Mini-OWLS III SPEAKERS
9 November, 2021
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9 November, 2021
Deanna Burt
Panelist - LEADING IDEAS AND ORGANIZATIONS ETHICALLY INTO OUR FUTURE
Major General, US Space Force
Maj. Gen. DeAnna M. Burt is the Commander, Combined Force Space Component Command, U.S. Space Command, and Vice Commander, Space Operations Command, U.S. Space Force, Vandenberg Space Force Base, California. As Commander of U.S. Space Command’s Combined Force Space Component Command, she leads more than 17,000 joint and combined personnel with a mission to plan, integrate, conduct, and assess global space operations to deliver combat relevant space capabilities to combatant commanders, coalition partners, the joint force, and the nation. Maj. Gen. Burt plans and executes space operations through four distinct and geographically dispersed operations centers, including: the Combined Space Operations Center at Vandenberg SFB, Calif.; the Missile Warning Center at Cheyenne Mountain Air Force Station, Colorado.; the Joint Overhead Persistent Infrared Planning Center at Buckley Garrison, Colo.; and the Joint Navigation Warfare Center located at Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico.
Maj. Gen. Burt entered the Air Force in 1991 as a distinguished graduate of the Air Force ROTC program at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Her career has included numerous satellite operations and staff positions in Air Force Space Command and U.S. European Command. Maj. Gen. Burt has commanded the 2nd Space Operations Squadron, the 460th Operations Group and the 50th Space Wing. She is a graduate and former instructor of the U.S. Air Force Weapons School and a graduate of the School of Advanced Air and Space Studies.
Prior to her current assignment, Maj. Gen. Burt was the Director of Operations and Communications, Headquarters Space Operations Command, Peterson AFB, Colo.
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Panelist - LEADING IDEAS AND ORGANIZATIONS ETHICALLY INTO OUR FUTURE
Major General, US Space Force
Janine Davidson
Panelist - LEADING IDEAS AND ORGANIZATIONS ETHICALLY INTO OUR FUTURE
32nd Undersecretary of the US Navy, USAF Veteran, University President
Janine Davidson, Ph.D., has served as president of Metropolitan State University of Denver since 2017. She is a national thought leader in higher education and on topics such as public service, U.S. foreign policy and national security.
Prior to her time at MSU Denver, Davidson served as the 32nd undersecretary of the United States Navy. Her appointment by then-President Barack Obama as Navy “under” followed nearly 30 years of academic, civilian and military service.
She has taught at George Mason University, Georgetown University, Davidson College and various professional military schools, and was an aviation and aerobatics flight instructor at the U.S. Air Force Academy. She recently returned to the classroom at MSU Denver, co-teaching a course on the philosophical and legal origins of freedom of speech in the United States.
Davidson began her career as an Air Force officer and cargo pilot. She was a distinguished graduate of the Air Force Squadron Officer School and was the first woman to fly the Air Force’s tactical C-130.
Her various honors include: HillVets Top 100 Most Influential Veterans; University of South Carolina Distinguished Alumna; Secretary of the Navy Medal for Distinguished Public Service; Secretary of Defense Medal for Outstanding Public Service; Girl Scouts of Colorado 2018 Woman of Distinction; and the Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce 2019 Top 25 Most Powerful Women in Business.
At the national level, Davidson is a National Association of Public Administrators fellow and a life member of the Council on Foreign Relations. She served as a presidentially appointed commissioner for the National Commission on Military, National and Public Service and for the Commission on the Structure of the Air Force. Locally, she is a member of the Denver Education Compact and serves on the boards of the Downtown Denver Partnership, the Denver Metro Chamber Leadership Foundation and the Rose Community Foundation.
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Panelist - LEADING IDEAS AND ORGANIZATIONS ETHICALLY INTO OUR FUTURE
32nd Undersecretary of the US Navy, USAF Veteran, University President
Susan Dettmar
Panelist - LEADING IDEAS AND ORGANIZATIONS ETHICALLY INTO OUR FUTURE
Principal, Deloitte Consulting
Susan is a Principal with Deloitte Consulting LLP and leads the Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) Consultative Services practice. Susan has spent over 20 years focused on M&A, predominantly Post-Merger Integration and Divestiture. She has supported over 50 deals with a cumulative deal value of $200 Billion.
https://www2.deloitte.com/us
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Panelist - LEADING IDEAS AND ORGANIZATIONS ETHICALLY INTO OUR FUTURE
Principal, Deloitte Consulting
Shelina Frey
Panelist - LEADING IDEAS AND ORGANIZATIONS ETHICALLY INTO OUR FUTURE
Command Chief Master Sergeant, USAF, (Ret)
Chief Master Sergeant Shelina Frey retired from the U.S. Air Force as a Command Chief Master Sergeant in February 2018 after 34 years of service. In her last assignment she was the principal advisor to the Air Mobility Command 4-star commander on matters of health, welfare and morale, development, and effective utilization of 38,000 active duty and 71,000 AFRC/ANG enlisted personnel assigned to the command. Chief Frey has served in numerous senior enlisted positions; Special Assistant to the Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force; Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge, First Term Airman Center; Commandant, Airman Leadership School; First Sergeant duties; Command Chief Master Sergeant at the Wing, Air Expeditionary Wing and Air Forces Central Command in Southwest Asia and 4-Star Major Command levels.
Chief Frey is a native of New Orleans, LA where she enlisted in the Louisiana Air National Guard in September 1984. She entered active duty in May 1987.
She holds an Associate's Degree in Human Resource Management, a Bachelor of Science degree in Quality Systems Management, she completed Leadership Team Awareness Course, Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute, Command Chief Orientation, U.S. Air Force Senior Leadership Course, Center for Creative Leadership, Air Force Enterprise Management Seminar, Darden School of Business, AFSO 21 Senior Leader Course, U.S. Air Force Senior Leadership Course, Gettysburg College, Middle East Regional Seminar, Keystone Senior Leader Course,
Shelina Frey joined the USAA Military Affairs Team in February 2018 and resides in Tampa, Florida.
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Panelist - LEADING IDEAS AND ORGANIZATIONS ETHICALLY INTO OUR FUTURE
Command Chief Master Sergeant, USAF, (Ret)
Bonny Simi
Panelist -LEADING IDEAS AND ORGANIZATIONS ETHICALLY INTO OUR FUTURE
Head of Air Operations and People, Joby Aviation
Bonny Simi is currently the Head of Air Operations and People at Joby Aviation. Previously, Bonny was the President at JetBlue Technology Ventures, the Silicon Valley venture capital subsidiary for JetBlue Airway’s investment and incubation of emerging startups at the intersection of technology, travel, and hospitality. Ms. Simi is also an airline pilot, engineer, Olympic athlete, TV Commentator and has 30 years in the aviation industry. She has flown aircraft from Boeing, Airbus and Embraer at both United Airlines and JetBlue Airways, and remains a qualified airline captain to this day. She has served in operational and strategic roles within Flight Operations, System Operations, People, Airports, Customer Support and prior to leading the venture arm of JetBlue, she was the head of Talent for the airline. She is also the founder of JetBlue Scholars, an award winning education platform that provides free college degrees to JetBlue employees. Ms. Simi is also a 3 time Olympian and 10 time National Champion in the sports of luge and bobsled. She also has Masters Degrees from the Stanford Graduate School of Business and Stanford School of Engineering. She serves on the board of Pebblebrook Hotel Trust, a public hospitality REIT.
