US Coast Guard holds Women's Leadership Symposium

U.S. Coast Guard holds Women's Leadership Symposium

Rear Adm. Sandra Stosz, the director of Coast Guard reserve and leadership, spoke to the 2011 Women's Leadership Symposium attendees about personal experiences in the Coast Guard and the meaning of being a leader, March 24, 2011. Over 100 Coast Guard men and women attended the symposium. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Luke Clayton.

PORTSMOUTH, N.H. -- U.S. Coast Guard personnel throughout the 1st Coast Guard District attended a Women’s Leadership Symposium at Portsmouth, N.H., March 24, 2011.

The event was held to bring Coast Guardsmen from the various units throughout the 1^st Coast Guard District together to learn about networking, mentorship with others and the role of women throughout Coast Guard history.

Attendees were also educated on Coast Guard women statistics, history, the sexual harassment policy and mentoring opportunities.

“They get to meet as many female guardians as possible for any support they may need and we hope the women here leave feeling a part of an organization,” said Lt. Cmdr Cynthia Kane, the chaplain for Sector Northern New England. “The event was put together because there are very few opportunities for Coast Guard women to get together. We hope to decrease the feeling of isolation,” said Kane.

Rear Adm. Sandra L. Stosz, the director of reserve and leadership for Coast Guard Headquarters, attended as the guest speaker and shared her personal experiences.

“You learn so much from the people you’re mentoring; we need to give back and share forming that unity," said Stosz.

The program is structured to enable the attending women to communicate with each other, including those from other units.

“It’s good to see different perspectives from various units, cutters, and sectors,” said Lt. Hillary Allegretti, a marine inspector from Sector New York.

There was a wide range of personnel and a very diverse group of presenters.

“I got to make a lot of good contacts, and it’s good to hear about the different women succeeding”, said Seaman Charyl Borges from Station Portsmouth Harbor.

Rear Adm. Sandra Stosz, the director of Coast Guard reserve and leadership, answers questions during the 2011 Women's Leadership Symposium, March 24, 2011. Over 100 Coast Guard men and women attended the symposium. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Luke Clayton.

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