College in Healthcare Executive (ACHE) Fellow and Acquisition level II certified in Program Management. She has served in a variety of leadership positions at the Squadron, Wing and Headquarter level. She is a graduated squadron and two-time group commander. She navigated 16 years of her career as dual-military. She is married to Col (ret) Shawn Silverman and has two teenage children.
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Roundtable Speaker - Stepping Outside Your Comfort Zone
U.S. Air Force, Colonel (ret)
Elisabeth Auld
Event Host and OWLS Chair
U.S. Air Force (Veteran) and AcademyWomen
Elisabeth S. Auld has been involved in AcademyWomen activities for many years. She is currently employed by SAIC as a project manager for the Federal Aviation Administration and as an Adjunct Professor for the Naval War College. An Air Force veteran, Elisabeth retired as a Colonel in 2014, completing her career assigned as Director of Staff, Air Force Public Affairs, where she led a staff of six and directed the administrative, fiscal, security and personnel activities for a 185-person organization. Prior to this, she was assigned as the Deputy Director, Bases, Ranges, and Airspace, and the Airfield Operations Officer Career Field manager. Before her assignment to the Pentagon, she was honored to command the 506th Expeditionary Operations Support Squadron at Kirkuk Regional Air Base, Iraq. Prior to her deployment, she served as Director of Operations for the 316th Operations Support Squadron at Andrews AFB, Maryland. Elisabeth was commissioned through the Reserve Officer Training Corps at Miami University, Oxford, Ohio, May 1990, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Human Resources from Miami University. Additionally, she earned a Master of Arts, National Security Strategy from the Naval War College (2004) and a Master of Science, Human Resources from Troy University (1998). Elisabeth enjoys writing and blogs at Gals In Blue (https://www.galsinblue.com). There she muses about a myriad of topics, from pop culture to military issues to her family’s latest adventures. These star her favorite people: her husband Greg, their (now grown) kids, Emma and Michael, and their pups, Layla and Griffin.
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Event Host and OWLS Chair
U.S. Air Force (Veteran) and AcademyWomen
Susan Feland
Event Host and AcademyWomen President
U.S. Air Force (Veteran) and AcademyWomen
Susan Feland is the Founder and President of AcademyWomen. Susan was the oldest of three sisters to graduate from the United States Air Force Academy. She has worked in space systems acquisitions, taught at the Air Force Academy, and has a wide range of experience in non-profit, government, and corporate roles. Currently, in addition to leading AcademyWomen, Susan manages content and curriculum innovation at Stanford University. Susan has a LEAD Certificate in Corporate Innovation from the Stanford Graduate School of Business, an MA from Middlebury College, a Diplôme from the Université de Paris – Sorbonne and is a graduate of the United States Air Force Academy with a BS degree.
https://www.academywomen.org
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Event Host and AcademyWomen President
U.S. Air Force (Veteran) and AcademyWomen
Jackie Stennett
AcademyWomen Vice President and Event Host
U.S. Army (Veteran) and AcademyWomen
Jackie Stennett is the Vice President and Board Member of AcademyWomen, a nonprofit leadership and professional development organization that bridges the gap of support by providing programs and resources that connect military women to networks of substance, impact and influence. As Vice President, Jackie assists in the design strategy and growth of all mission critical programs including a 5x award-winning online mentoring program, networking events and career development opportunities that cultivate and leverage the leadership of military women to impact positive change locally, nationally and globally. Jackie served as a logistics officer in the United States Army and has a wide array of leadership and management experience within the corporate, government and nonprofit sectors. Currently, in addition to her role with AcademyWomen, Jackie advises organizations with socially responsible missions in designing effective strategies to improve individual and organizational performance. Jackie holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and a BS in Chinese Studies from the United States Military Academy at West Point.
https://www.academywomen.org
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AcademyWomen Vice President and Event Host
U.S. Army (Veteran) and AcademyWomen