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Panelist -LEADING IDEAS AND ORGANIZATIONS ETHICALLY INTO OUR FUTURE
Head of Air Operations and People, Joby Aviation
Jill Rough
Moderator - DRIVING INNOVATION AND PROGRESS WITH PRINCIPLED LEADERSHIP
U.S. Navy, Captain, Reserves
Dr. Jill A. Rough has nearly 25 years of experience in national security and defense related policy and practice. A 1996 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, she served for seven years on active duty before transitioning to the U.S. Navy Reserve. She continues to serve in the U.S. Navy Reserves today.
Her academic experience includes security and defense related research with the Center for Naval Analyses, RAND Corporation, and the Terrorism, Transnational Crime and Corruption Center. Dr. Rough has also taught advanced qualitative methods, program evaluation, leadership, and public speaking at George Mason University as an Adjunct Professor.
Most recently, she served as Director of Research and Analysis for the National Commission on Military, National, and Public Service, which released its Final Report to Congress and the President in March 2020.
Her academic areas of expertise include civil-military relations, civic engagement, and military manpower policies, specifically active-reserve integration and issues related to women in the military.
Dr. Rough has been invited to speak to a wide variety of academic, military, business, and civic organizations. She resides in Northern Virginia with her husband and three children.
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Moderator - DRIVING INNOVATION AND PROGRESS WITH PRINCIPLED LEADERSHIP
U.S. Navy, Captain, Reserves
Tanisha Saunders
Panelist - DRIVING INNOVATION AND PROGRESS WITH PRINCIPLED LEADERSHIP
Lieutenant Colonel, US Space Force
Lieutenant Colonel Tanisha J. Saunders is the Deputy S2 at Space Training and Readiness Command, Operations Division, Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado. In this role, she oversees Space Force intelligence training and readiness requirements, drafts and administers policies, and directs certification and qualification standards for all service Intelligence units and elements. Lt Col Saunders is also the Intelligence Officer Career Field Functional Area Manager, managing personnel requirements for three Field Commands, and directing utilization and professional development.
Lt Col Saunders is from Columbus, Ohio, and received her commission from the Ohio State University Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps. She completed intelligence officer training in November 2006 and has held a variety of intelligence positions related to intelligence analysis, production, targeting, cybersecurity, staff and space Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance (ISR). After 15 years in the Air Force, Lt Col Saunders commissioned into the Space Force in July 2021. Prior to her current position, Lt Col Saunders was the Space Operations Command, Intelligence Directorate, ISR Force Division Chief at Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado.
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Panelist - DRIVING INNOVATION AND PROGRESS WITH PRINCIPLED LEADERSHIP
Lieutenant Colonel, US Space Force
Laura Collins
Panelist - DRIVING INNOVATION AND PROGRESS WITH PRINCIPLED LEADERSHIP
Captain, US Coast Guard
Captain Collins serves as the Deputy Director for Civilian Human Resources, Diversity and Leadership at Coast Guard Headquarters for the Assistant Commandant for Human Resources. In this role, she assists the Director in the administration of all civilian human resources hiring, policy, information technology, and labor/employee relations functions.
After graduating from the United States Coast Guard Academy in New London, CT in May 1994, Captain Collins served on six cutters: MARIPOSA in Seattle, WA; the Barque EAGLE in New London, CT; SPAR in Kodiak, AK; SHERMAN in Alameda, CA.; STRATTON in Alameda, CA, and as Commanding Officer Coast Guard Cutter BERTHOLF. Her shore tours include serving as Staff Engineer at the Marine Safety Center, as Work Life Supervisor at Integrated Support Command Kodiak, military aide to the Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security, and as strategic analyst in the Enterprise Strategic Management Directorate at USCG Headquarters and on the Commandant’s Advisory Group. Most recently, she served as Chief of Operations for the Commander, Pacific Area. In this role, she oversaw all Coast Guard Operations in the Pacific Ocean including the development, implementation and operational execution of all planned and crisis action operations for all statutory missions.
Captain Collins holds a bachelor of science in Electrical Engineering from the United States Coast Guard Academy and a Masters of Science in Chemical Engineering from the Johns Hopkins University. More recently, Captain Collins spent a year as a military fellow at the RAND Corporation.
Captain Collins is married to Captain Brian C. Glander, USCG, Retired. They have one son, Karl.
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Panelist - DRIVING INNOVATION AND PROGRESS WITH PRINCIPLED LEADERSHIP
Captain, US Coast Guard
Andrea Goldstein
Panelist - DRIVING INNOVATION AND PROGRESS WITH PRINCIPLED LEADERSHIP
Lieutenant Commander, US Navy Reserves
Ms. Andrea N. Goldstein, SES Assistant Director, Force Resiliency Department of the Navy Ms. Goldstein is currently the Assistant Director for the Office of Force Resiliency at the Department of the Navy. In this role, she leads the Department’s prevention efforts regarding sexual assault, sexual harassment, and self-directed harm, including suicide. A non-career member of the Senior Executive Service, she was appointed to her current position by President Biden in June 2021. Previously, Ms. Goldstein served on the majority staff of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs from 2019-2021. As the lead staffer for the Women Veterans Task Force, chaired by Rep. Julia Brownley, she built a 85-member bipartisan coalition to ensure that the two largest federal agencies, the Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs, equitably serve the nation’s two million servicewomen and women veterans. She supported the development and passage of the Deborah Sampson Act, the most consequential legislation serving women veterans and military sexual trauma survivors in more than a decade, which became law in 2021. Ms. Goldstein served on active duty in the U.S. Navy as an intelligence officer. She spent much of her active duty career at sea and overseas in expeditionary and special operations missions. She remains a commissioned officer in the U.S. Navy Reserve, with assignments to NATO and the Office of Naval Intelligence. While assigned to NATO, she was instrumental in the development of the alliance’s policies on Women, Peace, and Security, and supported corresponding policy development at the Department of Defense. Ms. Goldstein is an award-winning writer, and has published widely on topics in national security and she is the co-author of three books, Invisible Veterans: When Military Women Become Civilians Again, Why We Write: Craft Essays on Writing War and Winning Westeros: How Game of Thrones Explains Modern Military Conflict. Ms. Goldstein is a Council on Foreign Relations Term Member, member of the Truman National Security Project, and former Non-Resident Fellow at the Modern War Institute at West Point. For her work on Capitol Hill, she was recognized with honors and awards by Disabled American Veterans, HillVets, and the National Able Network. She is a Pat Tillman Scholar, and a graduate of the University of Chicago and the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University
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Panelist - DRIVING INNOVATION AND PROGRESS WITH PRINCIPLED LEADERSHIP
Lieutenant Commander, US Navy Reserves
Haida StarEagle
Moderator - DRIVING INNOVATION AND PROGRESS WITH PRINCIPLED LEADERSHIP
Captain, US Space Force
Capt Haida StarEagle is the Intelligence, Surveillance, and
Reconnaissance analyst for HQ United States Space Force, Pentagon,
DC. Her duties include providing intelligence supportability leadership,
guidance, and analysis of current and proposed weapon systems,
technologies, and programs to determine optimum intelligence solutions,
document requirements, and identify supporting intelligence infrastructure
requirements necessary to successfully acquire, upgrade, and/or employ
USSF capabilities. Recently, on 12 March 2021, Capt StarEagle was
inducted into the United States Space Force.
