In this virtual session from the November 7th Career Coaching Workshop, we brought together a diverse panel of speakers from different industries and in a range of leadership positions. Each shared the joys and challenges they face to help you gain insights that will help you navigate your own life and explore future opportunities. We covered a gamut of topics ranging from financial literacy, pivoting in the face of challenges, taking your military experience to a completely different federal organization, the impact of artificial intelligence and making sure you are ready when the "right door" opens. Led by moderator Vimbo Watson, speakers were Tamika Adams, Jennifer Burch, Jinada Rochelle, Tom Solitario and Gwendolen Wilder.

How do YOU find success? What brings YOU joy? How do YOU want to live your life? This interactive workshop from our November 7th Career Coaching Workshop dives into how you can cultivate purpose to create the life you love. This virtual session was led by Christina Mattison, life coach and leadership expert, who specializes in women in the military. The session starts with a quiet grounding that settled us in to a great discussion, enjoy!

This interactive workshop from our November 7, 2025 Career Coaching Workshop helps you align your interests and skills in order to identify opportunities that excite you so that you can narrow your focus while confidently and succinctly presenting yourself so that others can support you and your next move. Led my Tiffany Taylor of Hello Strengths this session will help you determine your unique personal strengths so that you can communicate how you can add value to your community, to organizations, and the nation in a way that is authentic and brings out the best in you. Enjoy!

Join us for our first ever direct-to-pod episode with Samantha Arrington Sliney. Sam is an attorney, Air Force veteran, current Air National Guard officer, and military spouse dedicated to advancing policies that strengthen military families and promote gender equity. 

Advocacy is a common thread in her work, to include the North Carolina Commission on Volunteerism and Public Service, the Military Spouse JD Network, and the Department of the Air Force Women’s Initiative Team. 

We had a great conversation about the NDAA, the Federal shutdown, and how all of us, including uniformed service members, have a right to let our representatives know when there are issues to be fixed.

You can catch up with Sam on her website https://www.whitelaceandcombatboots.com/ and also LinkedIn Instagram and Facebook.

NOTE: The views expressed are our own and not those of any organization we are affiliated with.

CONNECT TO INNOVATE: LEVERAGE TALENT TO INNOVATE THROUGH CHANGE

Discover how tapping into your unique talents can spark innovation and ways to navigate transformative change. Hear from trailblazing leaders who have used their skills in unconventional ways to overcome obstacles and inspire progress regardless of the circumstances. This session focuses on leveraging strategic connections while fostering a mindset of creative problem-solving and continuous growth to amplify your influence and create lasting impact.

Speakers:

Brooke Jackson Kahn, PA-C: U.S. Army Combat Veteran and Founder, She’s the Veteran
LT Michaela “Mic” Long:Instructor Pilot, US Navy
Major Christina Mattison:USAF Reserves and Heart-Centered Leadership Coach and Retreat Leader
Tiffany Taylor:CliftonStrengths Coach and Owner, Hello Strengths
Major Teri Weber: Senior Pilot, USAF and Children’s Book Author

POWER OF CONNECTION: TAPPING INTO YOUR PASSIONS
When you are either in uniform or supporting a military member as a spouse, and life is super busy, you often put some of your personal passions into the “when we retire bucket.” But I have actually found that when my immediate responsibilities were the busiest, that’s when I most needed to step into a different world to regain balance and perspective. Our plan for today is to show you some of the ways to do that, through either personal growth or helping others or both.

Speakers:

Meredith McCall: Certified Travel Advisor, Military Spouse
Carol Northrup: Ultra-runner & outdoor adventurer, retired AF Colonel
Sarah Olson: N. Virginia Program Manager and Service Dog Training Instructor at Warrior Canine Connection, Military Spouse
Andrea Reichwald: Program Coordinator DC Chapter - Armed Services Arts Partnership (ASAP), Military Spouse
Tammy Trychon: Yoga Instructor, retired AF Lt Col
Vimbo Watson: Speaker and education expert, Military Spouse

CONNECT WITH HerSTORY: THE POWER OF STORYTELLING TO INSPIRE AND EMPOWER

Stories shape history and sharing your own story can inspire others. This discussion will explore the power of storytelling to connect with others, motivate change, and create impact. Learn about valuable resources that will enable you to craft and share your narrative in a way that resonates with others, empowering both yourself and those who hear your story.

Panelists:

Travis Bickford: Head of Programs and Communications for Veterans History Project at Library of Congress
Marilla J. Cushman: Senior Advisor to the President, Military Women's Memorial
Capt Riley Tejcek:USMC Captain, Speaker, Team USA Bobsled Pilot, and Author
Dr. Crystal Tramack:Speaker, Coach, Program Manager and Storyteller
Elisabeth Auld: Panel Moderator and Chair, OWLS

Introduction: Susan Feland, President and Founder, AcademyWomen

CONNECT WITH SELF: LEVERAGING HUMOR AS A TOOL FOR HEALING AND GROWTH

In today’s world, leaders must adapt and build resilience in order to thrive. This session explores how to harness humor to enhance your mindset, boost emotional resilience, and foster personal growth. Today we’ll learn how to use humor as a powerful tool for healing, navigating obstacles, and maintaining balance in high-pressure situations.

Robin Phoenix Johnson served 26 years as an Army Logistician including 5 deployments to Afghanistan & Iraq.  She is now a stand-up comedian touring world-wide with Armed Forces Entertainment.  Robin is a Hoover Institution Fellow at Stanford University where she is a subject matter expert on the applied & therapeutic use of humor for improved performance.  She serves as faculty for both Thayer Leadership at West Point and the Institute for Defense & Business.  She guest lectures at the College of Charleston and Stanford Medical School.  

CONNECT TO MASTER CONFLICT: DEVELOPING LEADERSHIP SKILLS TO OVERCOME WORKPLACE CHALLENGES

Conflict is a natural part of any team dynamic, but how you handle it as a leader makes all the difference. This discussion will provide tools to help you proactively address challenges and resolve conflicts before they escalate. Learn how to manage difficult relationships, maintain team cohesion, and create a positive work environment, all while ensuring mission success and fostering collaboration.

Panelists:

Megan Allison: an AF veteran who is passionate about developing leaders, strengthening organizations, and driving long-term success
Robin Fortner: USMC veteran who founded RC Fortner Enterprises, whose mission is to assist individuals or businesses to reach their highest goals through Coaching, Training, and Personal and Professional Development
Michelle Still Mehta, PhD:An experienced consultant, coach, and researcher specializing in the dynamics of organizations and working life.
Jessica Ruttenber:USAF veteran and Director, Level Up Aviation a nonprofit dedicated to helping youth and young adults find equity in aviation, combining her passion for flying with her commitment to breaking barriers in the field.
Eleanor Vuono:Attorney who began her career as an Army JAG, and is a founding member and past President of the Military Spouse JD Network, advocate for licensing accommodations for military spouses.
Elisabeth Auld:  Moderator andChair, OWLS