The 25th Annual Joint Women’s Leadership Symposium is set for March 5 and 6 at the Gaylord National Hotel and Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland. The event is hosted by the Sea Service Leadership Association (SSLA).

Registration for the two-day event, which carries the theme “United in Service: Our Global Impact,” is still open. It will focus on the global impact of women military leaders, and is set to be the largest symposium to date.

The symposium has served as an opportunity for military women from all services to expand their network, and achieve professional growth and leadership development.

Lt. Maura Betts is among the members of the Navy planning committee for the symposium. She shared: “Navy interest has been significant this year, but we want to make sure anyone who hasn’t registered yet knows they can still attend the conference… It’s going to be a great opportunity for everyone to network with leadership and possibly find a mentor or someone to mentor.”

During last year’s symposium, a mentoring connection was forged among three military women.

Lt. Cmdr. Christine Cochran, Navy Cyber Forces’ Force diversity officer, sought to enhance her professional development and make more contacts within the sea services community. After sharing her experience in earning her commission through the Enlisted Commissioning Program (ECP) in 1999, she was approached by Aerographer’s Mate 2nd Class Quinn Challinor, who was in the process of submitting a package for STA-21. They were soon joined by Aerographer’s Mate 1st Class (AW/SW) Sarah E. Beemiller; Cochran then agreed to mentor both women in their applications.

Those who are interested to attend the symposium may register online at www.sealeader.org/leadership-symposium-summary.