Capt StarEagle enlisted in the United States Air Force in 2004 and was
selected to receive her commission in 2015 under the Senior Leaders
Enlisted Commissioning Program. She earned her commission from Officer
Training School in 2016. During her last deployment, Capt StarEagle was the
Chief of Human Intelligence Collections for the CENTCOM AOR. Capt
StarEagle’s Theater Special Operations Command core activities included
advising, assisting, and supporting foreign internal defense, civil affairs,
foreign internal affairs, and counterinsurgency. Prior to her current position,
Captain StarEagle was the Deputy CENTCOM Branch Chief for the Air
Intelligence Squadron, HQ AMC and Senior Intelligence Duty Officer for the
618th Air Operations Center at Scott AFB, IL.
Capt StarEagle is an intelligence operator with more than five years of
intelligence experience supporting combat operations. She has participated
in the U.S. Global War on Terrorism; IRAQI FREEDOM, FREEDOM’s
SENTINEL, INHERENT RESOLVE, USSOUTHCOM. Captain StarEagle's education started in 2010 at the Information Systems Technology, Community College of the Air Force, Maxwell-Gunter AFB, AL. In 2013 she earned her Bachelor of Science, Aerospace Studies, American Military University, Manassas, WV. In 2016 she completed Officer Training School, Maxwell-Gunter AFB, AL. In 2021 she is pursuing her Masters in Homeland Security – Intelligence and Geospatial Analyst Option at Penn State, State College, PA.
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Moderator - DRIVING INNOVATION AND PROGRESS WITH PRINCIPLED LEADERSHIP
Captain, US Space Force
Fiona McFarland
Panelist - NEW PARADIGMS OF SERVICE
Florida State Representative, USN Reserves
The Honorable Fiona McFarland
Florida House of Representatives
District 72 (North Sarasota)
Fiona.McFarland@MyFloridaHouse.gov
Representative Fiona McFarland was elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 2020, and serves as the House Majority Whip for the Commerce Committee. Fiona is a 2008 graduate of the United States Naval Academy, where she majored in Political Science and was captain of the women’s crew team. She served for eight years on active duty as a Surface Warfare officer, completing tours of duty onboard the Arleigh Burke class guided missile destroyer USS Preble (DDG 88), as an inaugural crewmember on Littoral Combat Ship USS Coronado (LCS 4), and in the Navy Office of
Information in the Pentagon. While on active duty, she earned an MBA from the University of Chapel Hill’s Kenan Flagler business school in 2013.
In 2016, Fiona transitioned to the US Navy Reserves. She participated in multinational antisubmarine warfare exercises above the Arctic circle with the US European Command, as well as with the US Africa
Command promoting cooperation and understanding among regional African allies and partner nations. In her civilian capacity, Fiona worked as a consultant with the global business management consulting
firm McKinsey and Company, where she served clients across media, consumer goods, manufacturing, and advanced technology industry, among others, consulting directly with senior executives of Fortune 500 to solve
business and operations challenges. Fiona is married to fellow Naval Academy classmate and native Floridian Matthew Melton and they have
two young boys.
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Panelist - NEW PARADIGMS OF SERVICE
Florida State Representative, USN Reserves
Amy McGrath
Panelist - NEW PARADIGMS OF SERVICE
Lieutenant Colonel, USMC (Retired) Founder, Honor Bound
Amy McGrath is the founder of Honor Bound, a 501(c)(4) nonpartisan organization committed to the leadership development of women with service backgrounds by encouraging and better equipping these women to run for elected office at the local, state and federal levels. Prior to founding Honor Bound, Amy served 20 years in the US Marine Corps mostly flying F/A-18 fighter jets. After her operational flying tours, she served as a Congressional Fellow and in the Pentagon as the USMC’s liaison to the State Department and other federal agencies. Her final assignment was as a senior instructor in the Political Science Department at the US Naval Academy teaching national security courses before retiring at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and moving back to her hometown of Kentucky to raise her family. In 2018 and 2020, Amy ran for political office in the U.S. House and Senate races in Kentucky. Amy is the author of the book: Honor Bound: An American Story of Dreams and Service.
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Panelist - NEW PARADIGMS OF SERVICE
Lieutenant Colonel, USMC (Retired) Founder, Honor Bound
Tynisha Jones-Vincent
Moderator - NEW PARADIGMS OF SERVICE
Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Air Force, reserves
Tynisha "Ty" Jones-Vincent works in DoD's Military Community and Family Policy Outreach Operations Division. She is responsible for creating engagement opportunities that showcase the continuum of support across military and civilian communities that enables service members, military families and survivors to thrive.
Ty is also Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Air Force Reserve she serves as a Public Affairs Officer at Air Combat Command. Ty entered Air Force Active Duty in 2002 as a 2nd Lt at Maxwell AFB, Alabama and served three years at Air University Public Affairs. She was moved to the Pentagon working in the Air Force Public Affair’s Integrated marketing division. She then transferred to Air Force Civil Service in 2006 continuing her work for Air Force Public Affairs. Ty is married to her husband, Timothy Vincent and they have two kids Timmy Vincent (12) and Tristen Vincent (7).
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Moderator - NEW PARADIGMS OF SERVICE
Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Air Force, reserves
Hayat Alvi
Panelist - AFGHANISTAN: THE IMPACT OF STRATEGY, TRANSITION, AND SHARED HUMANITY PERSONALLY AND COLLECTIVELY
Associate Professor National Security Affairs, U.S. Naval War College
Hayat Alvi joined the U.S. Naval War College in 2007. Previously, she served as an assistant professor in the Political Science Department at American University in Cairo from 2001-05 and as the director of the International Studies Program at Arcadia University from 2005-07. She specializes in international relations, political economy and comparative politics with regional expertise in the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia. She also specializes in Islamic studies and genocide studies. She is proficient in Arabic and Urdu and is a Fulbright Fellow (Syria, 1993-94). Alvi has published numerous articles, books and book chapters.
