Looking for a guest speaker for a women's veteran/active duty event

2014-08-26T23:06:50-04:00

What better place to ask this than on Rallypoint? I'm part of a military sorority and we're planning our 2015 annual reveille (convention) which will take place in Orlando next April. We're looking for a keynote guest speaker, preferably a woman, active duty or retired, senior enlisted or officer who can speak on leadership/encouragement to women in the armed services. My other committee members told me I was crazy to suggest Adm Michelle Howard, but a girl can dream I guess.

I honestly don't know the who's who of the military - especially over all branches. Can any of you suggest any women that we should consider? To be considerate of their travel schedule, etc, we thought that perhaps it might be easier to find someone who is located within a few hours of Orlando, but we're willing to pay travel expenses if someone is willing to come from further away.

I really have no idea where to begin to research these kinds of speakers, so if y'all could help me out, I'd really appreciate it.

If any of you women who are senior enlisted or officer and would be interested in chatting with a bunch of military sorority women, please let me know! Thank you in advance for your consideration!

Response by MAJ(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 27 at 2014 4:45 PM

2014-08-27T16:45:46-04:00

Adm Michelle Howard would be an EXCELLENT choice. I have planned a few events while in the military and I know several women who are always willing help (speak) and to put me in touch with the right person if they are not available. I say go for Adm Howard if that's what you want. It's all about being able to provide what they need the higher the rank. The higher the rank, the more people you are accommodating (aids and such). I know a few people. I could possibly help find someone. Is there a certain theme/ topic for this year?

Response by PO2 Jeremy Spears made Oct 2 at 2014 1:27 PM

2014-10-02T13:27:02-04:00

I'm not sure if you've reached a decision or have narrowed your search field, but I will throw a suggestion into the hat. She is a personal friend of mine and you might be able to reach out to her via LinkedIn at: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/stefanie-peterson/56/980/421

I would be glad to make an introduction via LinkedIn if you connect with me at: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/jeremy-spears/31/594/2b/

I hope this helps! If she is willing and able, she is one of the most brilliant women I know.

Response by SPC James Mcneil made Oct 5 at 2014 3:08 PM

2014-10-05T15:08:30-04:00

If you are looking for a speaker, I have two places you can start. The John Maxwell team has women that have been through their program as well as the Zig Ziglar Foundation has women that have gone through their program. Both are able to teach leadership, and both are qualified public speakers.

I would love to be able to help you out, but I see you're specifically looking for women. Let me know if you change your mind.

Response by SPC David S. made Oct 5 at 2014 3:50 PM

2014-10-05T15:50:44-04:00

First female 4 star GEN Ann Dunwoody retired to Tampa, FL in 2012.

http://www.linkedin.com/pub/ann-dunwoody/18/931/70b

Response by PO1 John Miller made Apr 10 at 2015 1:20 AM

2015-04-10T01:20:20-04:00

PO3 Private RallyPoint Member , MAJ(P) Private RallyPoint Member had a great suggestion. As soon as I saw your thread I was thinking to myself "ADM Michelle Howard, Vice CNO would be a great speaker." Thought I've never met the ADM personally, I have some shipmates who are still in that have met her and they tell me she's an amazing woman.