U.S. Africa Command’s senior female leaders were out in force as keynote speakers and presenters to the audience of about 120 women, girls and even a few men at the U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart’s 5th Annual Women’s Leadership Forum, held at the Swabian Special Events Center at Patch Barracks on March 27.
The goal of the forum is to equip each participant with knowledge and the tools to advance in their careers, while also motivating attendees to excel at accomplishing their aspirations.
Women leaders from U.S. Africa Command have been actively engaged as featured speakers and workshop facilitators ever since the first forum, held in October 2009.
U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Jody Daniels, Deputy Director, Intelligence and Knowledge Development Directorate (J2), provided the opening keynote address. In recalling highlights from her career, which spans more than 30 years of active and reserve military service, she emphasized the importance of taking risks, challenging oneself, and not being afraid to make mistakes.
“At times I could not see myself doing things; I had supportive leaders and mentors who’d say, ‘Jody, you should go for that,’ so I thought, okay, I can see myself doing that, so I’d focus my energy toward reaching that next goal,” said Daniels.
“I realized that I did not have to know everything in the beginning of each new challenge, but that I needed to learn and become the best I could be in every job – that is my advice to you. Being the best gives you credibility and increases your confidence,’ said Daniels.
In her closing comment Daniels said, “I want to leave you with a final thought and one of my favorite quotes, from the author Ayn Rand, ‘the question isn't who is going to let me; it's who is going to stop me.’”
Daniels was in good company with several other women leaders from U.S. AFRICOM. Ms. Terri Kondos, National Crypto logic Representative and Deputy Chief F2 Director of National Intelligence Representative; Ms. Rhonda Diaz, Deputy Director of Resources (J1/J8); Ms Vivian Turnbull, Assistant Director of Intelligence for Operations Support and DIA Senior Representative; Air Force Sr. Master Sgt. Teresa Schorer, First Sergeant; and Ms. Jessica Snowden, Intelligence Policy Analyst teamed to bring their experiences and present speeches and workshops to emerging and future leaders.
As one of the participants on a panel who provided their perspectives on leadership, Diaz said, “Grow yourself and think of FYI as “for your improvement.’ Be yourself and value diversity of perspectives as much as your own.”
Turnbull, on the same panel, said, “What you did to get where you are may not be what you need to get to your next position. Seek the environment where you always have to be learning, and remember that it’s important to focus on your successes instead of second guessing yourself.”
Inspiring speeches from accomplished leaders was just part of the agenda. Attendees had an opportunity to sit in on multiple workshops throughout the days. Workshops covered financial readiness, facilitated by Mr. Arcelio Alleyne, Financial Readiness Specialist, U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart; communication skills, facilitated by Ms. Linda Benedik, Business Advisor, Decision Support Division, J7, U.S. European Command; networking, facilitated by Cdr. JoAnna Sarmiento, Commanding Officer, Naval Reserve, U.S. European Command; and the leadership workshop was lead by Air Force Sr. Master Sgt. Teresa Schorer, First Sergeant, U.S. Africa Command.
Schorer, who also facilitated the workshop on leadership for the same forum in 2012 said, “Because of my own network, someone reached out to me and asked me to do this a couple of years ago. It was a great experience for me. And because of all the positive feedback, I was asked to do it again this year. I love doing it and it really demonstrates how networking and leadership go hand in hand.”
Later in the day, Daniels teamed with Ms. Kathleen Cole, Deputy Commander of the U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart, for an informal, no issues are off-limits question and answer session with some of the forum participants. Many questions centered on how to cope with conflict, how to deal with obstacles and how to both give and receive feedback.
In responding to a question about going by the book, Cole responded, “Remember that regulations are guidelines; what’s important is that you know the facts. When you have that, then you can get to yes.”
A question about deciding what to do when all the facts are not readily clear solicited this response from Daniels, “Grayness can be your friend. Most times you won’t be in an environment where it’s black or white, so embrace that; see it as an opportunity to show that you can lead even when the way ahead may not be clear to others who only can lead when the choice is obvious.”
Participants represented nearly every organization from the Stuttgart military community and even included about twenty girls from the local Patch High School. Selection to attend the forum is competitive for the students, each of whom was nominated by one or more of their teachers, although they are not privy to who nominates them.
“I did not know I was even being considered for this, but I’m glad I was selected to attend. It’s been very inspiring and is helping me think more about what lies ahead,” said Victoria Shealy, a senior at Patch High School.
Her friend, Josephine Ratcliff, who is a sophomore said, “This has really been a great experience; I just feel enlightened and am very happy I was chosen for this opportunity.”
“The Women’s Leadership Forum is the brainchild of one of my predecessors,” said Ms. Eshe Faulcon, EEO Specialist for the U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart.
“Yasmin Rosa, who was the EEO Special Emphasis Program manager a few years ago, came up with the idea to bring leaders across all disciplines, areas and ages together. She believed that having high school students would really make this forum unique by creating an opportunity for seasoned and emerging leaders to engage with the leaders of the future,” said Faulcon.
Faulcon, who is currently a staff of one in the Garrison’s Equal Employment Opportunity office, is the lead of the Special Emphasis Program Committee, the group responsible for the planning and execution of the annual Women’s Leadership Forum. The committee of about 12 people is mostly volunteers from the Stuttgart military community.
I Volunteer
No one within the reach of the American Forces Network airwaves is a stranger to AFN spots about the importance and rewards of volunteering.
Volunteers are the real key to the success of the Women’s Leadership Forum. The Special Emphasis Program Committee, the speakers, the workshop facilitators, the student leaders, and even the student escorts who helped ensure the future women leaders stayed on track and got to where they needed to be on time during the day, all volunteered their time, talents and expertise.
Ms. Ashley Acheson, Social Media Specialist with the Directorate of Emergency Services, said, “I was recruited by Nicole Kinsey, who works at the National Geospatial Agency and volunteers on the Special Emphasis Program Committee; she asked me if I’d could lend a hand with this event. I was eager to help, especially with the students, and really enjoyed being able to attend the workshops. I’ve learned something new and the day was fun as well as inspiring.”
Final speech; Recognizing leaders
The final speech of the day was presented by Kondos and focused on the progress women have made in the work-place and the challenges that lie ahead, primarily with establishing and maintaining a sense of priorities that represent the best balance for what women value – family as well as work.
For the first time, awards were included as part of the event. The awards recognized women of distinction in the categories of leadership achievement and emerging leader with top honors going to Vivian Turnbull for the Legacy Leadership Award.
Other awardees were Ms. Kelly Sarles with Family, Morale, Welfare and Readiness, U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart, and Sgt. First Class April Smith with the Defense Information Security Agency, both honored with the Leadership Achievement Award.
Recipients of the Emerging Leader Award were Ms. Jennifer Smith, also with Family, Morale, Welfare and Readiness, U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart, and Spec. Patricia Hanson with the Medical Command.
The Leadership Achievement Award is given to women who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and has made an impact in their organization. They have set an inspiring example which empowers other women in federal service to assume leadership roles.
The Emerging Leader Award is given to women who demonstrate strong evidence of leadership potential and a commitment to service within the federal government early in their career.
“It’s clear that women value this opportunity to come together so we can learn and grow,” said Faulcon as the conclusion of the day’s activities.
“The forum has grown from a two-hour session with about 40 people attending in 2009 to an entire day with over 120 people. And each year the number one feedback comment is, ‘Make it longer – we want more time to learn, grown and network!’’ said Faulcon.