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Panelist - AFGHANISTAN: THE IMPACT OF STRATEGY, TRANSITION, AND SHARED HUMANITY PERSONALLY AND COLLECTIVELY
Associate Professor National Security Affairs, U.S. Naval War College
Madison Scaccia
Panelist - AFGHANISTAN: THE IMPACT OF STRATEGY, TRANSITION, AND SHARED HUMANITY PERSONALLY AND COLLECTIVELY
U.S. Air Force, Major
Major Madison K. Scaccia is the Director of Operations, 436th Logistics Readiness Squadron, Dover Air Force Base, Delaware. She leads 370 military and civilian Airmen in providing logistics support to the C-5M and C-17A aircraft assigned to the 436th and 512th Airlift Wings. Major Scaccia earned her commission in 2011 as a graduate of the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, and later served at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, NJ, Eglin AFB, FL, and the Pentagon. In 2017, she was selected to participate in the Afghanistan-Pakistan Hands program, undergoing Afghan culture and Dari language training in Washington, D.C., before serving a year in Kabul as the senior budget advisor to the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan’s Ministry of Interior Affairs Logistics Directorate. She is a 2020 graduate of the National Defense University’s College of International Security Affairs, Fort Lesley J. McNair, Washington, D.C., where she studied the politics, culture, economy, and history of South and Central Asia and international feminist theory, with a focus of Afghan women’s groups. Maj Scaccia recently completed a two-month deployment to JBMDL, where she served as the Joint Task Force Liberty Commander’s Female Engagement Team lead, providing gender-proactive cultural competency training to 3,000 military and interagency personnel receiving, housing, and supporting more than 12,000 Afghan evacuees as part of Operations Allies Refuge and Allies Welcome. She enjoys traveling, cooking, continuing her study of Dari, and dreams of one day visiting Afghanistan without the burden of a bulletproof vest.
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Panelist - AFGHANISTAN: THE IMPACT OF STRATEGY, TRANSITION, AND SHARED HUMANITY PERSONALLY AND COLLECTIVELY
U.S. Air Force, Major
Timothy Butler
Panelist - AFGHANISTAN: THE IMPACT OF STRATEGY, TRANSITION, AND SHARED HUMANITY PERSONALLY AND COLLECTIVELY
Chaplain, Colonel, US Air Force, ret
Tim retired as a Colonel after serving 35 years as a chaplain in the Air Force, including 17 assignments and 6 wartime deployments. As the Executive Director of the Chaplain Corps he developed expertise in organizational leadership, team development, change management, conflict management, culture building and creation of results-oriented programs and services. Tim is a person of high integrity, competence and loyalty, and is a trusted advisor on sensitive and complex issues. Prior to joining ClearRock as an executive coach, Tim founded Courageous Coaching, LLC. Tim holds a Certificate in Executive Leadership Coaching from Georgetown University’s Institute for Transformational Leadership. He is certified in the Leadership Circle Profile, Emotional Quotient Inventory (2.0) and 360 Assessments, and is ACC credentialed by the International Coach Federation. Over the course of his career, he earned MA’s in Military Operations and Strategic Studies from Air University, an MA in Organizational Management from The George Washington University, an MDiv from St. John’s Seminary School of Theology, and a BA from Boston College and St. John’s Seminary College of Liberal Arts. Tim is a practitioner of meditation, mindfulness and yoga. He serves as an advisor to the Board of Directors for Warrior One, a non-profit organization that recruits, trains and provides mindful yoga instructors on military bases worldwide.
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Panelist - AFGHANISTAN: THE IMPACT OF STRATEGY, TRANSITION, AND SHARED HUMANITY PERSONALLY AND COLLECTIVELY
Chaplain, Colonel, US Air Force, ret
Alea Nadeem
Panelist - AFGHANISTAN: THE IMPACT OF STRATEGY, TRANSITION, AND SHARED HUMANITY PERSONALLY AND COLLECTIVELY
US Air Force Reserve Officer and Civil Service
Alea Nadeem is a Department of Defense Legislative Fellow. As an Air Force Reserve Officer and Civil Service employee she has 14 years of experience working in intelligence, law enforcement, and fraud investigations. She served in Operation Inherent Resolve, supporting the defeat ISIS mission in Iraq and Syria. Alea grew up for a portion of her childhood in Mosul, Iraq and lived under the Saddam Hussein regime. Her work in the Air Force has focused on the Middle East and bringing cultural aspects into intelligence. She hails from Toledo, Ohio and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology from the University of New Mexico and a Masters of Social Work from the University of Southern California. Alea is a writer for RallyPoint and shares her stories of growing up in Iraq as a child and military matters today.
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Panelist - AFGHANISTAN: THE IMPACT OF STRATEGY, TRANSITION, AND SHARED HUMANITY PERSONALLY AND COLLECTIVELY
US Air Force Reserve Officer and Civil Service
Lea Gabrielle
Moderator - AFGHANISTAN: THE IMPACT OF STRATEGY, TRANSITION, AND SHARED HUMANITY PERSONALLY AND COLLECTIVELY
While attending Mount Vernon High School in Fairfax County, Virginia, Gabrielle was named a finalist in the Westinghouse Science Talent Search. She is a 1997 graduate of the United States Naval Academy, earning a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering. Entering the active-duty Navy after graduation, Gabrielle attended the U.S. Navy Flight School at Naval Air Station Pensacola in Florida from 1998 to 2000, earning her Naval Aviator Wings. She is also qualified with an instrument rating and as a commercial pilot.
She served in the United States Navy for twelve years and was a naval aviator of the single-seat F/A-18 "Hornet," with combat deployment from USS George Washington. Her call sign as a pilot was "Flower". Additional duties were as a landing signal officer (LSO) and as a squadron public affairs officer. She also served as an intelligence operations officer during Operation Enduring Freedom, and while in Afghanistan she was embedded with a Navy SEAL unit conducting intelligence operations. She was also a defense foreign liaison officer. As a civilian, she worked as a journalist and correspondent for the Fox News Channel and as a general-assignment reporter for Shepard Smith Reporting. On February 7, 2019 it was announced she would head up the U.S. Department of State's Global Engagement Center (GEC), tasked with countering propaganda from foreign actors such as Russia, China, North Korea, and ISIS. She has served in the position of Special Envoy and Coordinator of the GEC since February 11, 2019.
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Moderator - AFGHANISTAN: THE IMPACT OF STRATEGY, TRANSITION, AND SHARED HUMANITY PERSONALLY AND COLLECTIVELY
Mini-OWLS II SPEAKERS
August 5, 2021
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August 5, 2021
Karen Gibson
Keynote - Thriving Through Challenge
Lieutenant General, U.S. Army (Retired)
Lieutenant General, retired, Karen Gibson is now serving as the Sergeant of Arms for the United States Senate. She entered the Army in 1987, merely intending to fulfill a four-year active duty commitment with no expectation of a military career. She immediately fell in love with being a Soldier, however, and?culminated her 33-year career as a Lieutenant General and Deputy Director of National Intelligence for National Security Partnerships. A seasoned combat veteran, she deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan, East Africa, and the broader Middle East and served four years in the Republic of Korea. Her professional highlights include positions as Director of Intelligence for U.S. Central Command; Director of Intelligence for Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve, the multinational defeat-ISIS coalition; and Deputy Commanding General for U.S. Army Cyber Command.?These accomplishments pale in comparison to her pride in her family and her two adult children.
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Keynote - Thriving Through Challenge
Lieutenant General, U.S. Army (Retired)
Michelle Howard
Keynote - CONSISTENTLY NAVIGATING INCONSISTENT CHALLENGES
Admiral, U.S. Navy (retired)
Admiral Michelle Howard was the first woman to become a four-star admiral in the U.S. Navy and was the first African American woman to captain a U.S. naval ship (1999). Admiral Howard graduated as one of only seven black women in the USNA class of 1982 and later earned (1998) a master’s degree in military arts and sciences from the U.S. Army’s Command & General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. During Howard’s sophomore year at the academy, she piloted her first ship, the destroyer USS Spruance, during a summer training cruise. She served aboard the submarine tender USS Hunley (1982–85) and the training aircraft carrier USS Lexington (1985–87) before being named (1990) the chief engineer aboard the USS Mount Hood. She assumed the duties of first lieutenant (1992) aboard the USS Flint and was the executive officer (1996) on the USS Tortuga. By taking command of the USS Rushmore, Howard became the first African American woman to captain a U.S. naval ship. She served (May 2004–September 2005) as the commander of Amphibious Squadron 7, which aided in relief in the aftermath of the Indian Ocean tsunami of 2004. She became the first African American woman to lead a U.S. Navy battle group when in 2009 she took command of Expeditionary Strike Group Two. This flotilla guarded (April 2009–July 2010) the Persian Gulf as part of the U.S. war on terrorism and performed anti-piracy operations in the Indian Ocean. Sailors under her leadership rescued Richard Phillips, the captain of the container ship MV Maersk Alabama, who was held hostage (April 8–12, 2009) by Somali pirates. Howard also served in a number of onshore positions, notably as deputy director of the Expeditionary Warfare Division under the chief of naval operations, senior military assistant to the secretary of the navy, chief of staff to the director for strategic plans and policy, and deputy chief of naval operations for operations, plans, and strategy (N3/N5). On July 1, 2014, Howard became the first woman promoted to the rank of four-star admiral in the U.S. Navy. That day she was also appointed the 38th vice-chief of naval operations (VCNO), making her the second highest-ranking officer in the U.S. Navy. In 2016 she became commander of naval forces in Europe and Africa. The following year she retired from the Navy.
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Keynote - CONSISTENTLY NAVIGATING INCONSISTENT CHALLENGES
Admiral, U.S. Navy (retired)
La'Shanda Holmes
Panelist - LEADING OTHERS WHO MAY NOT LOOK OR THINK LIKE YOU
Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Coast Guard
Prior to joining the Coast Guard’s Senate Liaison Office, Lieutenant
Commander (LCDR) La’Shanda Holmes served as an MH-65 Dolphin
helicopter pilot at Coast Guard Air Station Miami, Florida, the Coast
Guard’s busiest Air Station. As an Aircraft Commander, she led search and rescue missions, drug and migrant interdictions, and marine environmental protection during all hours, and weather/sea conditions. Prior to that position, LCDR Holmes led the Special Services and External/Governmental Affairs Divisions at Air Station Miami. Born in Plainfield, New Jersey and raised in Fayetteville, North Carolina, LCDR Holmes graduated from Spelman College in 2007 with a BA in Psychology and completed Officer Candidate School in May 2008. After graduating from Navy Flight School in Pensacola, Florida, she was Coast Guard Air Station Los Angeles, California where she served as the Morale Officer, Training Officer, Flight Services Officer, and Flight Scheduling Officer leading 11 members and directly responsible for $25k in funds and property. LCDR Holmes’ subsequent tour was Coast Guard Air Station Atlantic City, New Jersey where she earned the Rotary-Wing Air Intercept (RWAI) qualification and was charged with flying missions to protect the President of the United States (POTUS) and critical infrastructure in and around the nation’s capital. LCDR Holmes was selected to serve as a White House Fellow 2015-2016 and was the Special Assistant to the NASA Administrator, General Charles F. Bolden. LCDR Holmes is a graduate of New England’s College of Business and Finance, Harvard Kennedy School of Government’s Executive Education Program (Public Leadership), Cornell University’s School of Industrial and Labor Relations (Strategic Human Resources Leadership), and is a Term Member with the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR). LCDR Holmes was inducted into the International Forest of Friendship, selected as one of Grio’s Top 100 History Makers, nominated for an NAACP award for her work on The Smithsonian’s “Black Wings” documentary. She received the Blacks in Government award, Spelman College’s Top 30 under 30 Alumna, Partnership in Education Award, Spelman College 2013 Alumna of the Year award, USAA’s Veteran Honoree, and numerous mission-driven military awards. LCDR Holmes is a board member of Tomorrow’s Aeronautical Museum and Foster Club, two non-profits dedicated to educating, representing, and inspiring foster care and marginalized youth.
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Panelist - LEADING OTHERS WHO MAY NOT LOOK OR THINK LIKE YOU
Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Coast Guard
Merna Hsu
Panelist - LEADING OTHERS WHO MAY NOT LOOK OR THINK LIKE YOU
Colonel, U.S. Air Force
Colonel Merna H. H. Hsu is the Director, Special Access Programs Management Office (SAPMO) and Chief, Special Programs Division, Headquarters Space Operations Command, Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado. The organization is responsible for conducting strategic resource planning, programming, execution, and security oversight functions for capabilities critical to the United States Space Force mission.
Colonel Hsu entered the U.S. Air Force in 1996 as a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy. She has tactical operations expertise in multiple space and nuclear weapon systems, and has served in operational and staff assignments in Air Combat Command, Air Education and Training Command, Air Force Space Command, the Intelligence Community, Headquarters United States Space Force, and the Joint Staff. Colonel Hsu’s assignments at the tactical, operational, and strategic levels have included duties as an evaluator, instructor, weapons officer, joint strategic and operational planner, Air Operations Center deputy commander, pol-mil officer, and branch chief for space strategy and policy matters for the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. She has commanded at multiple echelons in the U.S. and overseas, and deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, and operations in the Horn of Africa. Prior to her current assignment, Colonel Hsu served as Chief, Strategic Planning and Basing for Space Operations Command.
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Panelist - LEADING OTHERS WHO MAY NOT LOOK OR THINK LIKE YOU
Colonel, U.S. Air Force
Tracey Nicholson
Panelist - LEADING OTHERS WHO MAY NOT LOOK OR THINK LIKE YOU
Sergeant Major, U.S. Marine Corps
Sergeant Major Nicholson started her career as the Honor Graduate for both her recruit training then Communication School. She served as the Information Systems Management Operator NCO in Charge and the
Battalion’s Training Chief. She deployed to Samut Prakan, Thailand, where she pinned on Sergeant and later attended Sergeant’s Course, graduating as the Honor Graduate in August 1999. She served as the Defense Message Center NCO, and later as the Electronic Key Management System’s NCO. In March 2002, she pinned on Staff Sergeant and changed her specialty to Career Planner. She served as the Career Retention Specialist in Iwakuni, Japan and then was selected for the Staff NCO Degree Completion Program where she graduated with her BA in Psychology from the University of Maryland. In December 2005, she served in the Family Advocacy Program in Kaneohe, Hawaii and in 2008 transferred to Combat Logistics Regiment 25, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, where she served as the Regimental Career Retention Specialist. In January 2011, she deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and then in 2012 reported to 8th Communication Battalion, Bravo Company, Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, as the First Sergeant. She deployed again in support of Operation Enduring Freedom with Alpha Company. In November 2013, she reported to Marine Corps Detachment, Weapons Training Battalion, Training Command, Fort Lee, Virginia, to serve as Bravo Company’s First Sergeant. From July to September 2015, she served as a member on the FY 2015 Staff NCO Promotion Board in Quantico, VA. In 2016, she reported to 1st Law Enforcement Battalion (1stLEBn), I Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, to serve as Bravo Company’s First Sergeant and later as the 1stLEBn Headquarters First Sergeant. In 2017 she was the Sergeant Major for Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361, 3d Marine Aircraft Wing and participated in the Unit Deployment Program 18.2. She then was appointed as the Sergeant Major for Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Cherry Point, North Carolina. Awards include the Meritorious Service Medal (gold star in lieu of second award), the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (gold star in lieu of third award), and the Outstanding Military Service Medal.
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Panelist - LEADING OTHERS WHO MAY NOT LOOK OR THINK LIKE YOU
Sergeant Major, U.S. Marine Corps
James Bogle
Panelist - LEADING OTHERS WHO MAY NOT LOOK OR THINK LIKE YOU
Army Officer (retired) and Director of MBV Program at USC
James Bogle is the Director of the Master of Business for Veterans (MBV) program, and an Adjunct Professor of Management and Organization with the Marshall School of Business at the University of Southern California (USC). James joined the Marshall School in 2013 with a background in leadership, public policy and international affairs following 25 years of military service in the U.S. Army. While serving as an Army officer, James commanded two artillery units and led troops in combat in Iraq. Later, he served on the staff of Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld in the Office of European and NATO Policy. James also served at the U.S. Embassy in Paris, coordinating a range of conventional and special military operations with the French Joint Staff. He concluded his military career as an instructor at the U.S. Air Force Academy. James holds a BA in History from Arizona State University, an MA in International Relations from USC Dornsife, and a Master of Business for Veterans (MBV) from the USC Marshall School of Business.
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Panelist - LEADING OTHERS WHO MAY NOT LOOK OR THINK LIKE YOU
Army Officer (retired) and Director of MBV Program at USC
Miranda Summers Lowe
Panel Moderator - LEADING OTHERS WHO MAY NOT LOOK OR THINK LIKE YOU
Major, Army National Guard
Major Miranda Summers Lowe is an Army National Guard officer currently serving in Washington DC as an Army Congressional Fellow in the House of Representatives. After graduating from the Indiana Academy for Science, Mathematics, and Humanities, she enlisted in the Army National Guard in 2002 and attended the College of William and Mary. During her senior year, she was mobilized with her Virginia National Guard unit to Iraq, where she served as a supply sergeant with additional duty as a Blackhawk helicopter door gunner and graduated from college while home on leave. After returning from the deployment, Miranda enrolled at Brown University and attended OCS, completing a Master’s degree and commissioning in 2009. She served as the state public affairs officer for the D.C. National Guard, speechwriter to the Director of the Army National Guard, congressional activities branch chief for the National Guard Bureau Office of the Legislative Liaison and member of the Chief of Staff of the Army’s Operation Enduring Freedom Study Group. Her drilling assignments included military police platoon leader, intelligence officer, and public affairs detachment commander. From 2017-2019 she worked as military history curator at the Smithsonian. Miranda’s published work includes pieces in The New York Times, Military Review, Task & Purpose, War on the Rocks, and Naval Institute publications. She was a nonresident fellow of the Modern War Institute at West Point and a member of the Currently Serving Advisory Council for MOAA. She is on the Board of Trustees at the Anne S.K. Brown military library in Rhode Island and the Board of Governors for the Army and Navy Club in D.C. Miranda holds a Master of Professional Studies in Legislative Affairs from the George Washington University, an MA from Brown University in public humanities with a focus in cultural policy and a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from the College of William and Mary.
Miranda’s military education includes the Military Intelligence Captain’s Career Course and Basic Officer Leadership Course, the Public Affairs Qualification Course, Unit Supply Specialist Course, and Basic Combat Training. She was featured on NPR, the Army.mil website, and the upcoming PBS miniseries American Veteran, as well as the book As You Were: To War and Back with the Blackhawk Battalion of the Virginia National Guard. She was included in Task & Purpose’s top veterans to follow on Twitter.
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Panel Moderator - LEADING OTHERS WHO MAY NOT LOOK OR THINK LIKE YOU
Major, Army National Guard
Lori Reynolds
Panelist - BALANCING POWER AND INFLUENCE AS SERVANT LEADERS
Lieutenant General, U.S. Marine Corps
Lieutenant General Reynolds was commissioned in May 1986 upon graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy and assigned as a Communications Officer. As a Company grade officer, she served in various billets at 1st Marine Division Communications Company, Marine Wing Communication Squadron 18 in Okinawa, Marine Corps Systems Command, and 9th Communication Battalion, I MEF. As a Field Grade officer, she was selected to command
Recruiting Station Harrisburg PA and then served as an Action Officer and Division Head at HQMC C4. She was selected to command 9th Communication Battalion in 2003 and deployed the battalion to Fallujah Iraq in support of I MEF during Operation Iraqi Freedom II. She was
subsequently assigned to duty with the Joint Staff J6 in Washington DC where she was an Action Officer and Division Head. Col Reynolds assumed command of 1 MEF Headquarters Group in 2009 and deployed the Group to Helmand Province Afghanistan in support of I MEF and RC Southwest during Operation Enduring Freedom.
As a General Officer, she commanded Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island/Eastern Recruiting Region from 2011-2014, was the Principal Deputy to the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense South and Southeast Asia in OSD Policy from 2014-2015 and commanded Marine Corps Forces Cyberspace Command from 2015-2018. LtGen Reynolds has commanded at every rank.
Her professional military education includes The Basic School, the Basic Communication Officer’s Course, Command and Control Systems Course, the Naval War College and the Army War College. She has earned Masters Degrees from both the Naval War College and the Army War College.
Her personal decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal with oak leaf cluster, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal (with gold star), the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (with gold star).
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Panelist - BALANCING POWER AND INFLUENCE AS SERVANT LEADERS
Lieutenant General, U.S. Marine Corps
Donna Martin
Panelist - BALANCING POWER AND INFLUENCE AS SERVANT LEADERS
Major General, U.S. Army
Donna W. Martin is a United States Army major general who serves as the 18th United States Army Provost Marshal General since July 2020. She is the second female Provost Marshal General since Colleen L. McGuire. She previously served as commanding general of the United States Army Maneuver Support Center of Excellence and Fort Leonard Wood, and prior to that was commandant of the United States Military Police School from July 2017 to August 2018 and deputy commanding general of the United States Army Recruiting Command from March 2015 to July 2017.[1][2]
Donna W. Martin was born in Yorktown, Virginia and has served in the Army from 1988–present; Rank: Major General; Commands held: United States Army Criminal Investigation Command; United States Army Corrections Command; Rear Detachment, 18th Military Police Brigade; 202nd Military; Police Group (Criminal Investigation Division); 385th Military Police Battalion (Dragoons); Awards: Legion of Merit (4); Bronze Star Medal
Alma mater: Old Dominion University (BSCJ) and United States Army War College (MSS)
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Panelist - BALANCING POWER AND INFLUENCE AS SERVANT LEADERS
Major General, U.S. Army
Olenda Johnson, PhD
Panel Moderator - BALANCING POWER AND INFLUENCE AS SERVANT LEADERS
Professor of Strategic Leadership & Leader Development College of Leadership & Ethics U.S. Naval War College
Professor Olenda E. Johnson, Ph.D., advances leader development for the U.S. Navy. She advises and supports senior military leaders, develops strategy and leads team efforts. She serves as course designer and lead facilitator for the Navy’s 2-Star Flag Officer and Senior Executive Service (SES) Leadership Course. A passionate teacher and educator, she is recognized for her teaching expertise within professional military education institutions and beyond. She supports other military commands, including U.S. Army Special Forces, in their leader development efforts. An oft-invited speaker for non-profit and corporate organizations, she instills in others the courage and confidence to lead.
Professional Highlights: 2018 Adjunct Professor, Victoria Business School, NZ
Appointment as Adjunct Professor, Victoria Business School, University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand; 2013 Professor, U.S. Naval War College
Promoted to Full Professor in the College of Operational & Strategic Leadership (COSL); 2010 Associate Professor, U.S. Naval War College
Appointment as Associate Professor of Strategic Leadership and Leader Development in the College of Operational and Strategic Leadership;
2008 Associate Professor, North Carolina A&T State University
Associate Professor of Management in the School of Business & Economics. Courses included Organizational Behavior, Organizational Theory & Design, and Strategy; 2007 Distinguished Visiting Professor, U.S. Air Force Academy
Served one-year appointment as Distinguished Visiting Professor in the Department of Management; 2003 Associate Professor, North Carolina A&T State University Associate Professor of Management in the School of Business & Economics. Courses included Organizational Behavior, Organizational Theory & Design, and Strategy; 2002 Visiting Professor, U.S. Army War College. Served one-year appointment as Visiting Professor in the Department of Command Leadership & Management (DCLM); 2002 Associate Professor, North Carolina A&T State University. Promoted to Associate Professor with Tenure.
Education: Ph.D., University of Pittsburgh Katz Graduate School of Business, Organizational Behavior; MBA, Florida A&M University School of Business & Industry, Finance; B.S., Florida A&M University School of Business & Industry, Business Administration/Marketing
https://usnwc.edu/Faculty-and-Departments/Directory/Olenda-E-Johnson
About Olenda Johnson, PhD
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Panel Moderator - BALANCING POWER AND INFLUENCE AS SERVANT LEADERS
Professor of Strategic Leadership & Leader Development College of Leadership & Ethics U.S. Naval War College
Alvin Holsey
Roundtable Speaker - Leadership and Its Role in Diversity
Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy
Rear Adm. Alvin Holsey is a native of Fort Valley, Georgia and was commissioned through the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) program at Morehouse College in 1988, where he received a degree in Computer Science. He earned a Master of Science in Management from Troy State University in 1995 and attended the Joint Forces Staff College in 2010.
At sea, he deployed with USS Jesse L. Brown (FF 1089), USS Nicholson (DD 982), USS Vreeland (FF 1068), USS Vella Gulf (CG 72), USS Gettysburg (CG 64), and USS Simpson (FFG 56) flying both the SH-2F Seasprite and SH-60B Seahawk helicopters. He commanded Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light Three Seven (HSL-37) and the Navy’s first hybrid electric propulsion warship, USS Makin Island (LHD 8).
As a flag officer, he served as commander Carrier Strike Group One embarked aboard USS Carl Vinson, (CVN 70), and as the inaugural commander of the International Maritime Security Construct / Coalition Task Force Sentinel rapidly setting up an expeditionary headquarters to ensure freedom of navigation, international law, free flow of commerce and stability of maritime commons throughout the Middle East.
His staff assignments have included, flag aide to Commander Naval Air Force and the Deputy Chief of Naval Operations (Warfare Requirements and Programs N6/N7), operations officer on the Joint Chiefs of Staff, J-3, Joint Operations Directorate, European Command, deputy director PERS 43 / Head Air Combat Placement Officer, Navy Personnel Command, force operations officer, N3 at Commander Naval Air Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, executive assistant to the Chief of Naval Operations. As a flag officer, he served as deputy director for Operations, National Military Command Center, Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Holsey became Commander, Navy Personnel Command on 08 January 2021. He most recently served as director, Task Force One Navy, analyzing and evaluating issues in society and the military that detract from Navy readiness.
His military decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit (four awards), Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (four awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and various unit, campaign and service awards.
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Roundtable Speaker - Leadership and Its Role in Diversity
Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy
Tara Nolan
OWLS Talk Speaker and Roundtable Moderator
Colonel, U.S. Air Force Reserves
Tara Nolan is a Citizen Airman passionate about entrepreneurship, team building and horses. She hosts a weekly radio show on KRDO and a podcast “Wealth is a Team Sport Live.”
Tara graduated from the United States Air Force Academy and holds a Master of Science in Cell and Molecular Biology and a Master of Business Administration.
Tara was a C-130 Aircraft Commander flying OEF/OIF combat missions. She has worked logistics at the Air Staff, PACOM and wing levels. She was also an instructor of biology at the Air Force Academy.
Tara is the author of Out of the Saddle and Speaking Your Truth. She lives with her husband, Kris, 3 horses and multiple barn cats on their ranch in Colorado.
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OWLS Talk Speaker and Roundtable Moderator
Colonel, U.S. Air Force Reserves
Tasha Sadowicz
OWLS Talk Speaker and Roundtable Moderator
Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Coast Guard
Lieutenant Commander Tasha Sadowicz is based at Training Center Yorktown, VA. She serves as the Personnel Support Branch Chief providing mission support to over 600 staff members and 1400 students. She is a well-rounded Response Officer with sea, air and shore tours. She served on the CGC GALLATIN, a 378’ cutter based out of Charleston, SC, as a Deck Watch Officer, Air Station Detroit serving as a CG helicopter pilot, Sector Miami serving as a Command Duty Officer and Sector Upper Mississippi River Enforcement Chief. Also a CG Victim Advocate, LtCdr Sadowicz has volunteered over 1000 hours of hotline duty standing with a non-profit called Newport News Sexual Assault Center for Survivors.
Lieutenant Commander Sadowicz’s military decorations include the Coast Guard Commendation Medal, the Coast Guard Achievement Medal as well as other service, unit and team awards.
Lieutenant Commander Sadowicz was born in Ft. Hood, TX; however as a proud Air Force brat and second generation military officer, Lieutenant Commander Sadowicz spent eight years at overseas Air Force Bases. She graduated from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in 2005 with a Bachelor of Science in Marine and Environmental Sciences and completed a Master of Business Administration in Aviation from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University. She is married to Slawomir Sadowicz of Detroit, MI and they have one daughter, Karina and one son, Konrad.
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OWLS Talk Speaker and Roundtable Moderator
Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Coast Guard
Emily Harman
OWLS Talk Speaker and Roundtable Moderator
Emily has 38 years of service to her country as both a Naval Officer and civilian federal employee, retiring as a member of the Senior Executive Service and the Director of the Department of the Navy’s Office of Small Business Programs in 2019.
Now, an entrepreneur herself, Emily’s business coaching services are focused on helping entrepreneurs position their company to accelerate results and win Government Contracts while creating more freedom and time for themselves, their relationships, and their health. Emily is a contributing author to the #1 Bestseller Becoming a GovCon Expert: How to Accelerate Your Success in Government Contracting.
Emily founded the Onward Movement which seeks to inspire at least 10,000 people to embrace authenticity and release the fear of judgment so they can pursue their dreams with confidence. As a personal coach, Emily helps her clients transform their dreams into reality so they can create a life they love while achieving new heights of authentic success. As host of the Onward Podcast, Emily has conversations with her guests about facing adversity, moving forward, and discovering themselves along the way.
Emily graduated from the United States Naval Academy and earned her Masters Degree from the Florida Institute of Technology. She currently lives in Staunton, VA. In her free time, Emily loves to hang out with friends and family as well as swim, hike, camp, and read.
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OWLS Talk Speaker and Roundtable Moderator
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
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)
Greg Jenkins
Roundtable Speaker - Leveraging Good Leadership to Support DEI
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 - Leveraging Good Leadership to Support DEI
U.S. Army (ret)
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 Vice President of Development 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.
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Roundtable Speaker - Comedy: Bringing Laughter to Your Life
U.S. Army (Veteran) and Women's Memorial
Halima Muhammad
Roundtable Speaker - Financial Planning
U.S. Air Force (ret)
Halima Muhammad is a retired veteran, mom, financial entrepreneur and speaker on a big mission to eradicate financial illiteracy in North America. She teaches families how money works and helps employees become entrepreneurs.
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Roundtable Speaker - Financial Planning
U.S. Air Force (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 Episcopal 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
Mini-OWLS I SPEAKERS
April 13, 2021
About Mini-OWLS I SPEAKERS
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April 13, 2021
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 Yeager
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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.
About Kayla Barron
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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 Hatcher
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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 Bert
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Panel Speaker - Leading Self
U.S. Coast Guard, Rear Admiral
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
Claudia Cimini
Panel Speaker
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 Cimini
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Panel Speaker
U.S. Merchant Marines
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.
About Linda Urrutia-Varhall
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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
About Phyllis Wilson
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Panel Speaker - Leading Self
U.S. Army (ret) and Women's Memorial
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
About Mo Barrett
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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 Stevens
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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.
About Elexa Orrange-Allen
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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" Bushman
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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/
About Janine Garner
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Roundtable Speaker - Finding Balance: Embracing Your Artistic and Creative Side as a Military Officer
Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps
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.
About Beth Jarvis
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Roundtable Speaker - Be a Lady They Said
U.S. Army (veteran)
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 Lorenz
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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.
About Shaye Molendyke
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Roundtable Speaker - Yoga Techniques for Resilience
U.S. Air Force, LtCol (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.
About Amy Ryder
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Roundtable Speaker - Dual Career
U.S. Air Force (Veteran)
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.
About Shari Silverman
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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.
About Elisabeth Auld
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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
About Susan Feland
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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
About Jackie Stennett
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AcademyWomen Vice President and Event Host
U.S. Army (Veteran) and AcademyWomen
Tamara Campbell
Panelist - DRIVING INNOVATION AND PROGRESS WITH PRINCIPLED LEADERSHIP
Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps
Colonel Campbell graduated from the US Naval Academy in 1997 with a BS in Oceanography. After The Basic School, Quantico, VA she was trained as an Air Defense Control Officer and then assigned to MACS-1, Camp Pendleton, CA earning her qualifications as an Air Intercept Controller. In 2001, attended Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) where she earned a dual Master of Science degree in Program Management and Financial Management. Captain Campbell was then assigned to Marine Corps Systems Command. From 2003 to July 2006, she served in several key billets to include: Project Officer and Assistant Business Manager with the ACAT II Common Aviation Command and Control System (CAC2S) Program and an ACAT III Joint Program - Joint Interface Control Officers (JICO) Support System (JSS). She was then assigned as an Integrated Air and Missile Defense Capabilities Officer within the Combat Development Directorate, Marine Corps Combat Development Command. In 2007, she was assigned as the Command and Control Plans Officer within the G-3, Force Fires Section at III MEF, Okinawa, Japan. In March 2008, Major Campbell was selected for lateral re-designation as an Acquisition Professional. In 2009, she transferred to MTACS-18 to serve as the S-6, Maintenance Officer and Senior Air Coordinator within the Tactical Air Command Center. She served as the Deputy Program Manager for Air Traffic Control (ATC) Systems at PMA213, NAVAIR, where she was responsible for the Acquisition and Life Cycle Support of various Navy and Marine Corps ATC Systems. In July 2013, she returned to Marine Corps Systems Command and served within PM-MAGTF Command, Control and Communications as the Product Manager for Integration, Interoperability and Situational Awareness, a Command Equivalent tour. Selected for Top Level School, she attended The Eisenhower School at National Defense University where she earned a Master of Science degree in National Security and Resource Strategy with a concentration in Strategic Acquisition. She served as the Chief of Staff for the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy, for Expeditionary Programs and Logistics Management. She then returned to NAVAIR and served as the Strategic IPT Lead for PMA-272, Advanced Tactical Aircraft Protection Systems. In 2020, Colonel Campbell assumed command as Program Manager of PMA-272.
About Tamara Campbell
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Panelist - DRIVING INNOVATION AND PROGRESS WITH PRINCIPLED LEADERSHIP
Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps
